College football analyst J.D. PicKell has identified Michigan as a prime sleeper candidate for the 2025 season, crediting freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood’s arrival as the transformative factor that could propel the Wolverines into playoff contention after their offensive struggles in 2024.
How Will Bryce Underwood Transform Michigan’s Offense?
PicKell’s analysis of Michigan’s transformation centers on a vivid metaphor that perfectly captures the quarterback upgrade. “They took the pocket knife,” PicKell explained during his sleeper team breakdown. “And I don’t know what pawn shop you went to to make this happen, but you exchanged it for a samurai sword.
“You got Bryce Underwood now playing quarterback for you, who I said this and I’ll say it again, could be the most physically gifted quarterback they’ve ever had in Ann Arbor. Full stop.”
Surprisingly, the comparison shows a significant transformation of Michigan from their 2024 season, when the Wolverines managed to win against Ohio State and Alabama simultaneously; they were the 130th nationally in passing offense with just 129.1 yards per game through the air.
Michigan’s ground game and elite defense were the two main elements of success at that time, and they are pretty obvious despite little contribution in the air.
Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, brings exceptional physical tools at 6’4″ and 208 pounds. The Belleville, Michigan native compiled a 50-4 record as a high school starter, throwing for 11,488 yards while capturing two state championships.
His skill set aligns perfectly with new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey’s spread offense philosophy.
What Path Could Lead Michigan to Playoff Contention?
PicKell outlined a realistic path for Michigan’s sleeper success: “If they split the games at Oklahoma and at Nebraska, that puts them in a spot, I would have to believe, to where they play at USC. And if they beat USC, you’re 5-1 with Washington and Ohio State as your only true talent tests you have the rest of the way.”
The ground remains solid with Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall being the leading players, while the defense, coached by Wink Martindale, is to keep on top of its game.
The presence of a good quarterback, a consistent running game, and a fighting-mood defense makes Michigan a real sleeper team that can be the dark horse to make a splash in college football in 2025.
