Todd McShay looking for Michigan to ‘advance’ offensive strategy this season

Michigan‘s offense was its downfall last season. After the Wolverines revamped their roster this offseason and signed offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, The Ringer‘s Todd McShay is confident Michigan’s offense will be much-improved in the 2025 campaign.

“Running back Justice Haynes, Alabama [transfer], I don’t think he’s like — he’s not special, special, but he’s got a chance to be a really good player, and I think he fits that offense,” McShay said. “Chip Lindsey comes in from UNC. He’s bounced around. He’s been with some really bright minds over his career. He did some really good things at UNC and they’re kind of entrusting him to maintain the integrity of Michigan football, offensive line play, run the ball.

“But, let’s maybe not have five tight ends on the field at once. Let’s advance things a little bit. We got [Bryce] Underwood under center right coming in, who’s going to have some bumps in the road. First-year starter, but very talented.”

Haynes transferred to Michigan this offseason after spending two years at Alabama, where he 616 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Haynes will look to fill the gap left by Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards, who were the Wolverines’ two leading rushers last season.

Alas, Michigan’s rushing attack is far from its greatest concern. The Wolverines averaged the fourth-least passing yards per game last season. The teams that averaged fewer passing yards per games were all service academies.

In turn, Michigan went all in on landing quarterback Bryce Underwood, who was the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle. McShay believes Underwood will make a massive difference for Michigan.

“No matter how hard the first year stuff is for Underwood is, it’s going to be better than what they had at quarterback last year,” McShay said. “… I’m interested to see, but you got to remember, they lost Donovan Edwards and, much more importantly, Kalel Mullings… [Haynes] better be ready to step in. It’s going to be a rotation but I think Haynes has got a chance to be a big impact player.”

If Chip Lindsey’s past offenses are any indication, Michigan should expect an improved offensive system this fall. Under Lindsey’s supervision, North Carolina averaged 406.7 yards per game last season. In contrast, Michigan averaged just 286.2.

Michigan’s new-look offense will make its debut when the team squares off against New Mexico at 7:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. The game will air live on NBC.