What bowl game does Michigan play in? Looking at Wolverines' postseason matchup

The Michigan Wolverines had an up-and-down 2024 season, but it ended with a stunning 13-10 road win over the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes. Michigan concluded the year with a record of 7-5.

A year after winning the national championship, Michigan had to fight its way to be bowl-eligible. After the College Football Playoff field was revealed on Sunday, the Wolverines' bowl game was also announced, and it will be highly anticipated.

What bowl game does Michigan play in?

The Michigan Wolverines will play the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The game serves as a rematch of last year's Rose Bowl.

Kickoff is set at noon ET (11 a.m. CT) on Dec. 31 on ESPN. Michigan is an 11.5-point underdog to Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

“We are excited and honored to represent the University of Michigan and the Big Ten Conference in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said in a statement, via Detroit Free Press. “This is a great opportunity for our team to finish the season against an outstanding SEC opponent in Alabama.

“We look forward to competing against Coach Kalen DeBoer and his highly ranked Crimson Tide.”

Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel said in a statement he's also excited for the program to play Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

“The ReliaQuest Bowl staff has a strong reputation for running an outstanding bowl game and game day experience for the student-athletes, coaches and fans,” Manuel said. “Michigan appreciates and accepts the invitation by Chairman Greg Orchard, President & CEO Jim McVay and the bowl staff to experience the Tampa area during the holiday season.”

This will be Michigan's seventh appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Wolverines are 3-3 in the bowl game, with their most recent appearance on Jan. 1, 2018, which they lost to South Carolina.

The Wolverines, however, will likely be without plenty of players. It's expected that cornerback Will Johnson, tight end Colston Loveland and defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, who are all projected first-round picks, will opt out.