There's that old saying in life and in sports...Cheaters never prosper. That even when it seems a team or a head coach or a single player has cheated the system, eventually the system gets the upper hand and the cheating is exposed for what it was. Whether or not you believe the Michigan Wolverines coaching staff and Connor Stalions cheated is beyond the point...the truth of the matter is the NCAA thinks in one way or another, that they did. And now, before the season even starts, the Wolverines step into the national narrative that Michigan got away with it. Whatever "it" is.
The NCAA imposed a fine of over 20 million dollars, four years of probation, recruiting restrictions, show-cause orders for numerous people, including current head coach Sherrone Moore, which also includes a two-game suspension this season, as well as another game suspension in the 2026 season. Even though the Michigan brass said they would appeal the decisions, the damage is done. Even though the Wolverines did not have to vacate their 2023 national championship, the reality is that in a lot of people's eyes, they should have.
The Wolverines open up the season against New Mexico, followed by a game against a preseason-ranked opponent, Oklahoma. Both games will be on national television in primetime spots. The eyes of the college football world will be upon them. With these NCAA-imposed sanctions, the Wolverines will be under an even bigger microscope than without the controversy. And the proof of their legitimacy in the Big Ten will have to be immediate. The only way to change a narrative is to be so successful that no doubt exists.
The Michigan 2025 schedule is one that, truthfully, should not include many missteps.
Michigan football needs to get focus back on the field
Besides the early-season test against Oklahoma, the next biggest challenge shouldn't be until later in the season against Ohio State. The schedule is pretty generous to the Wolverines, to say the least. If there is a myriad of late-game struggles or any instability at the quarterback position, it will be only heightened. This is a season where, above all things, the Wolverines need to be successful. Sherrone Moore has to prove he's the right guy. Even with whatever previous stamp of approval Michigan has given him, Moore has to lead his team to drown out the noise of any naysayers and fight the preconceived notions. If there are any missteps during the season, Moore will find himself on the hot seat quicker than the fall sunset.
To say its been a busy off season for the Michigan Wolverines is an understatement. Or maybe the better word is dramatic. The Wolverines have been woven into a story that would rival any James Patterson novel. The first game against New Mexico may not do much to change the direction but by the middle of season, the football has to be the main character. If not, the 2025 season will be one the Michigan fans would soon like to forget. And one thing is for certain...the fanbase does not accept mediocrity.