The Michigan Wolverines enter the final stretch of their 2025 campaign with a 7-2 record (5-1 in Big Ten play), sitting at No. 21 in the AP Poll as of November 9. After a rollercoaster season marked by a stunning 63-3 rout of Central Michigan and a gritty 30-27 road win at Nebraska, the Wolverines have rebounded from early stumbles against Oklahoma and USC. Under second-year head coach Sherrone Moore, this squad boasts a dynamic freshman QB and a stout defense, positioning them for a potential College Football Playoff at-large bid. But with three massive games left—including “The Game” against arch-rival Ohio State—every snap counts. Here’s the full breakdown: schedule, breakout stars, and expert-fueled predictions for what’s next.
2025 Michigan Wolverines Football Schedule
Michigan’s slate features nine home games at the iconic Big House (Michigan Stadium), but they’ve traveled tough with road tilts at Nebraska, USC, Michigan State, and upcoming at Northwestern (in Chicago’s Wrigley Field) and Maryland. Times are Eastern unless noted; TV listings per official sources. As of Nov. 9, they’ve played nine games—wins in bold, losses noted.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (ET) | TV | Result/Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | vs. New Mexico | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 3:30 PM | BTN | W 34-17 |
| Sep. 6 | vs. Oklahoma | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 12:00 PM | ABC | L 13-24 |
| Sep. 13 | vs. Central Michigan | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 12:00 PM | BTN | W 63-3 |
| Sep. 20 | at Nebraska | Memorial Stadium, Lincoln | 3:30 PM | CBS | W 30-27 |
| Sep. 27 | Bye | – | – | – | – |
| Oct. 4 | vs. Wisconsin | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 12:00 PM | FOX | W 24-10 |
| Oct. 11 | at USC | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | 8:00 PM | NBC | L 13-31 |
| Oct. 18 | vs. Washington | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 12:00 PM | NBC | W 24-7 |
| Oct. 25 | at Michigan State | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing | 7:30 PM | NBC | W 31-20 |
| Nov. 1 | vs. Purdue | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 7:00 PM | BTN | W 21-16 |
| Nov. 8 | Bye | – | – | – | – |
| Nov. 15 | at Northwestern | Wrigley Field, Chicago | 11:00 AM | FOX | TBD |
| Nov. 22 | at Maryland | SECU Stadium, College Park | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Nov. 29 | vs. Ohio State | Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor | 12:00 PM | FOX | TBD |
*Notes: Schedule per official Michigan Athletics and ESPN; conflicts resolved via mgoblue.com (e.g., Northwestern at Wrigley, Maryland on road). Big Ten Championship potential on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis if Michigan finishes 8-1 in conference. Home crowds have been electric, averaging 108,000+ at the Big House.
Star Players Lighting Up 2025
Michigan’s roster blends returning vets with blue-chip freshmen, but a handful have emerged as X-factors. QB play has stabilized post-Oklahoma, the run game pounds behind a rebuilt O-line, and the D-line terrorizes backfields. Here’s a spotlight on seven indispensable Wolverines (drawn from 247Sports’ top-25 rankings, GB&M Wolverine analysis, and mid-season stats leaders):
- Bryce Underwood (QB, Fr.) – The No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class has thrown for 1,850 yards, 18 TDs, and just 5 INTs in eight starts. His poise in comebacks (e.g., Nebraska) makes him Michigan’s offensive heartbeat—experts call him a “generational arm” for the CFP push.
- Jordan Marshall (RB, So.) – Leads the team with 912 rushing yards and 10 TDs on 6.2 YPC. A shifty 5’10” back, he’s exploded for 150+ yards in three wins, including the Wisconsin grind. “He’s the bell cow we needed,” per coach Moore.
- Derrick Moore (DE, Jr.) – Anchoring the front, Moore has 8.5 sacks and 14 TFLs, disrupting USC’s rhythm for a key strip-sack. At 6’5″, 280 lbs, he’s a future NFL edge—top-10 in Big Ten pressures.
- Rayshaun Benny (OL, So.) – The massive 6’5″, 325-lb guard has anchored the line, allowing just 1 sack in 400+ pass blocks. His run-blocking fueled Marshall’s breakout; a cornerstone for protecting Underwood.
- Jaishawn Barham (LB, So.) – Transfer from Maryland, Barham tops the D with 65 tackles, 3 INTs, and 2 forced fumbles. His sideline-to-sideline speed shut down Washington’s air raid—vital against Ohio State’s spread.
- Jamar Browder (WR, Fr.) – Underwood’s top target with 45 catches, 682 yards, and 7 TDs. His 4.4 speed stretches fields; a game-changer in the Washington win with a 75-yard bomb.
- Mason Graham (DT, Jr.) – The 6’3″, 318-lb nose tackle has 5.5 TFLs and constant double-teams, freeing Moore. Pre-season All-Big Ten, he’s the “anchor” per analysts, key for stopping OSU’s run game.
These stars have powered a +12 turnover margin and top-20 scoring defense (18.2 PPG allowed), but injuries (e.g., to backups) test depth.
Game Predictions: Path to 9-3 and CFP Bubble?
With two byes sharpening focus, Michigan eyes a 9-3 finish to snag a playoff at-large spot (per Athlon Sports’ 8-4 projection adjusted for hot streak). Drawing from SI.com’s score forecasts, Maize n Brew staff bold takes, and ESPN FPI (giving U-M 65% win odds in remaining games), here’s my game-by-game outlook—factoring Underwood’s growth, road woes, and “The Game” rivalry magic:
- Nov. 15 at Northwestern (Wrigley Field, 11:00 AM, FOX): The Wildcats (3-5, 1-4 Big Ten) boast a sneaky rush attack but crumble vs. top Ds (allowed 35+ in losses). Michigan’s O-line wears ’em down post-bye; Underwood airs it out in the Windy City’s breeze. Prediction: Michigan 27, Northwestern 10. (Win probability: 82%; keeps momentum from Purdue grind.)
- Nov. 22 at Maryland (SECU Stadium, TBD): A QB duel between Underwood and Terps’ Malik Washington (2,000+ pass yards, but Maryland’s 4-4 with four straight Ls). U-M’s run D (No. 12 nationally) stuffs the edges, but road rust could bite if Marshall fumbles. Staff splits: Half see an upset scare. Prediction: Michigan 31, Maryland 20. (Win probability: 68%; exploits Terps’ 4.8 YPC allowed.)
- Nov. 29 vs. Ohio State (Michigan Stadium, 12:00 PM, FOX): Rivalry week fireworks—No. 1 Buckeyes (9-0) roll with Julian Sayin’s arm, but Ryan Day’s 0-4 skid in Ann Arbor haunts. Michigan’s front four pressures Sayin (OSU’s weak run game: 3.9 YPC), and the Big House roars for a fifth straight. Bold take: Underwood’s late scramble seals it, but OSU’s D edges out. Prediction: Ohio State 28, Michigan 24. (Win probability: 45%; heartbreaker, but heroic effort.)
Overall Outlook: 9-3 record (7-2 Big Ten), missing the conference title via tiebreakers (to Oregon/USC) but earning CFP No. 11-12 seed for a home first-round clash. Underwood earns Freshman All-American honors, Marshall rushes for 1,200 yards, and Moore sacks his way to All-Big Ten. If they steal one from OSU? 10-2 and title game bound. Hail to the victors—Go Blue! What’s your take on “The Game”?