Michigan football 2025 arrives with a different kind of energy in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines aren’t just figuring out who will start at quarterback or how to replace veterans along the offensive line. They’re stepping into a new era — one shaped by a bold NIL move, a roster leaning on young talent, and a head coach beginning the season with a two‑game suspension.
It’s a mix of storylines that guarantees the season will be about more than just what happens on Saturdays.
Bryce Underwood and Michigan Football’s NIL Era Shift
When Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan, it changed more than the quarterback depth chart. Michigan football, which has historically been careful in its NIL approach, went all‑in for the nation’s top recruit.
Underwood is a consensus five‑star and the number one overall prospect in the 2025 class. His arm talent and mobility have already sparked Heisman speculation. But the bigger story is the signal this sends — that Michigan Wolverines football is ready to match the most aggressive programs in the country when it comes to NIL deals.
Off Tackle Empire described the move as “a substantial shift in Michigan’s football program, signaling a willingness to adapt to the NIL era.”
Underwood said, “That was the last thing that was on the bucket list. This was more about staying home, playing for the school I grew up watching, and having the opportunity to help bring championships back.”
He will compete with graduate transfer Mikey Keene for the starting quarterback role. Whether it happens in Week 1 or later, the buzz is unlike anything in Ann Arbor since J.J. McCarthy’s debut.
Photo courtesy: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Jordan Marshall’s Role in Michigan Football 2025
Jordan Marshall ended his freshman season as the MVP of the ReliaQuest Bowl, rushing for 100 yards on 23 carries in Michigan’s win over Alabama (per Reuters). That performance made it clear he’ll have a significant role in Michigan football in 2025.
Head coach Sherrone Moore said after the bowl win, “Like I said, he reminds me so much of Blake [Corum]… He’s a physical runner… and he works really hard,” as reported by Sports Illustrated. Marshall’s quickness and vision give Michigan’s offense a new dimension. With uncertainty at quarterback, his ability to keep the chains moving could be the most important thing the Wolverines do in the first month of the season.
Andrew Babalola and the Offensive Line Reset
Replacing multiple starters on the offensive line is never easy, but Michigan football may have found help in freshman Andrew Babalola. At six‑foot‑six, 320 pounds, and ranked among the top fifteen recruits in the nation (per 247Sports Composite), he’s the kind of player who doesn’t stay on the bench for long. Babalola’s early enrollment gave him a head start in learning the system, and coaches have taken notice during fall camp. Whether he starts immediately or rotates in, his presence could be key to keeping the pocket clean for whichever quarterback wins the job.
Sherrone Moore’s Suspension and Michigan Football’s Leadership Test
The 2025 season will start without head coach Sherrone Moore on the sideline. His self‑imposed two‑game suspension, connected to the 2023 sign‑stealing investigation, will keep him out against Central Michigan and Nebraska (first reported by Reuters). Some view it as a crucial step toward accountability. Others think it’s more about appearances. Either way, it’s an early leadership test for the Michigan Wolverines.
Michigan Football 2025 Rankings and National Perception
Michigan football 2025 enters ranked tenth by Joel Klatt of Fox Sports and fourteenth in the Coaches Poll, as released by USA Today. That gap reflects uncertainty — a new quarterback, an adjusted offensive line, and the fallout from the offseason headlines. On the other hand, the Wolverines still boast a deep and athletic front seven, with several players recognized for their elite physical traits, and a schedule that offers opportunities to climb quickly. If Bryce Underwood finds his rhythm and Jordan Marshall continues his rise, those preseason rankings may not hold for long.
Closing Thoughts
Michigan football in 2025 will be defined by more than just a win‑loss record. It’s a season about embracing change — from NIL investments to trusting young playmakers — and finding stability during early adversity.
Whether this turns into a stepping‑stone year or a breakthrough will depend on how quickly the roster matures and how well the Wolverines turn pressure into performance. In Ann Arbor, one thing is certain: the stories will be every bit as compelling as the games.
Main Image: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images