Where Michigan football finishes in the 2025 season’s far too early top-25 rankings

As the 2024 college football season comes to a close, eyes turn toward 2025 and the early projections for the next season. College football fans and analysts love to speculate about how teams will perform in the following year, especially after a season that ended with some high points and some disappointments. Michigan football, which has firmly cemented its place among the elite in college football under head coach Jim Harbaugh, will likely be a major part of those discussions.

The Michigan Wolverines are looking forward to building off their successful 2024 campaign, where they competed at a high level and maintained their reputation as a top program. The team’s ability to develop talent, recruit effectively, and perform in high-pressure games has earned them respect across the country. The question is: where will Michigan stand in the 2025 season’s far-too-early top-25 rankings?

Michigan’s 2024 Season Review: A Strong Foundation for 2025

Before delving into the projections for the 2025 season, it’s essential to reflect on where Michigan stands following the 2024 campaign. The Wolverines were once again a dominant force in the Big Ten, finishing with an impressive record and securing another appearance in the College Football Playoff. Michigan’s defense, led by elite players like defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, and an offense that was balanced and explosive, spearheaded the team’s success.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, a star for Michigan, has been instrumental in the team’s rise and will continue to be the leader in 2025. McCarthy’s ability to read defenses, combined with his arm strength and mobility, makes him one of the best quarterbacks in the country. The combination of McCarthy and running back Blake Corum helped create one of the most potent offenses in college football.

The defense, which featured standout players like linebacker Junior Colson and cornerback DJ Turner, was key to Michigan’s success, and with more emerging talent, the Wolverines’ defense is expected to remain one of the most formidable in the country.

In addition to their strong roster, Michigan’s program remains one of the most well-coached in the nation under Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh’s leadership, combined with his ability to recruit and develop players, positions Michigan as a strong contender for future success.

The Impact of Departures and Key Returns

Every year, teams in the top-25 rankings face significant changes as key players graduate, enter the NFL draft, or decide to transfer. For Michigan, the 2025 season will have its own set of challenges as the team looks to maintain its elite status.

J.J. McCarthy, one of the team’s standout players, is expected to return for the 2025 season, which is a major positive for the Wolverines. His leadership and skill at quarterback will keep Michigan among the favorites in the Big Ten. However, Michigan will face the loss of a few key players to the NFL draft, including Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line and Blake Corum at running back. These players have been foundational to Michigan’s success, and their departure will leave noticeable gaps.

That being said, the Wolverines’ depth and strong recruiting class are expected to mitigate these losses. Donovan Edwards, a talented running back, is poised to step into a larger role after Corum’s departure. Additionally, Michigan has recruited well, especially in the defensive backfield and the trenches, areas that should continue to be a source of strength.

Position Battles and Emerging Stars for Michigan in 2025

While Michigan’s starting lineup is largely set, the 2025 season will feature some key position battles that could have a significant impact on where the team ends up in the rankings. One of the most closely watched positions will be quarterback, where McCarthy’s performance in 2025 will determine just how far the Wolverines can go. If he continues to improve and performs at a high level, Michigan’s offense could be even more dangerous in 2025.

Another key battle will be at running back, where Donovan Edwards and incoming freshman Kaleb Brown will likely compete for the starting spot. Edwards showed flashes of brilliance in the 2024 season, and many expect him to step up in Corum’s absence. How quickly Brown can adjust to college football will also be an important factor, as Michigan will need to maintain its strong rushing attack to complement the passing game.

On defense, Junior Colson will be a key leader, but Michigan will need to replace several key players in the front seven. Freshmen and underclassmen will be given opportunities to fill those roles, and their development will be crucial for the Wolverines’ success. Additionally, the cornerback position, with players like DJ Turner departing for the NFL, will see some fresh faces. Michigan’s ability to plug in talented replacements and continue to perform at a high level will be critical.

2025’s Far Too Early Top-25 Projections for Michigan

With Michigan’s strengths, weaknesses, and off-season changes considered, where does the team stand in the early 2025 top-25 rankings?

In the far-too-early projections for the 2025 season, Michigan is expected to finish in the top 5 of the rankings. Although the loss of players like Blake Corum and Aidan Hutchinson is significant, the return of J.J. McCarthy, along with a strong recruiting class and a stable coaching staff, gives Michigan the edge over many of its competitors.

The Wolverines’ offense, led by McCarthy, is likely to remain one of the most potent in college football. Their ability to adapt and maintain a balanced attack—mixing the run game with McCarthy’s passing prowess—will keep defenses on their toes. Michigan’s defense, though undergoing some changes, will remain a tough unit to crack. The Wolverines will continue to be strong in the trenches, with their ability to generate pressure and control the line of scrimmage.

Furthermore, Michigan’s schedule will play a significant role in their ranking. The Big Ten is still one of the premier conferences in college football, and Michigan’s biggest challenge will be competing against Ohio State, which remains a formidable rival. The Wolverines will also face challenges from teams like Penn State and Michigan State. Michigan’s ability to handle these in-conference games, along with key out-of-conference matchups, will ultimately determine how high they finish in the rankings.

In addition to their Big Ten slate, Michigan’s performance in high-profile games—particularly in non-conference matchups and potential playoff appearances—will also have a major impact. A deep run into the College Football Playoff is certainly within reach, and if they perform well in those crucial games, they could be in the mix for the top spot.

Michigan’s Role in the National Title Race

The Wolverines’ status in the top-5 of early projections suggests that they will again be in the conversation for a College Football Playoff berth. While teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State are always in the mix, Michigan’s well-rounded team and the return of a talented quarterback like McCarthy give them a legitimate shot at securing a spot in the playoff and competing for a national title.

The road to the title will undoubtedly be challenging, especially with teams like Georgia, who will remain the favorites due to their dominance in recent seasons. However, Michigan’s potential to win big games in a competitive Big Ten and their continued development under Harbaugh make them a serious contender.