Now that the 2024 college football season is over, pundits are already looking ahead to 2025 and Michigan football should be one of the teams that is much improved from this past season.
The Wolverines finished 8-5. They also beat Ohio State and Alabama to end the year on a high note. But they still finished unranked in the final AP Top 25 poll.
However, the Wolverines signed the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class quarterback Bryce Underwood. They should also have one of the best defenses in college football, especially if they can retain defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, despite NFL interest.
Michigan football will lose four first-round picks, but most of the players on the field for the Alabama game -- and all of the guys in the front seven -- will be back. There will be some new pieces added from the transfer portal in the secondary, but as long Rod Moore returns, the Wolverines will be just fine. He would probably replace Makari Paige as the Nickel.
At any rate, looking ahead to 2025, Ari Wasserman and Andy Staples released their way-too-early 2025 poll and Michigan football is ranked 12th.
NEW: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 via @Andy_Staples & @AriWasserman👀
— On3 (@On3sports) January 20, 2025
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Why 12th is just right for Michigan football
The Wolverines have added some key reinforcements from the transfer portal on the defensive line, and at quarterback, and Justice Haynes was one of the top-ranked additions overall.
Haynes is a former five-star running back who averaged 5.9 yards per attempt with Alabama. I don't know why he didn't have a bigger role, but a lack of rushing attempts won't be a problem in Ann Arbor.
Haynes is explosive. So is former top-100 recruit Jordan Marshall who churned out 100 yards on 23 carries against Alabama in the bowl game without any sort of passing game, especially after Davis Warren was injured.
The passing game will be better, regardless of whether it's Bryce Underwood or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene starting at quarterback. Keene is the Cade McNamara of this situation. I expect him to start the season but Underwood will play and with his running ability, as well as the incredible arm, it's hard to see Keene hanging onto the job all season.
With Rayshaun Benny, Derrick Moore, and T.J. Guy all back on the defensive line, plus Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann at linebacker, the defense should be stout. There might be a ton of drop off from the final few games to next season -- just look at the ReliaQuest Bowl.
And if you pair that defense, with an improved passing game, plus what should be an improved running game, with a better offensive line, Michigan could have something. At least enough to contend for a spot in the 12-team playoff.
The Wolverines won eight games and beat two teams ranked in the the top 11 with one of the worst offenses in college football. If the offense is top-40 under new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, 9-10 wins will be doable.
The floor should be higher for Michigan football and so is the ceiling.