NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
GO BLUE!
As the Michigan Wolverines kick off their 2025 campaign against the New Mexico Lobos on August 30 at Michigan Stadium, anticipation is sky-high. Coming off an 8-5 season in 2024 that included upsets over Ohio State and a ReliaQuest Bowl victory against Alabama, the Wolverines are looking to build on their late-season momentum. Under second-year head coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan aims to reestablish itself as a College Football Playoff contender, starting with game one against a rebuilding New Mexico squad. With a new-look offense led by a star freshman quarterback and a stout defense, the Wolverines are poised for a statement win in Ann Arbor.
Last season, Michigan faced challenges after their 2023 national championship, we had a revolving door at quarterback and a passing game that ranked among the nation’s worst, averaging just 5.4 yards per attempt. Despite these struggles, the Wolverines’ defense remained a cornerstone, allowing only 19.9 points per game, and their running game showed flashes of dominance. The season ended on a high note with victories over top-tier opponents, signaling that Moore’s squad was finding its identity. Now, with new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and key transfer additions, Michigan is primed to address its offensive woes, starting with this matchup against a New Mexico team that struggled defensively in 2024.
The spotlight shines on Michigan’s freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class. Underwood, set to become just the fourth true freshman to start a season opener at quarterback for Michigan, brings electrifying potential to an offense desperate for a spark. His debut under the Big House lights will be a defining moment, with fans chanting “Un-der-wood” in anticipation of his dual-threat capabilities. While Underwood’s inexperience may lead to some early jitters, his talent and Lindsey’s play-calling should ease his transition against a porous New Mexico defense that ranked 130th nationally, allowing 492.1 yards per game last season.
Key names to watch for Michigan include running back Justice Haynes, an Alabama transfer expected to anchor the ground game with his explosive speed, and wide receiver Donaven McCulley, an Indiana transfer who’s job is elevating the passing attack. On defense, linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, who combined for 155 tackles last season, will lead a unit bolstered by defensive ends TJ Guy and Derrick Moore. Kicker Dominic Zvada, a preseason All-American, adds reliability in the kicking game, coming off a 21-of-22 field goal season. For New Mexico, running back Scottre Humphrey, a Montana State transfer with 1,386 rushing yards last year, is a bright spot, while quarterback Jack Layne and linebacker Randolph Kpai aim to keep the Lobos competitive under new head coach Jason Eck.
New Mexico’s 2024 season ended at 5-7, with a defense that struggled mightily and an offense that showed promise but lacked consistency. Eck, who led Idaho to three FCS playoff appearances, has brought in transfers like Humphrey and defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby to spark a turnaround, but the Lobos face an uphill battle against Michigan’s depth and talent. Their revamped secondary, featuring FCS All-American Abraham Williams, will test Underwood but is unlikely to contain Michigan’s balanced attack for long.
Michigan’s offensive line, despite losing four starters, should overpower New Mexico’s inexperienced front, paving the way for Haynes and Jordan Marshall to rack up yards. The Wolverines’ defense, led by coordinator Don Martindale, is expected to stifle New Mexico’s offense, forcing turnovers and limiting big plays. While the Lobos may find some success on the ground, Michigan’s dominance in the trenches should make this a lopsided affair.
Michigan 45, New Mexico 10
The Wolverines will use this opener to showcase Underwood’s potential and their revamped offense, cruising to a convincing victory while setting the tone for a critical Week 2 showdown at Oklahoma.
