Michigan Football kicks off the 2025 campaign against New Mexico in the regular season opener on Aug. 30. Check out our early preview for the Week 1 matchup with kickoff information, keys to the game, betting odds and more:
The Michigan Wolverines are about 50 days away from the start of the 2025 campaign. With the season fast approaching, we are kicking off an early preview for all 12 of Michigan’s regular season opponents, and it only makes sense to start with the Week 1 matchup.
Kick off information
Michigan will host New Mexico in the season-opener on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. on NBC. The upcoming matchup will be the first-ever meeting between the programs. For a second straight year, the Wolverines open the season in primetime after taking down Fresno State under the lights in 2024.
Michigan players to watch
There’s no question fans are eager to see Bryce Underwood make his debut in a Michigan uniform, but there are several other players that could steal the show as well. Underwood will be accompanied by running back duo Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall , as well as wide receiver Donaven McCulley.
On the defensive side, the Wolverines shouldn’t have much trouble slowing down New Mexico. Michigan is led by defensive ends TJ Guy and Derrick Moore , linebackers Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, and defensive backs Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill. Wink Martindale’s defense allowed an average of just 19.9 points per game last season, which ranked 19th in the nation.
Sherrone Moore told me why it was so key for #Michigan to retain defensive end tandem TJ Guy and Derrick Moore.
“Huge for the experience, and from a talent and leadership standpoint. I think they will be a dynamic duo next year.”https://t.co/RslzzAuE19 pic.twitter.com/Wn5ZA0hlPG
— Charles Post (@chas_post23) March 27, 2025
New Mexico players to watch
New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne is expected to start the season after following head coach Jason Eck from Idaho. Despite missing nearly two months with an injury, Layne returned in October and led Idaho to the FCS quarterfinals. Now, he will try to find success at New Mexico.
After allowing 38 points per game and having one of the worst defenses in the country last season, the Lobos are looking to drastically improve in 2025. Most of New Mexico’s defense is new after the coaching change, but linebackers Dimitri Johnson and Randolph Kpai are key returners that could apply pressure against Michigan alongside edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby.
Betting odds
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Michigan is favored by 34.5 points against New Mexico. Meanwhile, the over/under is currently projected at 51.5 points. Michigan went 6-7 against the spread in 2024.
Keys to the game
Just like any other game, it will be important for the Wolverines to avoid turnovers on offense and limit big plays on defense. Michigan must also create easy throwing opportunities for Underwood in the early stages and find a rhythm in the running game. Defensively, the Wolverines need to focus on forcing turnovers, generating pressure, setting the edge and tackling soundly.
Michigan enters the matchup as heavy favorites for good reason, so we should see the 2025 campaign open on a positive note behind a balanced offense and a stout defense. The Wolverines have won six consecutive season-openers and nine straight games over Mountain West opponents, so those trends should continue with a win over New Mexico next month.