ESPN drops Michigan in future power rankings, but optimism remains
The Michigan Wolverines football program has undergone major changes over the last few years, but head coach Sherrone Moore and company have settled in and are poised for a step forward in 2025.
ESPN still feels somewhat confident that a bright future is ahead, with Adam Rittenberg listing Michigan as his No. 13 team in the future power rankings. The mark is down from No. 5 in the last edition, but still with optimism about what’s brewing in Ann Arbor.
“Michigan needed a reset at quarterback after a dreadful passing season, and will turn to No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene this season,” Rittenberg says, also noting the likelihood of a multi-year starter on the roster. “The Wolverines have gone all in with Underwood, their first mega high school signing of the NIL era. Unless things go very wrong, Underwood will be leading Michigan’s offense through the 2026 season and beyond.”
Michigan has questions in the trenches on both sides of the ball and steps forward and improved depth could do a world of good to change the outlook relative to the rest of the country.
“Line play propelled Michigan’s run to three consecutive Big Ten titles and the 2023 national championship, but both groups have been hit by NFL exits,” Rittenberg said. “The defensive line should be solid this fall if tackle transfers Tre Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne Jr. (Alabama) pan out. The offensive line enters a significant season with less-established players, and young tackles like Andrew Sprague and Evan Link must keep developing.”
Michigan’s star power has taken a hit, too, given the number of players sent to the NFL over the last few years, but there are still players to build around in Ann Arbor.
“There are massive expectations around Underwood, and his development the next two seasons will shape Michigan’s overall outlook,” Rittenberg wrote. “The Wolverines return one of the nation’s best kickers in Dominic Zvada, and defenders like end Derrick Moore and cornerback Zeke Berry should contend for All-Big Ten honors.
Top 10
- 1New
Rece Davis
Ranks Top 5 QBs
- 2Hot
Shedeur Sanders speeding
Body cam footage out
- 3
CWS Odds
Lines set for LSU vs. Coastal
- 4Trending
Return to BCS model?
Paul Finebaum explains, reacts
- 5
Marquise Henderson
Dismissed from Clemson FB
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
How Michigan HC Sherrone Moore is seen
Michigan’s transition from Jim Harbaugh to Sherrone Moore leading the program was a bit rocky at points, but Moore has proven talented in assembling a roster and selling the program. That has also affected how the Wolverines are viewed early on.
“Coach Sherrone Moore is starting to flex some recruiting muscle, as Michigan finished with ESPN’s No. 7 class for 2025, boosted by Underwood,” Rittenberg said. “Michigan has been smart and selective in the portal, and its additions along both lines and at running back with Alabama transfer Justice Haynes will impact the upcoming season.”
The 2024 offseason was a frenzy of late coaching changes, staff hirings and other fires that needed to be put out in the aftermath of Harbaugh’s departure. Michigan’s 2025 offseason was much quieter in comparison, and it speaks to Moore’s ability to identify key assistants and retain them.
“Moore has settled in after much of the staff followed predecessor Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers,” the ESPN writer said. “He will be judged largely on the success of offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who had no previous ties to Moore or Michigan. The team retained defensive coordinator Wink Martindale for a second season.”
