- Head Coach: Sherrone Moore (second season)
- 2024 Record: 8-5 (won ReliaQuest Bowl)
- Strength of Schedule: 22nd
- PFF Projected Win Total: 7.8
- FanDuel Win Total: 9.5
2024 Recap
Michigan experienced a national championship hangover in its first season without Jim Harbaugh. Under new head coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines lost five games — more than they had in the previous three seasons combined. Still, the year wasn’t without highlights, including upsets over Ohio State and Alabama in the bowl game.
The defense held up its end, finishing fifth in PFF grading. The offense, however, was a mess. Michigan cycled through three starting quarterbacks and ended the year as the fourth-worst team in the Power Four in EPA per pass. While questions remain on offense, there’s hope on the horizon with Bryce Underwood, the top recruit in the country and one of the highest-rated quarterback prospects in the modern era. He’s already been dubbed “the chosen one” in Ann Arbor and graces the cover of EA College Football 26 before ever taking a collegiate snap.
Biggest Strength: An excellent defensive line once again
Michigan has fielded the nation’s highest-graded defensive line in each of the past two seasons. Despite losing standout talents like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart, the Wolverines remain formidable up front. They enter 2025 with the No. 6 defensive line in the country, anchored by two top-10 players at their respective positions: defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny and edge rusher Derrick Moore.
Biggest Weakness: Supporting cast on offense
Outside of Bryce Underwood, there aren’t many clear bright spots on Michigan’s offense heading into 2025. The Wolverines ranked 102nd in team receiving grade last season and lost star tight end Colston Loveland, who went No. 10 overall to the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft. The offensive line also struggled, finishing 99th in PFF grade, and now must replace two starters.
Three Notable Transfer Portal Additions
- RB Justice Haynes (Alabama): 75.3 PFF Grade
- QB Mikey Keene (Fresno State): 71.2 PFF Grade
- S T.J. Metcalf (Arkansas): 66.5 PFF Grade
Three Notable Transfer Portal Losses
- WR Tyler Morris (Indiana): 59.6 PFF Grade
- QB Alex Orji (UNLV): 59.2 PFF Grade
- OT Andrew Gentry (BYU): 72.1 PFF Grade
Quarterback Spotlight: Bryce Underwood
- 2024 Grade: N/A
- Key Stat: No. 1 recruit in the 2025 high school class
Overview: Whether or not he starts Week 1, Bryce Underwood — the top overall recruit in the 2025 class — is the future of Michigan football. The Wolverines landed him by flipping him from LSU, where Underwood had been committed for nearly a year. Widely viewed as a potential generational talent, he could be the centerpiece of a national title run in the years to come.
Strengths: Listed at 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, Bryce Underwood has a prototypical frame for a quarterback. He generates effortless velocity with a compact, repeatable throwing motion, whether from the pocket or on the move. In Michigan’s spring game, he showed command of the quick game despite limited support from his receivers. Underwood’s elite arm talent is clear. Now he just needs continued reps in the system and a supporting cast capable of elevating his skill set.
Weaknesses: Underwood’s downfield accuracy was inconsistent in Michigan’s spring game. While receiver separation was an issue at times, he also made a few off-platform throws that sailed high. He finished the game having completed just 12 of his 26 passes, though any spring performance should be taken with a grain of salt. Whether he starts in Week 1 or Michigan opts to give Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene the first shot, any snaps Underwood sees this season will be invaluable for both his development and the program’s future.
Offensive Player Spotlight: RB Justice Haynes
Justice Haynes served as Alabama’s No. 2 running back last season but made the most of his limited opportunities. His 5.6 yards per carry ranked sixth among SEC backs with at least 75 attempts, and he posted an impressive 80.7 rushing grade. At 205 pounds, Haynes is light on his feet and could emerge as a breakout star as Michigan’s lead back in 2025.
Defensive Player Spotlight: S Rod Moore
Rod Moore didn’t see the field in 2024 after tearing his ACL in practice last March, but his previous body of work still earns him a spot on this list.
From 2022 to 2023, Moore ranked as the second-most valuable returning FBS safety, according to PFF’s Wins Above Average metric. He posted an 85.5 overall grade and recorded six interceptions over that span. A high-IQ defender, Moore is expected to serve as the veteran leader of Michigan’s secondary in 2025.
Bottom Line
If Bryce Underwood lives up to the hype right away, Michigan has a path back to the College Football Playoff. But if he struggles to elevate a shaky supporting cast, the Wolverines could be in for another underwhelming season.
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