Michigan football: 2025 schedule and key games
Michigan football’s schedule and key games for the 2025 season.
Michigan football opens its 2025 season Saturday at Michigan Stadium against Mountain West Conference foe New Mexico (7:30 p.m., NBC) in Week 1 of the college football season.
This will be nearly everyone’s first chance to see the nation’s No. 1 recruit, Belleville’s Bryce Underwood, play at quarterback as he leads the Wolverines in coach Sherrone Moore’s second season.
Four Free Press sports writers make their picks for the game between the Wolverines (8-5 in 2024) and Lobos (5-7) in Ann Arbor:
Tony Garcia
The Wolverines will have no problems starting their season with a win over a Mountain West foe for the second season in a row. The defense will stifle the Lobos, not letting their rushing attack get going even with a capable back. The passing attack will be shut down, too. Frequently starting with good field position, Michigan will rack up the points once the offense settles in. The fourth quarter will be a chance for the backups to see game action, which is when the Lobos score once for the backdoor cover in an easy win for U-M. The pick: Michigan 44, New Mexico 10.
Shawn Windsor
Finally, the games are here. The Lobos won five games last season but then what does that matter in today’s college football world? Rosters change rapidly. Let’s assume New Mexico’s didn’t change enough to give the Wolverines trouble. Besides, this is Bryce Underwood’s debut, and if the freshman quarterback is true to his word, Saturday night at the Big House will be his coming out party. The pick: Michigan 33, New Mexico 13.
Jeff Seidel
Judging by how the Wolverines have done this in the past while breaking in a new QB, they will probably pound the ball and keep Bryce Underwood under wraps, letting him learn slowly. But with Oklahoma on the horizon, the Wolverines don’t have much time. I hope they let him loose. The pick: Michigan 45, New Mexico 10.
Carlos Monarrez
The Bryce Underwood era begins! How big of a mismatch is this? First-year New Mexico coach Jason Eck said Underwood’s reported $12 million NIL deal was probably more than he, his staff and all his players combined will get paid this year. Michigan is simply too big, fast and talented to get upset. But watch out for all those Lobos trick plays! The pick: Michigan 42, New Mexico 14.
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Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
