Athlon on Michigan football: 'Life in Ann Arbor should be more enjoyable this fall'

The Michigan Wolverines are expected to be back in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot this fall after an 8-5 season in 2025, and the folks over at Athlon Sports feel like improvement is on the way.

In its annual national college football preview magazine, the outlet has Michigan as the No. 15 in the country and a fourth-place finisher in the Big Ten behind Penn State, Ohio State and Oregon. Only the Buckeyes are on the schedule this year.

“After closing out the 2024 season with wins over Ohio State and Alabama, along with the commitment of 5-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, second-year coach Sherrone Moore has Michigan back on track,” Athlon Sports wrote. “If Underwood develops as expected, a return to the College Football Playoff is within reach. But the freshman won’t have to carry this team.

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“The Wolverines bring back six starters from a standout defense, and the offense can lean on the backfield tandem of Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall. The schedule breaks in Michigan’s favor. Ohio State comes to Ann Arbor, and Moore’s team won’t play Oregon or Penn State.”

Michigan’s turnaround depends on improvements on the offensive side of the ball, which will be helmed by new play-caller and quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey after changes were made following the 2024 season.

“There’s no way to go this year but up for Michigan, which ranked 129th nationally in total offense in 2024 (286.2 yards per game),” Athlon said. “A big part of its problem was at the quarterback position, where the Wolverines rotated a trio of starters and posted one of the nation’s worst passing offenses — failing to execute a pass play of 40-plus yards all season.

“Head coach Sherrone Moore replaced his coordinator with veteran play-caller and Bs coach Chip Lindsey from North Carolina, who is expected to add some flair to an offense in desperate need of a jumpstart. Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene is expected to push 5-star freshman Bryce Underwood for the starting job, while the Wolverines added former All-Big Ten wideout Donaven McCulley (Indiana) and Alabama running back Justice Haynes, bolstering two areas in need of playmakers.

“If Michigan can get improved play up front, rekindling its dominant, physical approach, look for the offense to be markedly better.”

Michigan defense in the spotlight

Michigan loses some heavy hitters on defense due to graduation and the NFL Draft, but the unit has improved depth and experience now in coordinator Wink Martindale’s system. However, the defensive line is a group Athlon thinks will shine in 2025.

“It’s possible that this Michigan defense will match the top-20 unit of last year, despite losing a pair of early-round NFL Draft picks (Mason Graham, Will Johnson),” they said. “The Wolverines return playmakers TJ Guy and Derrick Moore on the edge, hoping to make up for the production lost from departed sack leader Josaiah Stewart, a third-round draft pick. Transfers Tré Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne (Alabama) bolster an already deep tackle room full of guys who’ve waited their turn.

“Meanwhile, starters Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann are both back at linebacker. The secondary is a bit of a mystery, but if former All-Big Ten safety Rod Moore returns healthy from an ACL injury, the Wolverines have several plug-and-play pieces back there to make do. Michigan closed the season by allowing only two TDs in its final 14 quarters of play — a stretch that included wins over Ohio State and Alabama.”

Michigan’s special teams has a few intriguing storylines pointed out, too. The headliner is senior kicker Dominic Zvada, who might enter the year as the favorite for the Lou Groza Award given to the nation’s best at the position.

“Big Ten Kicker of the Year Dominic Zvada is motivated after being snubbed from the Lou Groza Award finalist list,” Athlon said. “He was 26-of-27 on PATs and 21-of-22 on field-goal attempts, including 7-of-7 from 50-plus yards. Former backup Hudson Hollenbeck is the front-runner to punt, though Michigan may look for an upgrade. Returns will be a continued emphasis; look for receiver Semaj Morgan to be involved this fall.”

Despite a strong roster top to bottom, the Athlon projection has the Wolverines just on the outside of the CFP picture, instead playing Florida in the postseason in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

“The Wolverines will have better OB play, a more explosive offense and a deeper defense with a secondary that should force plenty of turnovers,” Athlon said. “Combine that with an easier schedule, and life in Ann Arbor should be more enjoyable this fall for Moore, who got a late start and was learning on the job last year.”

Michigan’s 2025 season kicks off on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. with a visit from New Mexico in a nationally broadcast game on NBC.