We are SO back, ladies and gentlemen! Week 1 is upon us, and the Michigan Wolverines will begin the season on Saturday night at the Big House against New Mexico. As is tradition, Maize n Brew staff members gathered ‘round the table to
A lot has happened this offseason, from transfer portal additions to the “hammer” not dropping, despite what rival fans thought would happen. What has been the biggest offseason storyline for the Michigan Wolverines?
Von: The NCAA confirming it doesn’t have any real power
is the biggest offseason storyline by a landslide. Claiming Michigan tried to gain a substantial advantage, all while NOT finding any evidence of anyone of significance knowing about Stalions’ scheme and then saying its unknowable how much of an advantage was actually gained is truly hilarious — you can’t make this stuff up. All the rival fans that tried to convince their followers online that Michigan was going to be given the hammer must be living a real life nightmare right now because they have to go back to talking about their loser of a program.
Dan: I’ll focus mine on the future: Bryce Underwood. Everyone in college football is talking about what he could mean to Michigan after the team had a winning record without a viable quarterback option last year. His arrival is as significant as any in the history of the program. The hype is most certainly there, can he match it?
Matt: The enrollment of Bryce Underwood is the main story. Michigan has never had a prospect quite like this. How the program handles Underwood and how well he adjusts to the college game will likely be the story for the next 3+ years.
Nick: Bryce Underwood joining the program was obviously the biggest development, but a sneaky big one was the hire of Chip Lindsey as well. Last year, all the ingredients were there for Michigan to not be good offensively from a personnel standpoint, and having an inexperienced coordinator in Kirk Campbell didn’t really help matters. Now, the Wolverines have an offensive coordinator that not only has experience, but has had success at different places. He’s also shown to be able to build offenses that succeed in different ways, like primarily through the ground game at Auburn and through the air at North Carolina. Him being in Ann Arbor gives me confidence Michigan will have an offense that’s actually catered to its strengths and should be better, dare I say much better, than last year.
Jake: Putting the scandal to rest has definitely been the biggest storyline of the offseason. Whether you agree with the punishment or think it is a slap on the wrist, the NCAA made it known it did not want to take the matter further than it already has gone, and the entire engine decided to move on. With a completely new team and a mostly different coaching staff from that era, it will be exciting to see what this group can do.
Andrew: The song has been the same since his commitment. It’s the saga of Bryce Underwood building and building and culminating in his official designation as QB1 on Monday. As the fourth true freshman to ever start for Michigan, Underwood has already made history before he even steps onto the field.
Kellen: There’s an obvious answer that ties to the next question on this list, so I’ll zag and say the revitalization of the wide receiver position. With Underwood under center, Michigan’s upside at quarterback hasn’t been this high in over a decade, and Donaven McCulley, donning the legendary No. 1, has the potential to be a legit No.1 receiver who can open up Michigan’s offense into the 21st century.
Charles: The biggest offseason storyline undoubtedly has to be the NCAA penalties and a resolution to this scandal. It was one of the most talked about scandals in recent college football memory and won’t be forgotten about any time soon. With that said, the portal additions of Justice Haynes and Tre Williams will have a much bigger impact on how this season actually plays out.
Grace: I don’t want to go with the quarterback battle, and I was a little over the NCAA stuff. It’s nice to have some conclusion, even if Michigan will appeal. So for me, the biggest storyline of the offseason was the recruiting side of things. Not only was Michigan able to pick up some big names, the young coaches who are known for their recruiting continued to shine this offseason!
Bryce Underwood is set to be the first true freshman QB to start at Michigan since Tate Forcier in 2009. What are your expectations for Underwood his first year in college?
Von: My expectations are decently high, but not too high. Look — at the end of the day, he is an 18-year-old kid that is going to be playing at the college level for the first time. To expect him to be J.J. McCarthy or Chad Henne right away would be silly, and I certainly hope some fans don’t go crazy the first time he turns the ball over or takes a sack that he could have avoided.
The two things I want to see most are 1) Limit mistakes/turnovers, and 2) Growth throughout the season. If Underwood can minimize the mistakes that the average freshman would make, while continuously growing and taking his game a step further with each start, I think there’s a legit chance he could be Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten and set himself up for an even bigger sophomore year.
Dan: I wrote an article in November when Underwood flipped comparing him to other No. 1 overall QB recruits and how they performed. Those players are Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence and Matt Barkley. Those five went 117-26 as starters in college, Lawrence won 2 national championships, and Young won the Heisman. More impressively, Barkley had half of those losses (13). So the answer: a whole lot of winning is my expectation. People have said Underwood is better than all of the guys above as a true freshman. A 10-2 record should be a minimum expectation for Underwood and this team in 2025.
Matt: My expectations are somewhat muted. Underwood is incredibly talented and should lead Michigan to greatness, but playing quarterback as a true freshman is incredibly difficult. I expect him to flash some “WOW” moments, while also throwing more than a few frustrating interceptions. How Michigan uses Underwood in the running game is what I’m most fascinated about. He’s clearly got the build and talent to do so, but Sherrone Moore has historically been averse to running the QB.
Nick: All I’m asking for out of Underwood is an upward trajectory throughout the year. Even if he’s not putting up spectacular numbers, just be better in Week 7 than you were in Week 1 and be better in Week 13 than you were in Week 7. I won’t put any statistical expectations on his shoulders, but I expect him to at least make the offense better than it was a year ago, which shouldn’t be that difficult with his natural talent.
Jake: I think Underwood will show everyone he is ready to be a starting quarterback in college, but I would temper expectations and prepare for growing pains. There is no doubt he possesses the talent and the body type to thrive at the highest level, but processing time and pin-point accuracy come with time. Just as Dylan Raiola and DJ Lagway had their ups and downs last season, it may take Underwood some time to get in the swing of things. That said, once it clicks, it will be off to the races.
Andrew: Underwood does not have to worry about winning games, simply not losing them. An outstanding true freshman season would resemble something north of a 62 completion percentage for 2,500 yards, 17 touchdowns, six interceptions, and another 200+ on the ground with three touchdowns. An elevated game manager who can fill in the cracks needed between Michigan’s run game and defense.
Kellen: Being the top ranked recruit in the country comes with high expectations, but I expect Underwood to come in and make immediate impact. Just last season, Nico Iamaleava (who did have a redshirt year) proved that a freshman quarterback can make the College Football Playoff with a good team around him. True freshman in DJ Lagway and Dylan Raiola also made an impact for their respective teams, despite Florida and Nebraska’s team success being relatively disappointing. Yes, there will be some growing pains, but I’m expecting Underwood to be one of the top Big Ten quarterbacks almost immediately. He has the talent, it’s just a matter of consistency at this point.
Charles: I fully expect him to eventually be a great player, but I’m predicting some growing pains early in the season. As his freshman year progresses, he should continue to get acclimated to the college game and become one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten.
Grace: I think higher than ever for a true freshman. He’ll make some mistakes, to be sure, but he’s still expected to help the offense win some of those games where the small things matter. He has enough talent to help him get over the learning curve, it should be fun to watch.
With 1 answer for offense and 1 for defense — and other than Underwood — which Wolverines are you most looking forward to watching this year?
Von: I am really excited to see right tackle Andrew Sprague on offense and defensive back TJ Metcalf on defense this year. Sprague had a good game against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and everything coming out of camp indicates he’s been one of the best overall offensive linemen this offseason. Meanwhile, Metcalf has received a ton of hype, with Sherrone Moore saying he could be one of the best players in the Big Ten this year. Metcalf is a versatile player that can seemingly line up anywhere in the secondary, so I would expect to see him on the field in a couple different spots this season.
Dan: Offense: Donaven McCulley. The only answer is Underwood, but I said my peace. He has to throw the ball to someone, and McCulley is very likely going to be that guy. Coaches have been raving about him, he’s wearing the No. 1 jersey, this is the guy to watch for a potentially massive season in Ann Arbor.
Defense: Jaishawn Barham. Year 2 under Wink, unbelievable God-given abilities. He’s probably the most physically pro-ready player on this defense and is extremely versatile. I expect him to be all over the field and be a difference-maker.
Matt: Andrew Sprague and Derrick Moore. Sprague could be the next great tackle at Michigan and is a presumed starter as a redshirt freshman. I want to see him take the next step and start to dominate. As for Moore, he’s always been highly touted but outshined by other stars. Now the main attraction, I can’t wait to watch him wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
Nick: Offensively, I’m looking forward to seeing what Donaven McCulley brings to the table. We’ve heard some positive things about him this offseason and brings something to Michigan’s receiver room it hasn’t had the last few years. Michigan hasn’t had a big-bodied jump-all threat like him since Nico Collins. There’s a bit of concern he hasn’t really been productive since 2023, but the change of scenery could help him.
Defensively, I’m all in on the T.J. Guy breakout, partially because he’s wearing the No. 4 jersey now, but largely because of his talent. He was productive last year with his limited sample size and I won’t rule out a David Ojabo-like ascension as he gets the bulk of the pass-rush snaps. His speed around the edge will be a joy to watch.
Jake: Offense: Justice Haynes was highly successful at Alabama in a split backfield, and that was when he was the newbie. As the established veteran in the room with Jordan Marshall, Haynes is poised for a breakout campaign.
Defense: Derrick Moore was making the most of every situation at the end of last season, racking up two sacks and a fumble recovery against Alabama. As the leader of the defensive line group, his experience and hunger to get better could be the recipe for being the best player on the team by the end of the season.
Andrew: Jordan Marshall and Ernest Hausmann. Please rewatch Marshall’s performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl before Saturday’s game — there is something special about this kid. And Hausmann could be poised for an All-American season as one half of the nation’s best linebacker duo.
Kellen: Since I just gushed about Underwood, I’ll say Jordan Marshall on offense, coming off his 100-yard performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl. On defense, I’ll say Rayshaun Benny, as I expect him to be the next great interior defensive lineman at Michigan.
Charles: I’m most looking forward to watching Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall lead the Michigan backfield, and Derrick Moore wreak havoc by create pressure off the edge.
Grace: Brandyn Hillman on defense and Semaj Morgan on offense. I can’t wait to see how Hillman built on his growth at the end of last season, and I really want to see how Chip Lindsey helps get Morgan the ball in some creative ways.
Give us a bold prediction or two for Saturday’s game.
Von: Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall will both tally 100+ rushing yards and at least one touchdown.
Dan: Michigan gets 5+ sacks and the team rushes for more than 300 yards.
Matt: Michigan’s offense will still be very run-heavy, causing angst among the fanbase that Chip Lindsey’s new offense won’t actually include a passing game. However, he really just wants to protect Bryce Underwood and keep him healthy.
Nick: I think we get a Jo’Ziah Edmond interception. He was my second choice for the previous question about which defensive player I’m looking forward to seeing most. He’s been another name generating some buzz in fall camp, reportedly with two pick-sixes. Why not carry that momentum into game week and get an early turnover for the defense?
Jake: Both Michigan running backs rush for more than 100 yards and score a touchdown.
Andrew: New Mexico doesn’t cross Michigan’s 40.
Kellen: All three units (offense, defense, special teams) will score at least one touchdown.
Charles: After not having any 40+ yard pass plays last season, I think the Wolverines will have at least one 50-yard passing touchdown in this game.
Grace: A wide receiver scores Michigan’s first touchdown of the season.
What will be the final score and why?
Von: Michigan 45, New Mexico 7. The Wolverines will give up a garbage time touchdown late in the game, but will otherwise pitch a shutout to start the season strong.
Dan: Michigan wins, 38-3. The Wolverines dominate in the trenches and New Mexico struggles to get anything going with a nearly brand new starting offensive line. It’s a game that is never in doubt from start to finish.
Matt: Michigan 45, New Mexico 7. While all the focus is obviously on Michigan, if you take a peek at the opponent, you’ll see that this is a very bad New Mexico team. They have very little continuity and just not much talent. Michigan’s talent should overwhelm the Lobos across the board.
Nick: Michigan came out kind of sluggish in the season opener last year, but I think the Wolverines will come out more loose this year without as many expectations and the weight of a title defense on their shoulders, leading to a more lopsided score. Give me Michigan winning by a 45-7 final score.
Jake: 30-10, Michigan. The Wolverines should beat New Mexico with ease, but it will take some time for the offense to click in the way where Michigan will put up 40 points on its opponents. Underwood may not be asked to do too much and settle into the offense, so the Wolverines should establish the offensive possession time by running the football efficiently and throwing the ball when necessary. It will be a classic Michigan game, and the Maize and Blue should come away with an easy victory without having to empty the playbook.
Andrew: 42-0, Michigan. New Mexico is a terrible defensive team in the midst of a rebuild and will be overwhelmed at every position.
Kellen: Michigan wins, 42-10. It may be close at first, but Michigan has the talent to pull away quickly from what should be a pretty mediocre New Mexico team.
Charles: Michigan wins, 40-7.
Grace: 31-7, Michigan. The offense makes a mistake, giving New Mexico a short field to set up its one touchdown, but it’s all Wolverines otherwise. The defense gets a score, too.
