Jake Yono

JY Journalism

4/10/25

The Future Of Michigan Football

As an avid Michigan Wolverines fan, I always stay optimistic about my team, no matter the circumstances. After a national championship-winning 2023 campaign, fans anticipated a subpar performance in 2024. That expectation materialized with the departure of the team's leading passer, rusher, receiver, tackler, and defensive back to the NFL. Although the roster remained talented, it wasn’t comparable to the star-studded 2023 lineup. 

Notable returnees included second running back Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings, who stepped up this season, and Colston Loveland, a Mackey Award finalist for the nation’s best tight end. On the defensive side, key players like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant held the line in the trenches, while linebacker Ernest Hausmann and edge rusher Josiah Stewart provided consistency and leadership. The secondary also boasted talents such as Will Johnson and Rod Moore, though both were sidelined with early-season injuries, limiting their impact. Despite these setbacks, Michigan managed to deliver some memorable moments during the 2024 season, including an inspiring win against rival Ohio State. This victory gave fans hope for the program’s future, even as the team fell short of broader expectations. However, the season was not without disappointments. Michigan suffered three questionable losses to Indiana, Washington, and Illinois—games they likely could have won with better game-planning and in-game adjustments. These defeats highlighted areas where the Wolverines must improve, particularly in maintaining focus against teams they are expected to beat. Yet even with these struggles, it was evident that Michigan was not operating at the same level as the nation’s elite programs in 2024. Other teams, with deeper rosters and more polished schemes, were a step ahead. Looking forward to 2025, Michigan fans have plenty of reasons for optimism. The foundation for success begins with recruiting. Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 player in the country, flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan, drawn by the hometown environment and the program’s storied history. Underwood is widely regarded as a generational talent at quarterback, with the potential to transform the Wolverines’ offense. His commitment sent shockwaves through the recruiting world and signaled that Michigan remains a top destination for elite talent. Underwood is not the only blue-chip recruit heading to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines have also secured commitments from Andrew Babalola, the No. 8 offensive tackle in the country; safety Kainoa Watson; wide receiver Andrew Marsh; and defensive standouts Shamari Ealrs, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Nathaniel Marshall, Jordan Young, and Jayden Sanders. All of these players are ranked in ESPN’s Top 300 high school prospects, making Michigan’s incoming class one of the strongest in the nation. Additionally, the Wolverines landed wide receivers Jacob Washington and Elijah Dotson. Dotson, a teammate of Underwood, flipped his commitment from Pittsburgh just days before signing day, further strengthening Michigan’s haul.

Recruiting alone doesn’t tell the whole story, as the transfer portal continues to play a significant role in shaping college football rosters. Introduced in 2018, the portal has revolutionized the way players move between programs, offering new opportunities for those seeking a better fit. Michigan has benefited from this system, adding several key players for 2025. Among them is Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene, who will compete with Underwood for the starting job. Other notable transfers include Georgia linebacker Troy Bowles, Alabama defensive tackle Damon Payne, Cal Poly offensive tackle Brady Norton, Indiana receiver Donaven McCulley, and the Metcalf brothers, defensive backs from Arkansas. These additions bring a wealth of experience and talent to a team looking to bounce back. Of course, the transfer portal also takes away. Michigan has seen players like center Raheem Morris, tackle Tristan Rounds and Andrew Genaty, quarterback Alex Orji, and receiver Tyler Morris leave the program. While their departures are disappointing, they reflect the competitive nature of roster management in modern college football. With crowded position rooms and a steady influx of new talent, players often seek opportunities elsewhere to fulfill their potential.

Michigan fans should remain optimistic about the 2025 season. The Wolverines have not only bolstered their roster but also made key coaching changes to address areas of concern. Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell has departed, making way for Chip Lindsey, formerly of North Carolina. Lindsey led the Tar Heels to the No. 7 offense in the country in 2024, and his innovative approach should reinvigorate Michigan’s attack. Meanwhile, head coach Sherrone Moore continues to establish a strong culture of accountability and resilience, while defensive coordinator Don Martindale aims to build on a solid foundation. Despite losing several starters to the NFL, Michigan’s defense ranked No. 11 among Power 4 programs in 2024, a testament to its depth and adaptability. Between high-profile recruits like Bryce Underwood, impactful transfers, and experienced coaching hires, Michigan is well-positioned for a resurgence in 2025. I predict a 10-2 regular season, a potential appearance in the Big Ten Championship game, and perhaps a berth in the expanded College Football Playoff. While challenges remain, the Wolverines have the tools, talent, and leadership to reestablish themselves as one of the nation’s premier programs.

Thank you.