Sherrone Moore and Michigan Wolverines spring practice intel confirming major changes for 2025 college football season
The Michigan Wolverines were always going to come back down to earth a bit following a national championship season, but 2024 certainly didn't go exactly as planned in year one of the Sherrone Moore era.The offense ranked outside the Top 100 in most categories. The team lost four out of five games in the middle […]
The Michigan Wolverines were always going to come back down to earth a bit following a national championship season, but 2024 certainly didn't go exactly as planned in year one of the Sherrone Moore era.
The offense ranked outside the Top 100 in most categories. The team lost four out of five games in the middle of the season. Things looked like they were spiraling. However, Sherrone Moore and company got things under control down the stretch, leaned into their strengths, and finished 8-5 with a bowl victory over Alabama.
Heading into 2025 it's going to be more of the same when it comes to leaning into strengths, but based on everything we're learning from spring practices there are going to be some major changes that should hopefully help Michigan take critical next steps towards getting back to the College Football Playoff. What are those likely changes? Let's dive in.
Bryce Underwood may and should start immediately at QB
Buzz has been constantly building surrounding five star quarterback Bryce Underwood for years now, but ever since he became the $10 million dollar man expectations have gone sky high. And for good reason. Bryce Underwood holds Michigan state high school football records for passing and total touchdowns. He's a state champion. He's 6'4", built like Cam Newton-lite. The list goes on.
It's clear that Underwood has all the necessary traits and ability to take Michigan to the next level. And there's absolutely no way he would be any worse than what Michigan just trotted out onto the field at quarterback last year. The longest pass completed was 36 yards. The quarterbacks ranked outside the Top 120 in EPA per drop back and success rates. It was egregious. And now the hype has reached an all-time high in spring for Underwood to be the ultimate catalyst for change.
The transfer "bridge" quarterback Mikey Keene hasn't been practicing as he's been dealing with an injury. Jadyn Davis (the other QB practicing) was a high pedigree QB recruit, but he's much smaller with far lesser arm talent. EJ Holland of On3Sports mentioned the team may look to add another quarterback via the spring Transfer Portal, but the team won't be able to pull anyone who could start at this point.
It's clear the Bryce Underwood era is about to begin, and much earlier than many might believe given how much he's impressed in spring practices already and the ceiling he brings with him. If he hits, Michigan's passing offense could completely flip in one year.
Michigan defense looks to be great again
While the offensive firepower at quarterback is certainly going to change, the defense looks like it's going to be great again. This may feel like more of the same, but the defense lost a ton of talent to the NFL Draft this spring.
Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart are all gone. Not to mention Will Johnson at cornerback.
Yes, the defensive front may have lost plenty of talent and experience. However, they still return star edge rushers Derrick Moore and TJ Guy, and defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny who look to be the three anchors up front. Then the big-time Alabama transfer Damon Payne Jr. will be the fourth key player up front.
On top of those four strong talents (most of which are new starters), Jaishawn Barham will reportedly be getting some run as an edge rusher as well as being the team's primary off-ball linebacker. His size, speed, and athleticism make him an interesting chess piece this year who could be deployed similarly to Jihaad Campbell of Alabama or Jalon Walker of Georgia. The versatility in Barham's role will keep offenses guessing.
So yes, the defense should look about the same perhaps in the quality of play, but the personnel and creativity stemming from a couple players in new spots should inject some fresh looks and options into an already strong unit.
Michigan receiving weapons the lone question mark
The wide receiver group may be the one area on the team with major questions still remaining. The tight end receiving threats are clear. Hogan Hansen and Marlin Klein have been stepping up as the team's prototype in-line tight ends. Max Bredeson is still the creative fullback tight end crossover talent. But what about wide receiver?
Donoven McCulley should be able to step up into a significant role as a new transfer outside wide receiver. Fred Moore and Semaj Morgan are reportedly looking to step up but they're unproven. Anthony Simpson caught a bunch of balls two years ago for a lesser UMass team. There just doesn't look like there are any game breakers on the roster.
Several experts closest to the program believe Michigan could still look to add talent via the spring Transfer Portal. And that makes sense given how hard Sherrone Moore and his staff have been pushing to add talent in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Nearly 50 wide receivers have offers from Michigan for 2026 alone (and rising).
Bryce Underwood is going to need some weapons to throw to this year if he wants to hit the ground running. Most of the roster looks like it's already working itself out. The wide receiver position may have some major room for improvement, and could get some help here soon if this spring's activity is any indication.
Michigan Wolverines have massive opportunity as they host extremely important recruiting visits amid spring practices
The Michigan Wolverines and head coach Sherrone Moore are positioning themselves well this spring to have a strong summer on the recruiting trail. Moore and his staff continue to find themselves making it into the Top 4, 5, or 6 options for elite recruits all over the nation and now they're hosting perhaps their most […]
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