Expectations will be to improve from 9-4 with most of the same faces coming back in 2026. Although the schedule is more challenging, Kyle Whittingham is not going to back down from it. He wanted this job and inherits a program that is eager to regain its spot on top of the food chain again. Below are three realistic things that Michigan's new coach can accomplish in year one of his tenure. 1. Beat Oklahoma or Indiana at home Asking for Whittingham to go to Eugene or Columbus and walk away with a win is a tall task, so opting for a win over Oklahoma or Indiana at home seems like less of a hassle. Should Michigan beat Oklahoma in week two, then there's a good chance that they will be unbeaten when they battle Indiana in October. The Hoosiers lost a boatload of talent from their championship team, while Michigan brings back most of theirs. Whittingham has never played against Curt Cignetti before, but Whittingham is no stranger to beating some of the best coaches in the business. 2.…