Michigan Wolverines freshman phenom Bryce Underwood isn't the only young breakout star Sherrone Moore may lean on in 2025
One thing is certain. The 2025 Michigan Wolverines football team is going to look a lot different than last season.The passing offense could not get any worse than it was in 2024. Five star quarterback Bryce Underwood should make sure of that–whether that's right away in Week 1, or a few weeks down the road.That's […]
One thing is certain. The 2025 Michigan Wolverines football team is going to look a lot different than last season.
The passing offense could not get any worse than it was in 2024. Five star quarterback Bryce Underwood should make sure of that–whether that's right away in Week 1, or a few weeks down the road.
That's the good news. The bad news is that the team will be having to replace some solid NFL talent at several positions. However, the other good news is that Michigan has plenty of young talent to step up, including some shockingly impressive true freshmen who are already turning heads.
Who are these young potential breakout stars to watch for Michigan fans this year? Let's take a look at some of the stars-in-the-making Sherrone Moore has brought in to make an early impact.
Bryce Underwood, Five Star QB
The first and most obvious breakout true freshman is one every single Michigan fan is already anointing as king of Ann Arbor. Five star quarterback Bryce Underwood has the entire fan base sitting on their couches in the middle of summer just watching his highlights looking forward to a bright future.
The number one player in the nation. Gatorade Player of the Year. Nearly 80 passing touchdowns in his final two high school seasons with plenty of rushing upside. Underwood is just an alien of an athlete. The only question is when he'll actually make his debut.
Based on how spring went, where transfer quarterback Mikey Keene's health has been, and what most experts closest to the team believe, the Bryce Underwood era likely begins from day one this fall. Let's just hope he and the weapons around him are ready enough to find success without tight end Colston Loveland (now in the NFL) making everything happen.
Andrew Babalola, Five Star OT
The Michigan offensive line was rather rough last season, especially at the right tackle spot where the team gave up a third of their pressures in 2024. Five star Andrew Babalola may not earn the starting right tackle role in fall camp ahead of Week 1, but if there are any significant issues like last season fans can expect to see Babalola start to get sprinkled in.
Babalola is already built like a starting NFL tackle at 6'6", more than 300 pounds with excellent length and strength. Michigan brought in multiple potential offensive linemen who could contribute early (top 50 recruit Ty Haywood could too), but Babalola is certainly the one most likely to break out on the offensive line early and often.
Shamari Earls, Four Star CB
The Michigan secondary gave up far too many explosive plays a year ago and now find themselves lacking significant depth among defensive backs. Jyaire Hill should be the team's CB1, but even he was spotty last year. Zeke Berry was a capital "P" problem with his inconsistency at times. Michigan is certainly going to be looking for other options and depth at cornerback this year.
Shamari Earls is built to play right away with great size and a long frame to win with physicality as a true freshman. Earls brings legit track speed too (10.8 seconds in the 100 meters). Even if his mechanics could use some refining, Earls' athleticism should help him keep up with the best in the Big Ten. Earls should see some rotational snaps right away. Don't be surprised if his role grows immensely by midseason.
Jamar Browder, Three Star WR
There are some significant questions about the offensive weapons Bryce Underwood will be throwing the ball to when he takes the helm for Michigan this season. Fred Moore and Semaj Morgan should have some significant roles again. Transfer Anthony Simpson should bring some shifty ability out of the slot once he gets settled in. Tall, lanky transfer Donaven McCulley figures to be the X wide receiver, but he's only ever had one halfway productive season (back in 2023).
Jamar Browder already flashed some brilliance this spring and he has the size to be an instant difference maker on the perimeter. It's unlikely he's asked to start right away this season, but he might be too good to keep off the field. His 6'4", 205-pound frame with underrated flexibility and burst should get him on the field in some kind of role this season. His fellow freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh could also potentially see some snaps given his pedigree if other weapons fall short of expectations, but Browder looks like the best bet in year one.
We'll be back with more Michigan Wolverines coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to see the unbelievable skill set that Bryce Underwood brings to the table for Michigan just check out some of his highlights from last season.
