Oklahoma vs. Michigan is one of CFB's best nonconference games of 2025

USA Today

26-05-2025

Oklahoma vs. Michigan is one of CFB's best nonconference games of 2025
The Oklahoma Sooners have very little time to get settled into their 2025 schedule. After a tune-up game against FCS Illinois State in Week 1 at home, OU has a gigantic test in Week 2 when they host the Michigan Wolverines.
Oklahoma and Michigan are two of the greatest programs in the history of college football. The Wolverines have the most wins all-time and are the only team with more than 1,000 total victories. The Sooners have the sixth-most all-time wins but lead the way in wins during the modern era of college football (1946—present).
This year's contest features a pair of programs looking to bounce back after subpar seasons. After Michigan went undefeated and won the national championship in 2023, it fell back to earth after losing head coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and many key players to the NFL.
Oklahoma enjoyed a 10-win regular season in 2023 but plummeted to six victories in 2024 amid a bevy of injuries. Year 1 in the SEC was a master class from the Sooners on how not to make a first impression.
Pete Nakos, who covers college football for On3 Sports, believes that OU-Michigan is a very important matchup this year. He ranked the Top 10 nonconference games in college football in 2025 and put the Sooners vs. the Wolverines at No. 5.
With head coaches Brent Venables and Sherrone Moore both needing an early-season statement, Norman will be the place to be on September 6. The Sooners haven't had a high-profile nonconference game in a couple of seasons, as they've faced SMU and Houston in nonconference play over the last two years.
But over the last decade Oklahoma had home-and-home matchups with Florida State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Ohio State, UCLA, and Nebraska. In the future they'll face Nebraska and Clemson. OU has typically played another power conference team in nonleague action in addition to their conference slate.
Both teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks as Oklahoma turns to John Mateer to right the ship on offense. Michigan, meanwhile, turns to true freshman and former five-star prospect Bryce Underwood. He was one of the top prospects in the 2025 class and will have to deal with a Venables-led defense on the road in what will be only his second career start.
As both programs look to return to the College Football Playoff, it can't be understated how important this matchup will be to both sides. A statement-making win could propel a memorable season for the Sooners or for the Wolverines. However, a loss puts either program behind the eight ball before the rigors of the SEC or the Big Ten even begin.
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