CBS analyst: Michigan could be 'this year's Oklahoma' in Big Ten title race

After two unpredictable weeks of college football, CBS Sports analyst Brandon Marcello is doubling down on Michigan, comparing the Wolverines to last season's Oklahoma team and predicting they could challenge for the Big Ten crown in 2026.

Michigan stumbled in Week 1 but rebounded with a win over Oklahoma in Week 2, and Marcello sees enough in the trenches and on the sidelines to believe the maize and blue are a legitimate contender.

What makes Michigan like Oklahoma?

Marcello says the comparison is about style and trajectory, not history. Last year, Oklahoma's offense struggled but the Sooners leaned on defense and timely explosiveness to reach the College Football Playoff.

“I know it's going to sound weird, but Michigan is this year's Oklahoma,” Marcello said. “Oklahoma last year, where the offense was just really struggling, but they were able to kind of get just enough and be explosive enough to win some games and lean on that defense.”

He credited Michigan's offensive line and defensive front for controlling the game against Oklahoma, and praised first-year offensive coordinator Jason Beck for putting quarterback Bryce Underwood in positions to succeed.

“Michigan, as you said, Brad, dominant in the trenches. I think they're going to be really, really good in the Big Ten,” Marcello said.

Can Bryce Underwood develop fast enough?

Underwood, the highly touted sophomore, showed flashes against Oklahoma but still has room to grow as a passer and decision maker, according to Marcello.

“Bryce Underwood, of course, has got to improve not only as a passer, but also as a decision maker. But he's got a lot of weapons around him,” Marcello said. “And when you're playing behind that offensive line, it gives you room to develop. And it's really on this coaching staff to take advantage of that.”

That development will be tested in the coming weeks. Michigan faces a brutal stretch that includes Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State, though Oregon's loss to Oklahoma State may have softened that matchup slightly.

What does this mean for Iowa?

For Iowa fans, the Wolverines' rise matters directly. Michigan travels to Iowa City later this season, and the Hawkeyes will need to slow down that Michigan ground game and pressure Underwood early if they want to play spoiler.

If Michigan can get past Iowa and Penn State, it would host Indiana with a likely unblemished record halfway through the season. That scenario could reshape national expectations entirely, especially with the Hoosiers coming off a potentially emotional game against Ohio State.

Marcello's playoff stance

Marcello has not wavered on his preseason take that Michigan is a College Football Playoff dark horse. He currently ranks the Wolverines at No. 15, higher than most national polls.

“Michigan in the preseason was my dark horse to make the College Football Playoff. They still are in my rankings,” Marcello said. “I have them at No. 15 today, a little bit higher maybe than others. But I'm just a believer that this team just kind of has what it takes to play winning football in the Big Ten with that style of play.”

The road is tough, but Marcello believes Michigan's identity, built on defense and the running game, travels well in the Big Ten.

“And then also I just kind of get this inkling that the offense is going to come around, unlike OU a year ago when they were dealing with all those injuries and the lack of a running game,” he added.

Whether Michigan can live up to that billing remains to be seen, but the Wolverines have at least one prominent believer in their corner.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire.