Now that the 2024 college football season is over, it’s everyone’s favorite time of the year: way-too-early szn. Today, we roundup all the national media coverage on where they currently rank Michigan heading into the 2025 season:
The 2024 college football season has come to an end, and the long, dreaded offseason is officially underway. The countdown to Michigan’s season-opening game against New Mexico is on (Saturday, Aug. 30, in case you were unaware).
Of course, there is still spring ball, the summer, and fall camp to get through — and a spring portal window — before we even get to Week 1, but that didn’t stop national media outlets from writing their way-too-early top-25 rankings well ahead of the 2025 season.
Here is where the national media is placing Michigan as of Jan. 22.
The Athletic
: #18
What they said: The Wolverines are on the upswing after finishing the season with wins over Ohio State and Alabama. The big question: Will five-star freshman Bryce Underwood immediately become QB1? He’ll have to beat out Keene, a three-year FBS starter. Haynes joins redshirt freshman Jordan Marshall, who showed promise with his 100-yard bowl game, in a talented backfield. But the defensive front could take a step back post-Mason Graham/Kenneth Grant.
Other Big Ten teams: Penn State (1), Ohio State (6), Oregon (8), Illinois (12), Indiana (20).
ESPN
: #21
What they said: The Wolverines salvaged coach Sherrone Moore’s first season by stunning rival Ohio State 13-10 and knocking off Alabama 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl. If Michigan is going to build on that momentum, it will have to get better quarterback play from freshman Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, or Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. Moore fired offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell and replaced him with Chip Lindsey, who called plays at North Carolina the previous two seasons. Lindsey will try to revamp an offense that failed to produce a 40-yard passing play in 2024. The Wolverines are losing two potential first-round picks in Graham and Grant. They added former Alabama five-star recruit Damon Payne Jr. to help fill one of the holes. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons, so it’s unclear if he’ll remain in college football in 2025.
Other Big Ten teams: Ohio State (1), Penn State (3), Oregon (6), Illinois (13), Indiana (17).
USA Today
: #18
What they said: If the home stretch of the 2024 season is to be believed, Michigan is poised to reclaim its place as one of the top teams in the Big Ten. One reason for optimism is the clear upgrade at QB, whether it’s Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene or five-star freshman Bryce Underwood under center. The Wolverines should be strong on both lines even as the defensive front loses a star in tackle Mason Graham. Michigan still needs to find playmakers at WR to raise its offense to a level needed to be Big Ten contenders.
Other Big Ten teams: Ohio State (1), Penn State (4), Oregon (11), Illinois (13), Nebraska (22).
Pro Football Focus
: #25
What they said: While Michigan’s national title defense didn’t go quite as planned in 2024, the Wolverines still finished the season off incredibly strong with victories over Ohio State and Alabama. Michigan does need to replace plenty of stars from this past year’s squad, cornerback Jyaire Hill and edge defender Derrick Moore should anchor another strong defense. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes will be the Wolverines’ top running back next season but all eyes will be on incoming freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit from the 2025 high school class.
Other Big Ten teams: Oregon (2), Ohio State (3), Penn State (4), Indiana (14).
Yahoo
: #25
What they said: How much of an upgrade can Michigan make at QB? The Wolverines signed five-star recruit Bryce Underwood and added former UCF and Fresno State QB Mikey Keene in the transfer portal. Keene seems like the favorite to start in Week 1. Alabama RB Justice Haynes also arrives and could play a key role in the backfield. The defense loses strength up front, but it was still stout against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl without Mason Graham.
Other Big Ten teams: Ohio State (2), Oregon (3), Penn State (4), Illinois (12), Indiana (16).
The Sporting News
: #18
What they said: The Wolverines picked up some momentum under Sherrone Moore with the victories against Ohio State and Alabama, and the arrival of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood improves the entire complexion of the offense. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall are the new backfield, but are there enough upgrades at receiver? Alabama transfer defensive tackle Damon Payne is another key addition to a unit that found its rhythm under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Road tests at Oklahoma and Nebraska are part of the September schedule. Can the Wolverines make it five in a row against Ohio State and get back into the CFP?
Other Big Ten teams: Ohio State (2), Penn State (4), Oregon (5), Illinois (13), Indiana (20).
Fox Sports
: #12
What they said: After signing the nation’s No. 1 QB in the 2025 class, Bryce Underwood, and former Fresno State QB Mikey Keene, Sherrone Moore has two ready options to lift the Wolverines’ most worrisome, underperforming position last season.
Other Big Ten teams: Ohio State (1), Oregon (3), Penn State (6), Indiana (11), Illinois (17), Iowa (24).
Athlon Sports
: #22
What they said: Michigan closed coach Sherrone Moore’s first season on a high note with wins over Ohio State and Alabama. The Wolverines should be able to carry that momentum into 2025, especially if five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood quickly adapts to the collegiate level under new coordinator Chip Lindsey. The one-two punch of Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall should anchor one of the Big Ten’s top backfields, and Moore added needed help at receiver through the portal. Despite losing standouts Josaiah Stewart, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson, the defense still has a strong foundation in place for ’25.
Other Big Ten teams: Ohio State (1), Penn State (4), Oregon (6), Indiana (18), Illinois (21).
Bleacher Report
: #18
Where would you place Michigan as of today? Let us know down in the comments!