Michigan game balls from 34-17 win over New Mexico: Justice Haynes, Bryce Underwood shine

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines exited the first week with a win over New Mexico in a tune-up for next week’s showdown at Oklahoma. The opener had its ups and downs, but plenty of standout moments and performances.

Here are the guys who stood out and flashed in our first look at the 2025 Wolverines.

Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood

It’s hard to imagine a better first showing for Bryce Underwood in his first start at Michigan. The freshman, who just turned 18 years old 11 days before the season opener. He looked like a veteran in his first outing, completing 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and 1 touchdown. Underwood flexed most of his skill set in the opener, even with his legs, as he hit a few passes on the run. Michigan wants to be balanced on offense, but tailor its system to its best players. It’s clear from the jump that Underwood is one of their best, if not their best already. It will not be perfect all year and there will be mistakes, but his command of the offense is already there and will continue to grow as he matures.

Junior running back Justice Haynes

The Wolverines made Justice Haynes one of their biggest priorities in the transfer portal last cycle after he left Alabama. What he did in the opener was a perfect example of why. He rushed 16 times for 159 yards and 3 touchdowns, flashing the big-play and home-run hitting ability that makes him one of this offense’s most important weapons. He had runs of 59 and 56 yards on the day and looks every bit the lightning-strike type of player Michigan coveted.

Graduate EDGE TJ Guy

The Michigan defensive line left some plays on the field on Saturday night, but graduate pass rusher TJ Guy made the most of his opportunities. His highlight came on an athletic interception in the second quarter when a pass was batted up into the air and Guy came down with one arm before scooping it in and hitting the turf. He has flashed several times in a Michigan uniform, but he has the chance to be a special player in his fifth and final season in Ann Arbor.

Honorable mentions

Junior wide receiver Semaj Morgan: Morgan hauled in 4 catches for 33 yards and added 2 rushes for 14 yards on the night. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has a history of getting slot guys involved, and it was good to see him active in the game plan after a bit of a lost 2024 season.

Sophomore wide receiver Channing Goodwin: The Michigan legacy showed why he was on the field as one of the top three guys with a key block on Haynes’ first-quarter touchdown run and a 39-yard pass from Underwood late in the first half. He finished with 2 catches for 49 yards.

Senior tight end Marlin Klein: Klein did his best Colston Loveland impression on Saturday night with a team-high 6 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown snag from Underwood.

Sophomore linebacker Cole Sullivan: The second-year linebacker could be in for an expanded role next week if Jaishawn Barham misses the first half. He finished with 5 total tackles, a sack and an interception.

Junior safety Brandyn Hillman: “The Hitman” showed why he is a tone-setter for Michigan’s defense with 7 total tackles, several big hits and an interception.