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CBS Sports, like any large organization, has quite the variable voices, as multiple writers have different thoughts about who and what teams will be good or bad in 2025.
Take Shehan Jeyarajah, for example. He’s not high on Michigan football at all. He believes the Wolverines are one of the currently ranked teams that will be exposed and unranked by the season’s end, while also doubting the defense and offensive changes, calling the Wolverines overrated at No. 14 entering the season.
But then, there’s Tom Fornelli. He’s a bit more optimistic about the maize and blue, noting that the offense, regardless, will be improved upon from last year. He also believes the defense is still talented, though he isn’t sure there’s as high of a ceiling for these Wolverines.
Even so, in his preseason power rankings, Fornelli has the maize and blue in the top 10.
10. Michigan
You probably think this feels high. I get it. I think it feels a bit high myself! What’s important to remember here, though, is that Michigan went 8-5 last year despite putrid QB play and missing its best corner for half the season. Whether it’s Mikey Keene or Bryce Underwood, I am extremely confident the Wolverines will get better play from the QB position in 2025. I’m also confident there’s enough talent on the roster that the losses on defense can be overcome. The ceiling isn’t as high here in the post-Harbaugh era (not yet, anyway), but the floor still feels solid. This week’s game against New Mexico won’t tell us anything in either direction, but that Week 2 road game against Oklahoma will tell us a lot. Title Odds: (+3500)
What many national pundits don’t seem to take into account is Michigan’s schedule. Yes, a road game at Oklahoma is tough, but the Sooners are coming off a 6-7 season, not a successful one. Nebraska is rising, but was 7-6 last year. USC? It’s predicted to be much improved, but it was also 7-6 last year. The one big thing about all three of those games is that they will be on the road. So the question is more this: Can Michigan be a good road team this year?
If yes, the Wolverines could be off to the races. If not, it could be a long season.
Either way, the season will commence on Saturday when the maize and blue host New Mexico at The Big House for a 7:36 p.m. EDT kickoff. The game will be broadcast live on NBC.
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