ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for their 2025 season/home opener against the New Mexico Lobos.
Kickoff is slated for 7:36 p.m. inside The Big House in Ann Arbor on Saturday (Aug. 30) on NBC.
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Following a rigorous training camp that began on July 30, 2025, the Wolverines, after much fanfare, look poised to showcase their growth and depth on both sides of the ball following their 8-5 record in the 2024 season.
Defense
The defense is expected to be deeper than last year, despite losing three top 50 NFL draft picks in Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson.
Offense
On offense, true freshman Bryce Underwood has earned the starting quarterback position, bolstered by transfer additions Donoven McCulley as the No. 1 wide receiver and potentially the No. 1 running back in Justice Haynes.
Underwood is said to have shown tremendous growth since arriving on campus in December from Belleville High School.
As the first true freshman to start at quarterback since Tate Forcier against Western Michigan in 2009, Underwood is expected to face challenges, such as adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football defenses, which are more advanced than those he faced in high school.
→ What Tate Forcier says about Bryce Underwood starting as true freshman for Michigan football
Head coach Sherrone Moore praised Underwood’s physical and mental development.
“He looks the part, but the mental piece of understanding his progressions and when to throw the ball, he’s progressed,” said Moore.
Moore also highlighted Underwood’s leadership qualities.
Running backs coach Tony Alford discussed the importance of protecting Underwood and the dynamic duo of JHaynes and Jordan Marshall.
“Justice has more big-play potential on the perimeter, and Jordan is a thumper inside the tackles,” said Alford.
Alford emphasized the selflessness of both backs and the need to let the “hot hand” lead.
He also shared his positive experience moving from Ohio State to Michigan.
“I absolutely love it here. The people are what make the difference,” Alford said.
→ ‘We’re better’: Michigan football’s Tony Alford takes dig at Ohio State, talks RB depth, playmakers
Offensive line
The offensive line features a mix of experienced players and newcomers, including Evan Link and Giovanni El-Hadi shifting to the left side, Greg Crippen at center, and Brady Norton and Andrew Sprague on the right side.
Defensively, Michigan boasts impressive depth, especially at linebacker.
Special teams
Special teams coordinator J.B. Brown highlighted confidence in punter Hudson Hollenbeck and kicker Dominic Zvada, calling Zvada “the best kicker in the country.”
He also praised punt returners Semaj Morgan and Andrew Marsh for their decision-making and work ethic.
Brown mentioned several young players to watch on special teams, including Benny Patterson, Nate Marshall, Jaden Sanders, and Jordan Young.
He also hinted at the possibility of trick plays, emphasizing the need for discipline and awareness.
The Wolverines will face a new opponent in the New Mexico Lobos, led by first-year head coach Jason Eck and his 75 new players.
Eck, a former Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman, brings fresh energy to the program with their trick plays.
The 2025 season promises to be an exciting and competitive one.
As the Wolverines prepare to take the field, both the team and its fans are eager to see what this new season has in store.
Matchup
The Wolverines have previously played six schools currently in the Mountain West Conference, and seven overall, including Utah when it was a member of the league.
Michigan holds a 14-1 record against Mountain West Conference schools at the time of the game on Saturday (Aug. 30) at 7:36 p.m. inside The Big House in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines are undefeated, 13-0, against teams currently in the Mountain West Conference.
Last season, Michigan defeated MWC member Fresno State 30-10 in the opener.
→ Defense shines in season opener, leading Michigan football to victory over Fresno State
Michigan has an impressive 119-23-3 record in season openers.
The Wolverines have won 14 of their last 18 season openers and 49 of their last 62 games dating back to 1963, with a record of 49-12-1.
Michigan has won nine of its last 11 season openers, with losses only on the road at Utah in 2015 and Notre Dame in 2018.
At home, Michigan boasts a 101-15-2 record in season openers, with a 17-7-1 record on the road and 1-1 in neutral site openers.