ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan Wolverines opened the 2025 season with a win. It wasn’t a dominant win like the sports books projected — Michigan was nearly a five-touchdown favorite — but the Wolverines walked out victors. Following a 34-17 win over New Mexico, the Wolverines are 1-0 and will head to Norman to face Oklahoma.
The Bryce Underwood era started off with a bang. The 18-year-old true freshman showed the world why he was the most coveted prospect in the 2025 cycle. Underwood flashed with his zip, accuracy, and decision-making in his first career collegiate game. The Belleville product passed for 251 yards and one score in his debut.
The Michigan run game was really good too. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes led the Wolverines, running for 159 yards and three scores. On his third carry, Haynes took the ball 56 yards for a touchdown. Later, he ran it in for a five-yard score, and in the fourth quarter, Haynes took one 59 yards onto the Lobos’ one-yard line — then finished it with a one-yard score.
The only aspect fans will be disappointed in was the Wolverines’ defense. Michigan was very flat defensively against New Mexico, and allowed the Lobos to stay in the game. But, the Wolverines came through when they needed to. Despite a Jaishawn Barham ejection for targeting, Michigan forced three key turnovers. TJ Guy intercepted a pass off of a deflection, and in the fourth quarter, Brandyn Hillman came down with a key interception. Once again, in the fourth quarter, New Mexico was driving, but it was Cole Sullivan who came down with a crucial pick.
Following the game, social media went nuts about Michigan and Underwood. Here are some of the best reactions we found.
I get that it’s not a Top 25 opponent, but Bryce Underwood has been really impressive for his first college game. He is just firing dimes from all angles tonight. The Wolverines look like they have a legit passing game.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 31, 2025
Bryce Underwood is the real deal.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) August 31, 2025
For those who didn’t know, Bryce Underwood is pretty good at the sport of football.
— Connor Stalions (@cpstalions) August 31, 2025
Justice Haynes has outscored Alabama tonight.
— Josh Henschke (@JoshHenschke) August 31, 2025
Points scored today:
Justice Haynes: 18
Alabama: 17👀pic.twitter.com/oIJHBOa6dY
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) August 31, 2025
I didn’t expect Michigan’s defense to let New Mexico hang around as long as they did, but I also didn’t expect true freshman QB Underwood to look as good as he has.
21/31 for 251 yards, 1 TD, and most importantly, 9 picks.
That’s a very solid line for a kid who just turned 18.— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) August 31, 2025
Defense has definitely underwhelmed this evening. Bad penalties — including Barham’s very questionable targeting call — have kept New Mexico somewhat in the game.
No sacks on the night for Michigan, either.
— Trent Knoop (@TrentKnoop) August 31, 2025
Quite a fourth quarter for Cole Sullivan, who might be thrust into some important playing time in the first half of the Oklahoma game.
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) August 31, 2025
Michigan will be without star linebacker Jaishawn Barham for the first half of next week’s game vs. Oklahoma.
Was ejected for targeting during the Wolverines’ game vs. New Mexico tonight. pic.twitter.com/YuzglHmnpE
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 31, 2025
Targeting is broken in College Football
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) August 31, 2025
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