BY: KENNY VARNER
The Capital Sports Network
The Michigan Wolverines took a step back last season, finishing 8-5. With a new head coach and significant personnel turnover, that kind of regression was expected. However, with 12 returning starters and a second year under head coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan is poised to return to the top 20—if not higher—in 2025. A much-needed upgrade at quarterback should jumpstart an offense that struggled last year, while the defense looks to continue its dominant ways from 2024.
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Offensively, the Wolverines were among the worst in the nation last season, averaging just 286 yards per game—ranking 129th nationally. None of the three quarterbacks found consistent success, and the entire unit lacked cohesion. That should change this year. Enter veteran quarterback Mikey Keene (Fresno State), who brings experience and accuracy after throwing for 2,892 yards with a 70.5% completion rate and an 18-to-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio last season. Keene has two full years of starting experience and offers stability at the position. Pushing him is five-star freshman Bryce Underwood, a future star and potential difference-maker from day one.
The offensive line returns three starters, led by All-Big Ten guard Giovanni El-Hadi. Greg Kippen secured the center position midway through last season, and Evan Link is expected to make strides with another year of experience. Andrew Sprague looks ready to take over at right tackle, and depth is bolstered by sophomore Nathan Efobi and transfer Brady Norton (Cal Poly).
In the backfield, Jordan Marshall will see an expanded role, but the headliner is Justice Haynes (Alabama), who averaged 5.7 yards per carry last year with the Crimson Tide. Haynes looks like the next great Michigan running back and will be a focal point of the offense.
The receiving corps, however, needs a major overhaul. Returning starters Kendrick Bell and Peyton O’Leary combined for just 17 catches a year ago. Help is on the way, though. Donovan McCulley (Indiana), an All-Big Ten performer who missed last season, is a big addition. The Wolverines also added Anthony Simpson (UMass) via the portal, providing more options in the passing game.
Defensively, Michigan was the backbone of last year’s team, keeping the Wolverines competitive despite offensive struggles. The run defense was especially stout, finishing fifth nationally and playing a crucial role in a shocking road win over Ohio State.
The interior line is being reloaded, with 300+ pound veterans Tre Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne (Alabama) expected to anchor the middle. Tre Pierce, at 315 pounds, also looks ready to step into a larger role. Edge/linebacker hybrids TJ Guy and Derrick Moore bring playmaking ability—Moore posted 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss, while Guy added 5.5 sacks and 7 TFLs.
The linebacker corps is among the Big Ten’s best, anchored by Ernest Hausmann, who recorded 89 tackles last season. The secondary begins the year with questions, but should settle into a solid group. Sophomore Jyaire Hill is expected to take a step forward after some growing pains last year, and Zeke Berry brings a nose for the football. Sixth-year veteran Caleb Anderson (Louisiana) adds much-needed experience.
Michigan will undoubtedly be improved this season. The offense should be at least serviceable, and the defense will once again be a strength. The schedule is manageable. The Wolverines avoid Oregon, Penn State, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa in Big Ten play, making for a relatively soft conference slate. A road trip to Oklahoma—sandwiched between two tune-up games—could be a major test. Later in the year, Michigan travels to USC, while rival Ohio State must come to Ann Arbor.
If the offense takes a significant leap, Michigan could become dangerous. While they may not be ready to rejoin the nation’s elite just yet, a 9-win season is well within reach. If the offense surprises, double-digit wins aren’t out of the question. Realistically, this looks like an 8–9 win team with upside.
