ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for their 2025 season opener against the New Mexico Lobos Saturday night under the lights inside The Big House in Ann Arbor.
They also have their eyes on a challenging early road test in Week 2 against the Oklahoma Sooners inside Memorial Stadium.
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With their national championship from the 2023 season secured and a strong finish that included beating Ohio State and Alabama to cap off the 2024 season, the Wolverines are looking to build on their momentum with Team 146.
Defense
The defense was a clear strength last year and remains a focal point this season.
Despite losing several star players to the NFL draft, including two top 14 first-round picks, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale believes the unit is deeper and more talented overall.
“We have more talent across the board,” Martindale said, while noting the team’s youth and need for maturity.
The defensive line, led by Derrick Moore, is expected to be a dominant force during the 2025 season.
Moore, praised as a polished pass rusher, returns alongside a strong linebacker corps featuring Ernest Hausmann, the team’s top tackler last season.
The Wolverines’ defense is known for pressure and scoring defense, and the new-look unit aims to maintain that reputation.
Offense
Offensively, the Wolverines face a bigger challenge.
Last season, Michigan’s offense struggled, scoring more than 30 points only once and averaging its fewest yards per game since 1963.
The arrival of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood has generated excitement.
The Belleville native and former LSU Tigers commit, praised for his physical skills and leadership growth, is expected to start immediately.
“It’s a blessing and without God, I wouldn’t be here,” said Underwood. “Just praying every day to get to where I want to be, which is a Hall of Famer in the NFL.”
When speaking on some of the areas of growth he’s seen progress in, Underwood said, “My leadership. Being a vocal leader. Coming in as a freshman, it’s kind of tough because you know, you don’t feel like you got the right to say how you feel or anything like that.”
Head coach Sherrone Moore is expected to name the newly turned 18-year-old five-star recruit as the starter during his press conference on Monday (Aug. 24).
Running back Justice Haynes and wide receiver Donovan McCauley, both transfers, are expected to add firepower to the new look offense led by offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.
“My relationship with coach Lindsey is great as we kind of came in around the same time around bowl practice,” Underwood said. “So, just getting closer with him every single day and all of the quarterback room has been great.”
Lindsey, in his sixth FBS coordinator role, is tasked with transforming the newly formed offensive unit.
He emphasizes building the offense around the players’ strengths and expects a physical, balanced attack focused on running the football.
Underwood expressed excitement about Lindsey and what he expects from himself this season as the potential starter.
“Just to shock the world,” Underwood said. “They’ve seen a lot of freshmen, but I feel like nobody has seen a freshman like me.”
Some of the goals of the 18-year-old phenom are reachable for the 2025 season as well.
“I honestly am going to do whatever it takes to get my team to wherever they want to be, like winning a national championship, beating Ohio State, and many other things as well. So, however I can prepare my team like that, that’s what I am going to do.”
Underwood’s teammates praise his maturity and talent.
“He doesn’t miss,” said Max Bredeson, a two-time captain, fullback, and camp roommate.
The offensive line, led by Giovanni El-Hadi and Evan Link, according to reports, has improved depth and technique, which should help open running lanes for Jordan Marshall, Haynes, and protect Underwood.
“With my pass catchers, we’ve built a bond that nobody can break on or off the field,” Underwood said.
Underwood said the tight end group and the receiving corps can do a little bit of everything, including running and pass blocking, as well as making contested plays while turning 50-50 balls into 80-20 balls.
“You got Channing Goodwin, who I feel is going to surprise a lot of people this year,” Underwood said. “Semaj Morgan, Donovan McCauley, Fred Moore, Anthony Simpson, just a lot of names that’re going to come up."
Underwood continued:
“The tight end room, that’s endless, and I feel good about the outside,” Underwood said.
The Wolverines’ 2025 schedule is manageable, with only three opponents finishing last year with winning records.
They have road games at Oklahoma and Nebraska, which will test the young team, especially the freshman quarterback, Underwood.
The traditional rivalry game against Ohio State remains a highlight in late November.
Sherrone Moore
Coach Moore, in his second year, credits last season’s big wins for building confidence.
Moore said he trusts his coordinators and players to overcome adversity and maintain a positive culture.
“We want to be physical, violent, and run the football,” Moore said of the team’s identity.
Following a strong finish to last season, which included wins over top-15 teams Ohio State, Alabama, and USC, Moore is optimistic about the team’s momentum heading into 2025.
“That gave a lot of our guys confidence that they can play in those big games,” Moore said. “We had a lot of young guys, especially in the last one, and obviously, the one before that we prepared for all year. That sets the standard of our organization and how we do things.”
Reflecting on his first year as head coach, Moore said he learned the importance of trust in his coordinators, players, and the culture at Michigan.
“You can go through adversity, but our guys really came together, coaches included. Watching that was a life lesson about unity and positivity and playing for Michigan.”
Moore also discussed the hiring of Lindsey, praising his knowledge and vision.
“He wanted to be here, which was huge. His balance in the run and pass game and his vision for the offense is a little different than what I wanted, but we’ve meshed it together. It’s been really fun,” Moore said.
When asked about the offense, Moore acknowledged last year’s struggles, especially at quarterback.
He praised Underwood’s poise, talent, and leadership growth through camp.
“He just turned 18, really loves the game, and is a great teammate. His knowledge of the game is vast for a young guy,” Moore said.
The offensive line has been retooled and shows more depth, Moore said, comparing it to the strong units of 2021 and 2022.
“We’ve got eight or nine guys you can play in a game and feel comfortable with. They get tested every day by our fierce, fast, deep defense,” Moore said.
Wide receiver production was another area of focus.
Michigan added McCauley from the transfer portal, and Moore praised the group’s mindset shift.
“We needed a dog mindset — receivers that want the ball but also block in the run game. The group is deep and exciting to watch,” Moore said.
Despite losing star defensive players to the NFL draft, Moore said he was confident in the defense’s depth and physicality.
“What you saw in the bowl game is what you’re going to get. Many of those guys will play this year, plus additions from the portal. The defense is fast, physical, and it comes in waves,” Moore said.
Moore said the depth chart was fluid, with the best players starting each week based on practice performance.
Asked about the upcoming games, Moore said his focus was on the season opener against New Mexico.
“My mind is completely on New Mexico. Going back to Oklahoma will be cool, but right now it’s about fine-tuning the little details — how we practice and play, making sure we’re refreshed and ramping up at the right time,” Moore said.
Game-week preparation
As Michigan prepares for kickoff on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m., the focus is on consistency, development, and leveraging its defensive strength to support an offense poised for improvement.
The Wolverines aim to compete for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, fueled by talent, coaching, and momentum, and with Underwood under center, you can expect fireworks this season.