The Michigan football team is 1-0 after a 34-17 win over New Mexico on Saturday. There were some ups and downs for the Wolverines, but it was game one.
The goal is to be playing your best football at the end of the season. Not Week 1. That being said, there are plenty of things for Michigan football fans to be encouraged about.
The worst thing to come out of the game was the targeting call on Jaishawn Barham, which was upheld this weekend, meaning he will be out of the first haf on Saturday.
Some fans wish the defense would have played better. The special teams made some mistakes there were avoidable, and there were too many penalties. But overall, this was a positive start to the 2025 season and here's the Michigan football stock report after Week 1.
Stock up: Bryce Underwood
We didn't know exactly what to expect from Bryce Underwood in his Michigan football debut. Yet, it's safe to say that he exceeded expectations. Underwood completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards. He had one touchdown and only came close to an interception once, on a deflected pass.
The first wow moment came when Michigan faced a third-and-14 late in the first half leading 17-10. Underwood rifled a first down pass to Channing Goodwin for 39 yards. It was advanced. I doubt Michigan even attempts a pass in that scenario a season ago.
The touchdown pass to Marlin Klein on the wheel route was perfect. The timing was impeccable. He also fired a dart up the seem to Kendrick Bell for 30 yards and another to Klein for 27.
Michigan football had four pass plays over 30 yards last season. It had two on Saturday. That's because of Underwood, who continues to live up to the hype.
Stock up: Justice Haynes
The former five-star running back who transferred from Alabama was dynamic with a 56-yard touchdown run on the Wolverines opening drive, as well as a 59-yard run in the third quarter.
Haynes rushed for 165 yards total and cemented himself as running back 1A for Michigan football moving forward. His burst and vision were impressive. So was the run blocking, at least at times.
Haynes averaged 5.9 yards per attempt at Alabama and against an SEC opponent, he'll need to shine on Saturday against Oklahoma.
Stock up: Marlin Klein
Klein was called the best blocking tight end in college football by his position coach last week, but he looked like a receiving weapon against New Mexico with six receptions for 93 yards. He had two receptions of more than 20 yards, and if he can produce on a week-to-week basis, the ceiling of this offense will be even higher.
Klein has always had all the raw tools to be successful, and it seems like he's putting it all together.
Stock down: Michigan football defense
Some have overreacted to the Week 1 performance by the Michigan defense. New Mexico had over 20 first downs, but was held under 300 yards and only scored 17 points. That's more than people expected, but the Wolverines played over 30 players on defense.
New Mexico also took advantage of a trick play and some poor calls by officials. The Lobos only had one play of more than 20 yards. So there's nothing to be overly concerned about.
However, the defense, particularly the secondary, could have been better. The Wolverines will be tested by the Sooners, which will be a great chance to show just how dominant this defense can be.