Wolverine Digest

Michigan football moves up in ESPN's post-spring top-25 rankings

The Wolverines have a chance to make some noise in 2025.
Trent Knoop|
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

Prior the Michigan football's spring game, before analysts had a chance to see Bryce Underwood in action, the Wolverines were ranked as the 21st-best team in ESPN's way-too-early top-25. But after seeing the Wolverines' offense take the field, and knowing what the Michigan defense could look like in 2025, ESPN raised the Wolverines to No. 20 in the latest post-spring top-25.

Michigan is the sixth Big Team team ranked in ESPN's latest top-25.

1. Penn State
5. Ohio State
8. Oregon
11. Illinois
17. Indiana
20. Michigan

Michigan's highly anticipated quarterback battle never really materialized this spring because Keene was sidelined by a shoulder injury. Five-star prospect Bryce Underwood and Jadyn Davis got most of the work in the spring. Haynes was working as the No. 1 tailback, and McCulley provides the offense with a taller option at receiver. Many of Michigan's best defensive players are returning, but the Wolverines are going to have a difficult time replacing star defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.

Payne, Williams and Rayshaun Benny will probably rotate in the interior defensive line. The Wolverines face some uncertainty heading into the season again -- ESPN reported Monday that the university is planning to suspend coach Sherrone Moore for two games as part of self-imposed sanctions for the Connor Stalions advanced scouting scandal. He would miss games against Central Michigan and Nebraska.
ESPN

We agree that it's going to be hard to replace the likes of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. But Michigan did about as good of a job as anyone could ask for. Getting Rayshaun Benny back, and adding two former five-star veterans via the portal will give the Wolverines enough talent to still have one of the top defensive lines in college football. Assuming the Wolverines can get good QB play, the Michigan defense should help carry the Wolverines in 2025.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

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Analyst says one overreaction centers around Michigan football and 5-star QB Bryce Underwood

Pittsburgh Steelers' blockbuster trade with Dallas Cowboys could pave the way for former Michigan football star

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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