The 2025 Michigan Football roster shares some similarities to the 2021 Wolverines. Could the same amount of success ensue?
The 2021 Michigan Wolverines shattered a glass ceiling for many fans. Aidan Hutchinson and company defeated Ohio State for the first time in a decade, won the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis for the first time, and made the four-team College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time in program history.
In 2025, there are quite a few similarities to be had to the 2021 team. Let’s examine the similarities between the rosters of these two teams.
A veteran QB projects to lead, but will be questioned
In 2021, Cade McNamara was the presumed starter as a junior with a bit of experience. Having started the back half of the 2020 season, McNamara was assumed to be the starter, despite his relatively low-profile recruitment out of high school.
McNamara threw for 2,576 yards (64.2 completion percentage) with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. However, fans never fully bought into him despite the fact he led Michigan to a win over Ohio State and a Big Ten championship. McNamara was viewed as nothing more than a game-manager.
This offseason, Michigan brought in Mikey Keene from Fresno State to be the veteran presence in the quarterback room. The general consensus from fans so far is they’re underwhelmed by the addition. Sadly, he missed spring practice with an injury so he wasn’t able to win fans over. However, his experience still gives him a very good shot to start in the fall.
A five-star backup QB is the fan favorite
There are differences, no doubt, but the comparisons between J.J. McCarthy and Bryce Underwood are uncanny. McCarthy was a five-star prospect, and fans clamored for him despite the fact he was pretty raw. McCarthy had the ability to run, a skill McNamara didn’t have, but was eased into his college career.
Similarly, Underwood comes to Ann Arbor with all the hype in the world. Whether or not he starts immediately, the Michigan faithful will want to see Underwood take every snap. He is a true dual-threat who can punish you with both his arm and his legs — if the coaching staff allows.
A dynamic RB duo figures to lead the offense
Hassan Haskins and his five touchdowns led Michigan to victory over Ohio State, but Blake Corum as the lightning to Haskins’ thunder provided Michigan with the best one-two punch at the position in Harbaugh’s tenure. The ability to split carries helped both stay fresh well into the late stages of the season.
In 2025, Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall figure to be an equally explosive duo in the backfield. While they may not have the “thunder and lightning” moniker that Haskins and Corum had, I would expect Haynes and Marshall to split carries at roughly the same percentage. If they can replicate a similar amount of success, the Michigan offense may be in business this fall.
Star power abounds on the DL
Aidan Hutchinson will always be synonymous with the 2021 team, and deservedly so. He had one of the best seasons by an individual in Michigan history. However, David Ojabo, Mazi Smith and Chris Hinton weren’t slouches either. The defensive line as a whole was the strength of the team.
The same is expected to be true in 2025. Rayshaun Benny could be the most talented player on the roster, and he’ll have talented guys behind him like Tre Williams, Damon Payne Jr. and Trey Pierce. T.J. Guy and Derrick Moore are also expected to be leaders of the team. While I don’t expect any one player to match Hutchinson’s success, there is clearly star power along the defensive front.
The kicking game is the best in the country
Jake Moody was an absolute monster in 2021, going 56-for-56 on extra points while also drilling 23-of-25 field goals with a long of 52 yards. Both misses were from 40+ yards. He was named the best kicker in the nation in 2021 and won the Lou Groza Award.
Fast forward to 2025, and Dominic Zvada figures to be in the running for the Lou Groza yet again. He was snubbed in 2024, having gone 21-of-22 on field goals with a long of 56 yards. He was an insane 7-of-7 from 50+ yards. He should be the odds-on favorite to win it in 2025, and he is a weapon Sherrone Moore won’t hesitate to use when needed this fall.