2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 7-5, Win vs. Alabama in Reliaquest Bowl (19-13)

It was a down year for Michigan after winning the National Championship in 2023. The Wolverines lost a lot of production to the NFL and this led to a 7-5 record. Michigan did not get much out of the quarterback position but the defense stepped up at times — especially against Ohio State. Michigan ended the regular season with a 13-10 win, its fourth consecutive win, over the Buckeyes. This season, the offense is expected to be better.

OFFENSE: Is the Pass Game Back?

Michigan came off a National Championship and featured the worst passing offense in the Big Ten. There were times where the Wolverines just completely eliminated it from the playbook.

Will that be fixed in 2025?

Davis Warren, Alex Orji, Jack Tuttle. That is an unacceptable trio to rely on in the Big Ten. Michigan brought in the top-overall recruit in the nation in Bryce Underwood to be the franchise quarterback for three years. Underwood comes in with great size, atm strength, and agility but there will be some bumps in the road as a true freshman.

Underwood will have some weapons back that missed time in 2024. Donaven McCulley was down with an injury for most of the year but still finished with 48 catches and six touchdowns at Indiana. Anthony Simpson will also be back after missing the season.

Michigan has found success on the ground in recent years and will be elite once again. Justice Haynes comes in from Alabama as one of the top players in the portal. He will run behind a massive offensive line, led by All-Conference guard Giovanni El-Hadi. He will be on the left side along with left tackle Evan Link.

DEFENSE: Michigan Remains Near the Top

Michigan’s defense will not be the 2023 version of itself but it is expected to be near the top of the Big Ten.

The front seven should be able to get a pass rush again. Derrick Moore is back as a multi-faceted weapon while TJ Guy is back after 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss.

On the interior, Rayshaun Benny provides a presence on the edge while Tre Williams comes in after five years at Clemson. Tre Pierce and Damon Payne are other big bodies over 300 pounds that can stuff the run or get in the backfield.

Will Johnson is now in the NFL but the secondary should remain in a good position. Jyaire Hill enters with All-Conference expectations while Zeke Berry and Caleb Anderson will provide depth on the outside. Rod Moore is back as an elite safety as well.

2025 MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. New Mexico
• Saturday, Sept. 6: at Oklahoma
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Central Michigan
• Saturday, Sept. 20: at Nebraska
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Wisconsin
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at USC
• Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. Washington
• Saturday, Oct. 25: at Michigan State
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. Purdue
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at Northwestern
• Saturday, Nov. 22: at Maryland
• Saturday, Nov. 29: vs. Ohio State