NCAA releases statement on Western Michigan's appeal of loss to Michigan

An NCAA logo flag at the Hall of Champions at the NCAA National Office. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NCAA releases statement on Western Michigan's appeal of loss to Michigan

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Sep 8, 2026 7:25 PM ET

The NCAA will not be coming to the aid of the Western Michigan Broncos after their more than controversial loss to the Michigan Wolverines in Week 1.

The MAC had issued a formal appeal to the NCAA to recognize WMU as the winner of the season opener after the Wolverines ended up winning that game on a Hail Mary touchdown after an extra second was awarded to the home team.

It was a controversial decision by the referees at the Big House as well as the Big Ten Conference replay crew because Michigan's first Hail Mary attempt didn't connect.

That seemed to earn Western Michigan a massive upset win as the clock hit zero.

The clock hit zero for everyone watching on the broadcast as well as for those at the stadium, but a review of the final play determined that there should have been one second left on the clock. There was apparently one second left on the replay clock, which nobody besides the replay officials could see.

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was given what was essentially a do-over, and this time, he connected with JJ Buchanan for the game-winning touchdown pass.

It was controversial, to say the least, but according to Pete Nakos of On3, the NCAA's rules do not allow it to be overturned.

From the NCAA: NCAA rules do not have a protocol for overturning the outcome of a game. The FBS Oversight Committee also does not have the authority to overturn the outcome of a game.

The NCAA Football Rules Book states:
Rule 1-1-3-b Winning Team and Final Score
ARTICLE 3.
a.… https://t.co/Jv4nh8vN1r
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) September 8, 2026

The MAC and Western Michigan won't like NCAA's response to appeal

"The established replay protocol requires that the game clock displayed on the program feed be used in determining whether time remained," the MAC wrote in its statement on the appeal. "Instead, the Big Ten Conference replay crew relied upon the clock feed embedded within its replay system. As a result, one second was placed back on the game clock and an additional play was awarded."

The MAC wasn't arguing the amount of time placed on the clock. It was arguing that protocol for end-of-game timing situations wasn't followed.

"Had the protocol been properly followed and the program-feed clock been used, no additional play would have been awarded, and Western Michigan would have won the game, 12–7," the MAC wrote.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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