5 reasons to be optimistic about Michigan's playoff chances in 2025

Here are five reasons why Michigan football fans should be optimistic about the Wolverines making the College football Playoff.
Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs against Team Maize during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs against Team Maize during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 19, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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An underrated group of pass catchers

Michigan fans were clamoring for the Wolverines to add a big-time pass catcher out of the transfer portal in the spring, but they did landed a couple in the the winter portal who will be better than expected.

The secret is already out on Donaven McCulley, who is now wearing the No. 1. That number doesn't get handed out lightly. Head coach Sherrone Moore said that McCulley reminded the coaching staff of Nico Collins at times this spring.

McCulley is 6-foot-5. He's a former quarterback but also had 644 yards on 48 receptions for Indiana in 2023. That wasn't a great Indiana team. It didn't have a great quarterback but McCulley produced including 11 receptions for 121 yards against Illinois. He also had 96 yards against Penn State.

Anthony Simpson, the UMass transfer, had 792 receiving yards in 2023. He will push Semaj Morgan in the slot, but he is another weapon for Underwood. Fred Moore showed what he's capable of in the bowl game. I'm also high on Hogan Hansen.

There's plenty to like about Marlin Klein, too, plus don't sleep on true freshman Andrew Marsh. Just like the quarterback position, the pass catchers will be much improved in 2025.