The Michigan Wolverines experienced a bit of a hangover after winning the national title in 2023. Following the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh, Sherrone Moore took over, and the team finished 8-5 in 2024.
As the 2025 season approaches, expectations for Michigan vary, but many anticipate a strong year. Thanks to freshman quarterback and 2025 No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood. One analyst outlined what would define a successful season for Michigan and how Underwood fits into that picture.
Analyst Details How Bryce Underwood Could Shape Michigan’s 2025 Season
Undoubtedly, expectations for Michigan are booming because of Underwood. He was the consensus No. 1 player in the 2025 class and is set to start for the Wolverines in 2025. But what’s the plan of action?
On the “College Football with Sam” podcast, host Samuel Recker explained how Underwood’s presence at Michigan has raised the Wolverines’ expectations in 2025. Later on, he also shed light on how the team could maintain the support it’s receiving.
“Say they got Jackson Arnold out of the portal, who was straight up bad, nowhere near as talented as Underwood coming out of high school, I think maybe we view the expectations differently,” Recker said.
After finishing 8-5 in 2024, the Wolverines are looking for a bounce-back season, but there is still uncertainty around what would truly define success for the program in 2025.
Recker believes Michigan must accomplish two key goals to meet expectations. The first is earning a College Football Playoff berth, a tall order for any team starting a freshman quarterback.
“Michigan needs to go over their preseason win total and make the College Football Playoffs,” Recker said. “That’s goal No. 1.”
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According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Michigan’s win total is set at 8.5. So by Recker’s standards, the Wolverines will have to win at least nine games en route to a College Football Playoff appearance for the season to be successful.
Not only does Michigan have to do that, but Recker also believes that Michigan will have to beat its rivals in 2025 for Moore and company to meet expectations.
A Clear Game Plan for Sherrone Moore’s Team
“Sherrone Moore needs to go undefeated versus rivals given the circumstances,” Recker said. “So Michigan State’s still in rebuilding mode. Yes, it’s on the road, but Michigan has matchup advantages against them.”
According to Recker, Moore, and the Wolverines, to meet expectations, they must beat not only the Michigan State Spartans but also the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes for the season.
“Ohio State, they host, they have the mental advantage over, they have better special teams,” Recker said.
While Recker’s expectations are lofty, he appears confident that Michigan can rise to the challenge. Moore stepped into a tough situation last year, taking over for Harbaugh, and was given some leeway during an 8-5 season.
That grace period likely won’t last much longer. Moore will need to make Michigan a serious Big Ten contender again in 2025 to avoid pressure. Even if the Wolverines fall short of every benchmark Recker outlined, the program must show real progress with Underwood and other key additions leading the charge.
