College football is looking to pack its bags and head to Germany, as the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University are ironing out plans for an overseas kickoff in 2026. Both institutions confirmed Friday that they are in the midst of negotiations for the Wolverines to "host" the Broncos at Frankfurt's Deutsche Bank Park on August 29, 2026, moving away from their previously intended matchup on September 5 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
This game would represent a couple of firsts: Michigan's maiden non-conference clash outside North America, and both teams' inaugural appearance on a German playing field. "We are in advanced discussions to create this first-of-its-kind opportunity for our student-athletes and fans," said Warde Manuel, U-M's Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics, according to CBS News Detroit. Paving the way for 'Go Blue' chants in Europe, this is quite the strategic blitz for deepening Michigan's global following, in a venue that's home to soccer's Eintracht Frankfurt and has hosted NFL games before.
Both head coaches have spotlighted the unique opportunities this game could offer. Sherrone Moore of Michigan is all about exposing our student-athletes to other cultures. His roster has already trotted the globe from Italy to South Africa, and this trip to Germany looks to add another stamp to their passports. On the other side, Western Michigan's Lance Taylor emphasized the honor and challenge of such a game, highlighting the "invaluable educational" angle, as CBS News Detroit reports.
While football playing fields and lecture halls are oceans apart, Dan Bartholomae, WMU's vice president and director of athletics, views the potential international season opener as a boon for the university's brand, too. And, with the Broncos' only other international foray being a 2007 game in Toronto, Canada, they're no strangers to stepping beyond domestic turf, as reported by WILX.
