Texas’ long-awaited return game against Michigan is back on firm footing after the Longhorns moved the matchup up one week to Sept. 4, 2027, as part of a broader adjustment to their future nonconference schedule.
Texas Athletics announced Thursday that four home games across the 2027 and 2028 seasons have been shifted forward one week following an NCAA decision to make the former “Week Zero” the official opening weekend of the FBS season.
For Texas, the timing carries added significance. Questions surfaced Wednesday about whether the Michigan return game could be in jeopardy after Eastern Michigan’s 2027 game at Michigan was reportedly moved to Sept. 11 — the same date Texas and Michigan had previously been scheduled to meet in Austin. The scheduling overlap raised the possibility that Michigan’s trip to Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium could be postponed or canceled.
Instead, Texas’ revised schedule now lists Michigan’s first visit to Austin for Sept. 4, eliminating the direct conflict with the Wolverines’ newly adjusted Eastern Michigan date.
Michigan returns to Austin
The Sept. 4 game will complete a home-and-home series that began with Texas’ 31-12 win at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 7, 2024.
It will be the fourth all-time meeting between the programs and the first played in Austin. Texas is 3-0 against Michigan, having also defeated the Wolverines in a 38-37 Rose Bowl classic following the 2004 season and a 41-27 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win.
The matchup projects as one of the premier nonconference games of the 2027 season. Michigan’s first trip to DKR will bring together two blue-blood programs with recent College Football Playoff aspirations, while Texas will attempt to preserve its undefeated record in the series.
The fact that the game has been moved rather than removed is particularly important given the concerns raised around the original Sept. 11 date. An amended agreement between Michigan and Eastern Michigan reportedly moved the Eagles’ game in Ann Arbor to that same Saturday, creating an apparent scheduling collision. The Texas adjustment gives the Wolverines a clear path to make the Austin trip without moving another game.hornsports
Four home dates move up
Texas’ 2027 opener against New Mexico State will now be played Aug. 28, followed by Michigan on Sept. 4 and UTEP on Sept. 11. The Longhorns’ 2028 home game against Louisiana Tech has also been shifted to Aug. 26.
Schedule Changes
| Season | Opponent | New date |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | New Mexico State | Aug. 28 |
| 2027 | Michigan | Sept. 4 |
| 2027 | UTEP | Sept. 11 |
| 2028 | Louisiana Tech | Aug. 26 |
