The Michigan football season is now just nine days away. You can feel the optimism radiating out of Schembechler Hall as the Wolverines wrap up fall camp.
This 2025 team just has a good feeling. There were struggles in 2024. Michigan football couldn't find a quarterback. The offensive line took a step back, and the schedule was brutal. Injuries didn't help either.
For a lot of reasons, the 2024 season could have been a disappointment. It wasn't, though, because of how it ended. It was one of the best 8-5 seasons in college football history.
Armed with a strong culture, led by dudes like Max Bredeson, the ultimate Michigan man, and likely a team captain, the Wolverines will carry over that success from the end of last season. Add in the talent of Bryce Underwood and others, and you have reason for optimism.
Is a return to the College Football Playoff on tap? Here are three reasons why Michigan football will make the 12-team edition for the first time.
A weapon at quarterback
The thing is, Michigan football doesn't need an elite quarterback to make the playoff this season. Last year, the Wolverines could barely complete a pass. They threw for 65 yards against Ohio State and still won the game.
It felt like a miracle anytime there was a completion of 10 yards or more. That won't be the case this season. Both transfer wide receivers Donaven McCulley and Anthony Simpson have made solid impressions.
You also get the feeling that Underwood's presence will help Semaj Morgan, Fred Moore, Channing Goodwin, and others on the roster to be better. A better quarterback always makes the receivers better.
The tight end room is underrated. The running game will be even better with the actual threat of a passing attack, and beyond all that, Underwood, a 6-foot-4, 228-pound quarterback that even Urban Meyer is excited to watch, adds a dynamic element to the QB run game, too.
This offense will be worlds better than last season -- good enough to get back to the playoff.