The University of Michigan is the oldest university in the state of Michigan.  Home of the Wolverines, Michigan's football and hockey teams are among its most well known athletic teams.  The football team plays in the Michigan Stadium, also known as "The Big House."  Michigan Stadium is one of the largest college football only stadiums in the entire world. Attendance usually goes over capacity on a regular basis.

Michigan has a deep rooted tradition in football.  Not only do the Wolverines have the most wins ever in NCAA football, but they also have the highest winning percentage.  In addition, they won the first ever Rose Bowl in 1902.  From 1968-2007, the Wolverines had 40 winning seasons in a row and played in consecutive bowl games between 1975 and 2007.  As far as conference championships, the Wolverines have won 42 Big Ten championships, five in this past decade.  Michigan's football team has also claimed eleven national titles, most recently in 1997.  Michigan football's largest rivalries are with Michigan State, Ohio State, and Notre Dame.  The Wolverines have a winning record against their rivals.  ESPN has dubbed the rivalry between Ohio State and Notre Dame as the greatest rivalry in sports.

Michigan athletes also have a strong tradition in the Olympics.  Michigan athletes have participated in every Olympics except the 1896 games and have won gold medals in all but four Olympiads. Famous athletes from Michigan include NFL players Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson, swimmer Michael Phelps, and several NHL players.