Broc Lowry Could be a Problem: Previewing Michigan vs. Western Michigan

Michigan football will kick off its 2026 season on September 5th under the lights against Western Michigan. Being the reigning MAC champions, this game has the potential to be a tricky opener for the Wolverines. In this article, we’re going to dive into the first opponent of the Kyle Whittingham era with insights and predictions.

Western Michigan arrives in Ann Arbor as the reigning Mid-American Conference champions, a program that just completed one of the better seasons in school history. The Broncos went 10-4 in 2025 (7-1 MAC), won the conference title, and steamrolled Kennesaw State 41-6 in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. It was only the second 10-win season in program history and the first time WMU claimed both a MAC championship and a bowl win in the same year

The Staff

Head Coach: Lance Taylor (entering Year 4). Taylor was named 2025 MAC Coach of the Year and received a contract extension through 2030 after the championship run. He has steadily built the program from a 4-8 first season into a consistent contender.

Offensive Coordinator: Walt Bell (Year 3). The Broncos run a multiple scheme that leans heavily on the ground game and dual-threat quarterback play.

Defensive Coordinator: Greer Martini (first season as full DC). Martini was elevated and will work alongside Co-Defensive Coordinator Duane Vaughn (outside linebackers). The 2025 defense ranked 9th nationally in scoring defense (17.4 points allowed per game) and 17th in total defense. It’s worth noting that several key pieces of this defense are gone, including Nadame Tucker (EDGE) who was an undrafted free agent signed by the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Offense

QB Broc Lowry (RS Junior) is the centerpiece. The former Indiana transfer and 2025 MAC Offensive Player of the Year threw for 1,803 yards, 9 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions while completing 63% of his passes. Perhaps more notable, he added 962 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. This is going to be one telling test for a Michigan defense I’ve seen described as going to be a “screen door.” Lowry might not have the best arm in the world but he can certainly hurt you with his legs. Jay Hill saw some decent QBs while at BYU, but this will be an early test.

RB Jalen Buckley (RS Senior) makes up the second half of a backfield with plenty of experience. Buckley, a former walk-on, has two 1,000 yard seasons to his name, including last year where he rushed for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was the Myrtle Beach Bowl MVP after a 174 yard performance on just eight carries. If Lowry doesn’t beat you with his legs, Buckley might.

The Offensive Line returns some experience, including First-Team All-MAC tackle Chad Schuster. WMU ranked 16th nationally in rushing offense last year, totaling an average of 204.2 YPG. As we noted previously, the passing game has major room for improvement, but the Broncos will try to control the clock early.

The Defense

The defense for WMU has a few less stars, as we mentioned now Chargers’ player Nadame Tucker took his 14.5 sacks last year with him. Instead of relying on developed talent, Taylor and his staff turned to the transfer portal to pick up:

• DT Zavian Tibbs (Houston)

• DE DeJuan Echoles (Ball State)

• DE Scoop Gardner Jr. (LIU)

and other additional help. This is where the Wolverines will need to take advantage, as this defense is nothing compared to what they’ll see in Week 2 against Oklahoma or in Big Ten play. Bryce Underwood and Jordan Marshall won’t have a feast, but they shouldn’t leave the Big House hungry.

How it matches up for Michigan

This is almost an ideal matchup for the first game of the Whittingham era. This isn’t a cupcake to start the season like recent years, but it should allow for some fine tuning and a good look as to how this team will perform.

Keys for Michigan: 

Contain Lowry at all costs. W. Michigan doesn’t have the WR corps nor the QB to hurt you in the passing game, so run a QB spy for 60 minutes if you must.

Establish the run early with Marshall and Hiter. The Broncos are going to try and control the clock in this game. We need to control it more.

Play a clean game. The easiest way to get upset at the start of the season or with any lesser opponent is to make mistakes. Limit turnovers (preferably zero) and don’t get sloppy with the ball.

The Bottom Line

Western Michigan will be the best season opener Michigan has had in years. The Broncos are not a juggernaut, but they are to be respected. This is a team that will be coached with purpose and that will play until the final whistle.

With all of that said, this should be a game that the Wolverines win comfortably. It may not be perfect, and Lowry may have some first downs on plays he makes some guys miss. The important thing is to make sure they don’t gain momentum and don’t catch Michigan out of place on tempo.

Prediction: 38-17 Michigan