Does Michigan Have What It Takes to Make the CFP?
Heading into the 2025 season, many believed the Michigan Wolverines would get back to dominance, bolstered by an influx of new talent and key additions to the roster. To understand the position Michigan is in today, we have to go back to early 2024, when it had just knocked off Washington to win its first championship since 1997. Following their success, the Wolverines lost 12 players to the NFL, along with head coach Jim Harbaugh taking the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching position, prompting Sherrone Moore to take over. Many critics remained optimistic that Michigan could be competitive or at least prove it didn’t need Harbaugh to succeed, which wasn’t exactly what happened.
This Sherrone Moore-led squad had a very up-and-down season, although it ended on a high note with wins against Ohio State in the Shoe and a bowl win against Alabama, finishing 8-5. This late-season success could have been the motivation they needed going into 2025, along with the addition of QB Bryce Underwood, who chose to stay home by flipping his commitment from LSU to Michigan last November. This year’s Maize and Blue team started the season ranked 14th in the nation; however, a Week Two loss to Oklahoma moved them down to the 23rd spot in the nation. They’ve since avenged this loss with a 60-point win against Central Michigan and a 30-27 victory at Nebraska.
The Wolverines have continued their dominance on the run with Justice Haynes, who leads the team with six rushing touchdowns and 537 yards. Underwood has looked solid so far; however, Moore has been criticized for not letting Bryce throw as much as some may have expected. The upcoming schedule of Michigan isn’t that strong, with their toughest games being at USC and home against Washington. This team has the chance to prove the Michigan offense doesn’t need to rely on the run and can continue its dominance on defense, which could lead them to another deep run and solidify their greatness once again. With the amount of turnover, doubt, and uncertainty that has plagued this team for the last two years, this year's Wolverines can win at least 10 games and have a shot at the playoffs.
