Is Michigan football a top 15 team in 2025? USA TODAY Sports thinks so
Some hype is starting to build around Michigan football as the Wolverines are set to avenge the five losses of the 2024 season.
With Bryce Underwood likely at quarterback and some new offensive weapons in Donaven McCulley and Justice Haynes, that side of the ball should be somewhat resurgent. All the while, despite losing four defensive players to the NFL, the defensive attack should still be dominant -- perhaps even more so in the second year of Wink Martindale's system.
USA TODAY Sports put out its new too-early, post-spring top 25 and the Wolverines came in ranked at No. 15 overall.
15. Michigan (8-5) (18)
If the final weeks of last season are to be believed, Michigan is poised to reclaim a place among the top teams in the Big Ten. One reason for optimism is the clear upgrade at QB, whether it's Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene or five-star freshman Bryce Underwood under center. But Underwood may need more time after making incremental progress as an early enrollee playing in spring drills. The Wolverines should be very strong on both lines even as the defense loses a star in tackle Mason Graham.
Despite losing nearly the whole defensive side of the ball, both running backs, the starting quarterback, and both coordinators, the list has Ohio State atop at No. 1. Penn State comes in ranked No. 2, but the maize and blue do not play the Nittany Lions this season. OSU aside, the only teams that the Wolverines play that are ranked are No. 22 Nebraska and No. 25 Oklahoma. Get past those teams, and Michigan could end up having a very good season.
Other ranked Big Ten teams include No. 8 Oregon and No. 13 Illinois -- two teams that the Wolverines lost to a year ago but do not play this year.
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