Michigan Wolverines Football: Phil Steele 2025 Forecast

Following an up-and-down first year under Sherrone Moore, Michigan will look to take a step forward in 2025. With some notable additions and consistency on the offensive line, the Wolverines will look to return to the consistency they had in the final years of the Jim Harbaugh era.

Phil Steele projects a big year could be in the card for Michigan in 2025. With an experience offensive line, not to mention a new quarterback in Bryce Underwood and new running back Justice Haynes coming in, the Wolverines could make some noise in the Big Ten this year.

Michigan went 8-5 last season, capped by a bowl victory over Alabama. That gave the Wolverines momentum, and they struck gold by landing Underwood – the top-rated quarterback from the 2025 cycle. With the roster in place, Steele projects a contender in Ann Arbor.

Offense

On offense, Bryce Underwood is the most notable addition as the headliner of Michigan’s freshman class, and landed Justice Haynes arrives as the No. 4-ranked running back in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. Phil Steele also pointed out the returning offensive line production. As a result, his computer projects more than 362 yards per game and nearly 31 points on average.

“In 2022, my computer called for 40.8 ppg and 443 ypg and they had 40.4 ppg and 459 ypg!” Steele wrote. “In ’23 they had a veteran unit with 8 starters back and my computer called for 41.1 ppg, but they came up short at 38 ppg in the regular season. Last year, they lost all five starting OL’s, QB, top RB and 3 of the top 4 receivers. My computer called for a DD drop in the ppg but then went even further to 22 ppg and 286 ypg. This year, with a veteran OLine and improved QB and WR’s, my computer is calling for 362.5 ypg and 30.8 ppg.”

Defense

The Michigan defense, still led by coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, notably lost Mason Graham and Will Johnson to the NFL Draft. But the front seven – with transfers coming in – is looking to be a force again. As a result, Phil Steele projects the Wolverines to stay strong on that side of the ball. He pointed out last year’s numbers as they averaged 19.9 points and 307 yards allowed per game.

“In 2023, they lost #1, #2 and #5 DC’s. My computer called for them to allow 261 ypg and they gave up 247 ypg,” Steele wrote. “Last year they lost 5 NFL DC’s (#2, #2, #3, #7, #7) but my computer called for them to allow just 19.3 ppg and 294 ypg and they hit those umbers on the head with 19.9 ppg and 307 ypg! This year, they again have a dominant front 7 and remain one of the nations best.”

Phil Steele’s 2025 Michigan forecast

Between the additions on offense and defense, Phil Steele expects Michigan to be a team to watch in the Big Ten this year. He predicted the record would improve from a season ago and the Wolverines would be able to contend in a crowded conference.

“Last year, they were #117 on the Exp Chart, had 3 Net Close wins, had -88 All Conf Pts and face Texas and Oregon early,” Steele wrote. “Michigan was 5-5 but buried N’Western, then upset Ohio St and Alabama as DD dogs so 8-5 did not hurt as bad as it could have. This year they ‘only’ lose 8 NFL DC’s, so they will have an improved record and are back to being a Big Ten title contender.”