Michigan WR Channing Goodwin discusses his father's impact, first start, explosive plays

Michigan Wolverines football sophomore wide receiver Channing Goodwin was talked up by head coach Sherrone Moore during his freshman season in 2024, but he played only 30 offensive snaps, buried on the depth chart behind more veteran players. The Charlotte, N.C., native redshirted by playing in only four contests, but his trajectory is pointing up at the beginning of his sophomore campaign.

Goodwin easily passed his previous career total in offensive snaps in Michigan’s first game of the 2025 campaign, logging 43 in a 34-17 win over New Mexico.

The 6-foot-1, 197-pounder hauled in his first and second catches of his career, including a 39-yard grab on a slant route that sparked a touchdown just before the end of the first half.

Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood threw the ball right on the money, and Goodwin was able to get up field for Michigan’s longest pass play since the 2023 season. The Maize and Blue had just 4 pass plays of 30-plus yards last season, ranking dead last among 134 FBS teams.

“We were backed up behind the sticks on third down,” Goodwin said. “We execute it in practice, so just getting to the game, same thing. It’s just, yeah, catch the ball and make a play.

“It was right there in my hands, and I was able to turn up field and gain some YAC.”

This was my favorite throw of the day yesterday from Bryce Underwood.

3rd & 14 in the 2 minute drill, and he throws an absolute laser beam to WR Channing Goodwin on a deep dig route.#CFB #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/lolnbJ1wii

— Bills Report (@BillsReport_) August 31, 2025

Michigan’s offense lacked explosiveness last season, but displayed that element Saturday night, the first game under new coordinator Chip Lindsey. The Wolverines had 2 50-plus yard runs and 5 passes of 15-plus yards, including 2 over 30 yards.

“It says a lot,” Goodwin said of the big plays. “A good start to the year, but we definitely want to keep on building upon that, be able to maintain and grow and do even better throughout the rest of the season.”

Goodwin made his first career start in Michigan’s season opener, emerging during fall camp to earn the nod.

“It felt amazing,” he noted. “Kind of waited my turn a little bit last year, and being able to go out there and make an impact on the field was definitely a great feeling.

“Really just building up the trust with the coaches every day in practice. Proving that I can do it in practice, you can go over there and do it in the game, too.”

Earning quite the reputation for his consistency, Goodwin has been called “Steady Freddy,” “The Technician,” and “Mr. Reliable.” He laughed those nicknames off, and discussed his growth since arriving on campus.

“I’d really say the game has slowed down from me some,” the Michigan wideout said. “Being able to learn from some of the older guys last year and getting better, stronger and faster have been the main differences from last year.”

Goodwin is a legacy, with his father, Jonathan Goodwin, having been an All-American offensive lineman for the Wolverines from 1998-2001. Goodwin is currently a coaching intern for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. Since the season doesn’t start until this weekend, he caught Channing’s game at The Big House.

“I’ve been able to talk to him some,” Channing Goodwin said of his dad’s mentorship through the years. “He’s obviously had a great football career himself, so being able to get some pointers from him and learn under him has been great.

“Obviously, he didn’t play receiver; he was a lineman, so I can’t learn too much about receiver from him. But the football stuff and personal stuff, he’s been good to be able to talk to about that.”

Goodwin is now set for his first road start, when Michigan takes on Oklahoma in Norman this Saturday evening. He’s excited for the challenge and opportunity.

“This will be my first time in Norman,” he pointed out. “I hear all this stuff about it being loud and stuff, so I can’t wait. It’s going to be a great environment. You dream to play in games like this, so I’m sure it’ll be awesome.”