The countdown to bowl season is on, and Michigan football fans might want to start booking their trips to Orlando. CBS Sports' Brad Crawford, a leading voice in bowl projections, is predicting a tantalizing rematch: the Wolverines vs. Alabama in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

This matchup would bring back memories of recent Florida-based battles for Michigan. The Wolverines have faced SEC opponents in the Sunshine State for two straight non-College Football Playoff games—a thrilling win over Alabama in the 2024 ReliaQuest Bowl and a tough loss to Texas in the 2025 Citrus Bowl. Now, Crawford sees history repeating itself, with both teams colliding again in Orlando this postseason.

Crawford initially had Michigan sneaking into the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, but he's since revised his forecast. Instead, he's doubling down on a traditional bowl showdown, keeping the Wolverines and Crimson Tide on a collision course. It's a nod of respect to a program that's proven it can rise to the occasion, even when the odds are stacked against it.

Here's why Crawford isn't counting out the maize and blue: "Out of respect for Curt Cignetti's proven ability to evaluate, sign, and develop, Indiana was the initial call to repeat as Big Ten champions and get back to the Rose Bowl. But the Ducks now have a slight edge coming out of spring. Ohio State, USC, Michigan, and Washington are the others within the conference capable of becoming extreme noisemakers near the top of the polls, however."

The road ahead for Michigan is undeniably tough. This season's schedule reads like a gauntlet: Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Iowa all await. But don't count the Wolverines out just yet. Remember 2018, when they faced a brutal three-game stretch against Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Penn State? They won all three. Or 2021, when they bounced back from a 2-4 season to lose just one regular-season game, upset Ohio State, and claim a Big Ten championship. Michigan has a knack for defying expectations, and this year could be no different.

Whether they land in the Citrus Bowl or make a playoff push, one thing is certain: the Wolverines are ready to make some noise. And if they do face Alabama again, it's a game you won't want to miss.