Michigan’s 2025 schedule bears an interesting resemblance to its predecessor. Once again, the Wolverines will host a former Big 12 and current SEC blueblood. This year, however, they’ll get the other half of the Red River Rivalry. Their own rivalry games aside, they’ll also rematch with some of last year’s Big Ten opponents: USC, Washington, and Northwestern. In 2024, those were respectively a close win, an ugly loss, and a domination. Despite the sport-wide roster turnover, those will be interesting contests to measure Michigan’s progress, especially regarding Chip Lindsey’s impact on the offense.
The maize-and-blue are set to play six home games and six away games in 2025. Transfers and starting lineups have yet to be finalized, but we can still take an early look at the team’s next batch of opponents.
An Early Look At Michigan’s 2025 Schedule
Game 1: New Mexico
2024 Record: 5-7 (3-4 in Mountain West)
Bronco Mendenhall gave it one go-around in Albuquerque before bolting town for Utah State. Former Idaho head coach Jason Eck takes over in his place. He brings quarterback Jack Layne, who will presumably take over after last year’s starter, Devon Dampier, transferred to Utah. With over 30 players in the transfer portal and backups in short supply, it could be a rough first year for Eck.
Game 2: At Oklahoma
2024 Record: 6-7 (2-6 in SEC)
That’s a tough SEC record, but the Sooners and Wolverines can Predator Handshake Meme about their dual victories over Alabama. Still, there will be some pressure on Brent Venables, especially after a brutal year on offense. Enter a pair of former Wazzu Cougars in quarterback John Mateer and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle. Defensive tackle Gracen Halton had five sacks last year and will be a major problem for the Wolverine offensive line. That will become even more crucial if Michigan whiffs on interior reinforcements. They’re in pursuit of former Golden Domers Pat Coogan and Rocco Spindler, both of whom recently entered the portal.
All told, much like Michigan’s 2024 matchup with Texas, this will be a key early-season measuring stick for both teams. If both are able to make even modest improvements on offense and maintain their stellar defense, it should be a tight one. It’s also worth noting that Sherrone Moore played offensive line at Oklahoma under Bob Stoops. He doesn’t lack fire in the belly, but he might have a little extra against his alma mater.
Game 3: Central Michigan
2024 Record: 4-8 (2-6 in MAC)
Fare thee well, Jim McElwain. The Chips’ former head man leaves after six years and a 33-36 overall record. Matt Drinkall takes over in Mount Pleasant after six years in various offensive roles at Army. While Drinkall won’t necessarily need to install Army’s flexbone triple-option offense at CMU, he’ll still likely build a physical, run-focused operation. New offensive coordinator Jim Chapin ran a similarly efficient rushing attack at Eastern Washington. All of that to say, keep an eye out for the CMU offense…in a year or two. For now, they’ll still be a mid- to low-level MAC team in Year One of a rebuild.
Mian Photo: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Game 4: At Nebraska
2024 Record: 7-6 (3-6 in Big Ten)
A Bowl win in Lincoln! There’ve been whispers of such a thing, but those were myths of a bygone era…
In all seriousness, it was a step forward for Matt Rhule and the Huskers. Though their conference record remained 3-6 year over year, they were able to progress from 5-7 to 7-5 and have a big-time piece under center in Dylan Raiola. New receiver Dane Key comes to town by way of Kentucky to give Raiola a big new target. They’ll need to replace a lot of production on defense, especially along the line. Rhule’s college teams have historically had a ‘year 3 leap,’ and their 2025 schedule looks like it might deliver on that promise. They’ll be looking to make a statement as Big Ten play opens against the Wolverines.
Game 5: Wisconsin
2024 Record: 5-7 (3-6 in Big Ten)
For as winnable as Nebraska’s schedule looks, Wisconsin’s could be an ordeal. They play Alabama in week three, then Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota. Your mileage may vary on some of those, but those are all opponents who could be good, great, or lethal. The offense last year was downright bad, and the defense was middling. There’s hope in the form of new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, but it’ll be an uphill battle for Luke Fickell and the Badgers.
Game 6: At USC
2024 Record: 7-6 (4-5 in Big Ten)
At least Lincoln Riley and Company won’t have to face Kalel Mullings again. Quarterback Miller Moss bolted for Louisville, and most of the wide receivers transferred as well. Even with all the roster turnover, Riley’s offense is a good bet to bounce back after a down year. D’Anton Lynn’s defense held their own until it was dismantled by Notre Dame to end the regular season. Riley’s seat looks hot this year, and he’ll need to help quarterback Jayden Maiava with ball security. Maiava put up big numbers in the bowl game against Texas A&M but also threw three picks. If he’s letting it rip a little too much, Riley’s timeline in Los Angeles could take a hit.
We’ll pause there and look through the season’s back half next time!
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