The 2025 season marks a new and challenging era for the Michigan Wolverines. After a historic national championship run in 2023, the Wolverines enter the second year of head coach’s Sherrone Moore tenure and a roster that has seen significant turnover. The team has to replace a number of key players who went to the NFL, but they return a strong defensive core and have brought in the nation’s top quarterback recruit to lead the offense. The question isn’t whether they can be good, but whether they can maintain a championship-level standard in the new college football landscape.
Top Storylines
- The Bryce Underwood Era: All eyes will be on true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class. He is expected to start from day one, and his performance will be the biggest factor in Michigan’s success. While he possesses elite talent, the pressure of leading a national contender as a true freshman is immense.
- Replacing the Stars: Michigan lost a number of its most impactful players from the national championship team, including key starters on both sides of the ball. The team’s ability to develop new talent and get instant contributions from a strong freshman class will be crucial.
- Building a New Identity: Under Coach Moore, the Wolverines will look to maintain their physical, downhill identity while evolving the offense with new coordinators Chip Lindsey and Steve Casula. The offense must find a new rhythm and be more explosive, particularly in the passing game, to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten.
Key Players to Watch
- Bryce Underwood, QB: As the true freshman starter, Underwood’s development is the top storyline. He is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the poise to lead a high-pressure offense.
- Derrick Moore, EDGE: As a veteran on the defensive line, Moore is one of the few returning starters on a unit that will look drastically different. His ability to generate pressure and disrupt plays will be vital for the defense’s success.
- Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, RBs: The Wolverines’ running back room is deep and talented. Marshall, a top prospect from the 2024 class, and Haynes, a transfer from Alabama, will both be counted on to carry the load and continue Michigan’s tradition of a dominant ground game.
- Dominic Zvada, K: Zvada is a weapon as a kicker and been nominated for several preseason watch lists. Given that the Wolverines plan to lean on defense and the run game, the kicking game may decide several games.
Key Games
- at Oklahoma (September 6th): This early-season road game against a formidable SEC opponent will be a significant test for the young Wolverines. It will be the first time Underwood plays in a truly hostile road environment, and a win would be a major statement for the program.
- at USC (October 11th): A second cross-country road trip within a month pits Michigan against USC in a new Big Ten rivalry. Both teams will be looking to establish themselves in the new conference, and this game will be a key indicator of where both programs stand.
- vs. Ohio State (November 29th): The rivalry game returns to Ann Arbor. After a historic winning streak, the Wolverines will be looking to defend their home turf against a Buckeyes team that is expected to be a national title contender. This game will have major playoff implications and could determine the Big Ten East champion.
Final Prediction
The Wolverines have a difficult road ahead with a young offense and a number of new faces. While the defensive core is strong, the offense will likely have growing pains with a true freshman at the helm. This team will get better as the season goes on, and a manageable schedule makes 9 wins their floor.
Final Record: 10-2, 8-1 in the Big Ten. Losses to: Oklahoma and USC. Wins over: New Mexico, Central Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Washington, Michigan State, Purdue, Northwestern, Maryland, Michigan.
Want more Big 10 coverage? Here is a preview of the Big 10 season based on Vegas’ projected win totals. More Big 10 previews: Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, Michigan State, Northwestern, Iowa, UCLA, USC, Maryland, Rutgers, Washington and Wisconsin.
