Could Michigan Football soon cancel its game at Texas next season?
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A reported scheduling adjustment has raised a significant question about Michigan Football’s 2027 schedule, and it could have major implications for one of the most anticipated non-conference games for next year.
According to a report from FBSchedules.com, Michigan and Eastern Michigan have mutually agreed to move their 2027 matchup from Sept. 18 to Sept. 11. As part of the revised agreement, Michigan will pay Eastern Michigan an additional $50,000, bringing the total to $1.55 million paid out to the Eagles.
But there’s just one problem: Michigan was previously scheduled to play at Texas on Sept. 11, 2027, the second game of a home-and-home series that began in 2024 at The Big House. Moving the Eastern Michigan game to that date, to be clear and obvious here, creates a direct conflict and leaves the fate of that marquee matchup very much in question.
Per the original report, it remains unclear whether the 2027 Michigan-Texas game will be rescheduled or canceled outright. The contract between the two schools reportedly carries a $2 million cancellation fee unless both parties agree to void the game entirely.
So what does all this mean for now? There are a few possible outcomes here. Michigan and Texas could work together to find a new date for the game, preserving the home-and-home series and avoiding any cancellation fee. Alternatively, both schools could mutually agree to cancel the contest and walk away without penalty. The third — and most expensive — option would be one school canceling unilaterally and absorbing the $2 million hit.
Given the financial implications, as well as the difficult conference schedules that Big Ten and SEC programs have nowadays, a mutual cancellation feels like the most likely solution if a new date cannot be found. The Wolverines already have Big Ten matchups next season at Penn State, at Indiana, at Iowa, at UCLA, vs Ohio State and vs Oregon. The SEC’s 2027 schedule isn’t out yet, but the Longhorns will play their yearly neutral site game vs Oklahoma and their rivalry matchup vs Texas A&M.
Getting into the College Football Playoff is a realistic goal for so many Power 4 programs these days, so it would not surprise me if Michigan and Texas canceled the matchup. Coaches and players can say stuff like “we’ll play anyone at any time” all they want, but you are putting your program at a competitive disadvantage if you don’t schedule weak non-conference opponents like Indiana, Georgia and others have done in recent years. It sucks to type that, but that’s just where we’re at right now.
How would you feel if Michigan and Texas canceled its matchup for next season? Let us know down in the comments section below.
Maize n Brew has reached out to the university for comment and has yet to hear back. Stay tuned to Maize n Brew for updates.
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