Following their recent national championship victory, Michigan is facing a challenging transition as they prepare for the crucial 2025 college football season. Coach Sherrone Moore has yet to deliver the results fans in Ann Arbor were hoping for, but the Wolverines could find themselves back in the College Football Playoff conversation, according to ESPN’s Greg McElroy.
McElroy notes that the Wolverines’ schedule could play to their advantage. With only six home games and several tough road contests—including a critical early-season matchup against Oklahoma—Michigan will rely heavily on their home-field advantage against key rivals, particularly Ohio State. “I think the schedule for Michigan is relatively favorable,” McElroy stated, adding that he wouldn’t be surprised if they end the season in playoff contention.
Despite the scheduling advantages, the Wolverines have significant concerns regarding their offense, especially in the absence of former quarterback JJ McCarthy, who has entered the NFL Draft. The team has recently secured a high-profile recruit, Bryce Underwood, who switched his commitment from LSU. Although no official announcement has been made, Underwood is expected to compete for the starting quarterback position.
McElroy is optimistic about Underwood’s potential. He believes that, despite being a true freshman, Underwood possesses the skills necessary to lead the offense effectively. “I’m pretty optimistic about what this offense could look like, relative to what it was last year,” he commented, highlighting Underwood’s dual-threat capabilities and playmaking skills. As the Wolverines continue to focus on establishing a strong run game, it seems Underwood will be pivotal in their offensive strategy.
Historically, Michigan has been a consistent presence in the College Football Playoff from 2021 to 2023, and with the introduction of a 12-team playoff format, there is more room for teams to secure a postseason spot. With a favorable schedule and an exciting new quarterback leading the charge, Michigan fans might have reasons to remain hopeful for a successful return to playoff contention.