VOL. 2: Michigan Football: Today and Tomorrow

The expectations for Michigan’s 2025-2026 football season varied significantly amongst the humongous fanbase. Many fans were intrigued by the defense's strong showing at the end of the last season, hoping this play would continue into this season. Others were less optimistic, believing that the lack of experience across the roster would lead to a mediocre season. 

Through 11 weeks, both the optimistic and skeptical fans are right: the team is in a good spot, but not a great spot. This article will explore the development of the offensive roster, as well as the outlook heading into November and beyond.

As the success of most teams lies with the play of the quarterback, it feels appropriate to start with the play of five-star, No. 1player in the country(247Sports,) Bryce Underwood. Underwood is an 18-year-old starting freshman quarterback at one of the premier universities in college football. His expectations coming into the season were extremely high due to his rumored NIL evaluation of $12 million (On3.)

Underwood is in a unique position due to the nature of the Wolverines’ scheme. Michigan runs the football about as much as any team in the nation, meaning Underwood rarely throws the ball 30 plus times per game like many other quarterbacks across the country. Partially due to this scheme, Underwood’s statistical production will not blow anyone away. In fact, his stats often look fairly poor, especially in recent weeks. 

However, Underwood has shown an ability to locate blitzes, identify coverages, and thus choose the protections and plays that allow the offense the best chance to succeed. This is a skill that is challenging for veteran quarterbacks, so for Underwood to succeed here is crucial moving forward.  As the season progresses for Underwood, coaches and fans will look for him to become a more consistent and accurate passer, particularly on check downs and “easy” throws. His overall play indicates he will be a future star, but, for now, Underwood has played at a “average starter” level to begin his career. 

While Underwood’s play is the main focus of the fans and the media, there are multiple units on the Wolverines’ team that are notable. Michigan’s anchor has and continues to be the offensive line. This unit came into the year with immense pressure after a very underwhelming season the year prior. Wolverines offensive line coach, Grant Newsome, spoke on the development of the group during training camp and spoke very highly of the guys up front.

 Evan Link, a red-shirt sophomore, went down with a brutal knee injury mid-season, forcing Blake Frazier to step in at left tackle. Frazier, a true sophomore, has been stellar, especially in the run game. His pass protection leaves a bit to be desired, but he continues to grow in each facet of the game every week. The rest of the group has been dominant in the run game, but, similar to Frazier, have struggled in pass protection. This has led to some of Underwood’s struggles as he often needs to escape the pocket quickly. Newsome doesn’t appear to be concerned, though. 

He spoke before Michigan’s bye week and shared his optimism for the group and expressed his trust in their continuous growth. 

Meanwhile, the running back room continues to be absolutely dominant. Junior running back Justice Haynes, has performed arguably as the most dominant running back in the nation. When healthy, he can run for 100+ yards against any competition. Unfortunately for Michigan fans, Haynes has dealt with multiple lower body injuries that have continued to sideline him. The team hopes to have Haynes for the Ohio State game, but nothing is guaranteed at this point. Fortunately for the offense, sophomore running back Jordan Marshall, is playing at an elite level since stepping in for Haynes. Marshall runs with force, power and anger on each and every snap. It shouldn’t come as a surprise as he was a top-100 recruit coming out of high school in 2023. Marshall just played the best game of his career, largely carrying the Wolverines to a win over Purdue. Until Haynes returns, Marshall will lead the backfield.

The wide receiver room holds the most frustrating part of the roster this year. Junior wide receiver Semaj Morgan has struggled immensely with drops and continues to see the field. Clearly the coaching staff trusts him and hopes he can get back on track. On the bright side for Michigan, freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh is an electric option for Underwood. Since starting for the Wolverines in Week 5, he has been the go-to-guy, excelling as a pass catcher and even showing signs of positive blocking. 

The other freshman wide receiverJamar Browder, hasn’t seen the field much, but his combination of speed and height should make it hard to keep him off the field next season. From his limited action, it seems Browder needs to become a more polished route runner and work on blocking. The tight end room is very frustrating for Michigan fans as there is a plethora of talent that continues to get hurt. Senior tight end Marlen Klein, the star option, has shown flashes of dominance when on the field, but he continues to face set-backs while recovering from multiple different injuries. Likewise, sophomore Hogan Hansen hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and hasn’t been very productive when seeing the field. This will be a position the Wolverines should focus on in future recruiting cycles.

This Wolverines team has the potential to make the College Football Playoffs. They control their own destiny, meaning if they win the remainder of their games, they will surely compete for a National Championship. With key players returning from injury, a timely bye week, and the growth of the young roster, Michigan will look to win their fifth straight against their rival Ohio State. As for next year, this is the youngest team in the Big Ten and it will only be adding more talent through high school and the Transfer Portal. The future is bright in Ann Arbor.