After a second straight win, Michigan football is trending up in the rankings this week. The Wolverines won their fourth consecutive win over Michigan State.
It wasn't a perfect win, but Michigan football was up three scores before allowing a garbage-time touchdown. Bryce Underwood didn't have a great game. Yet, the Wolverines ran for 276 yards, with Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall each going over 100 yards.
Progress 📈 pic.twitter.com/oRIZOdvfdB
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) October 26, 2025
Thanks to the win and some other losses, Michigan moved up to No. 21 in the AP and Coaches polls this week. That seems about where the Wolverines would be ranked in the playoff rankings that came out this week, so there is work to do, but at least there is a game against Ohio State looming.
Win that game, along with the other three, and Michigan should be in the 12-team field. ESPN FPI has a more favorable view of the Wolverines than the human poll, ranking Michigan 15th. The Wolverines' losses have come to ninth-ranked USC (FPI) and 18th-ranked Oklahoma, on the road.
Updated bowl projections for Michigan football
There seems to be a consensus about the Wolverines' bowl destination as it currently stands. Both of the ESPN bowl projectors have Michigan going to the Citrus Bowl. CBS Sports also has Michigan headed to Orlando, along with Athlon, which has Michigan vs. Texas.
If the Wolverines finish the season 9-3, that feels like the destination. A playoff berth still isn't out of the question, but it will require upsetting No. 1 Ohio State, along with winning road games against Northwestern and Maryland, as well as a victory in this week's home game against Purdue.
Michigan is 2-2 on the road with wins at Michigan State and Nebraska. If they can beat Northwestern and Purdue on the road, which won't be easy, the stage will be set.