Big Ten weighs in on call that set up Michigan' football Hail Mary

On September 5, 2026, Michigan's football team secured a 13-12 victory against Western Michigan in a nail-biting game. With only 9 seconds left on the clock, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood attempted a Hail Mary pass from the 47-yard line, which fell incomplete. After a video review, officials ruled that the ball had been touched with 1 second left, restoring that second and allowing another play. This resulted in Underwood's subsequent Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan, securing the win for Michigan.

The Big Ten released a statement explaining that Western Michigan's #18 receiver had started his jump from an established out-of-bounds position with his left foot, and made contact with the ball with one second remaining on the clock. The side-by-side view of the play and the game clock confirmed the final ruling.

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) also released a statement, clarifying that the ball touching a player out of bounds stopped the clock, resulting in the additional play. MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher expressed appreciation for the Big Ten's prompt response and collaborative efforts in reviewing the play.

Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged the significance of the extra second, stating that it gave Underwood an opportunity to launch the winning pass. Underwood himself described it as a "blessing," noting that he had seen zero on the clock, believing they had lost the game. He emphasized the trust built over the past eight to nine months, which allowed Underwood to give Buchanan the opportunity to make the game-winning catch.