The excitement is palpable as the Michigan football season kicks off along with the release of the first official gameday availability report. Notably, fifth-year safety and second-year captain, Rod Moore, won't be suiting up as he continues his recovery from an ACL tear suffered in the spring of 2024. Despite trending positively and being at 85% health in late July, Moore remains cautious about his return time, prioritizing full recovery before hitting the field. With a potential return slated for the Week 2 matchup at Oklahoma, Moore's absence poses a significant loss for the Wolverines.
Joining Moore on the sidelines are key players like quarterback Davis Warren, running backs John Volker and Bryson Kuzdzal, linebacker Jaydon Hood, and freshman tackle Andrew Babalola, who is confirmed to be out for the season following knee surgery. The absence of senior defensive tackle Ike Iwunnah further shrinks U-M's planned rotation on the interior line, further complicating the team's defensive setup.
Looking at the quarterback situation, Mikey Keene, a graduate transfer from Fresno State, is listed as questionable, leaving the Wolverines relying on options like Jake Garcia and Jadyn Davis to support true freshman Bryce Underwood. The uncertainty around Keene's availability creates an intriguing narrative, given his experience and anticipated role within the team.
Jaden Mangham, an All-Big Ten honorable mention safety, is another notable player listed as questionable. LaMar Morgan, the defensive backs coach, has highlighted Mangham as a rising talent to watch this season, adding to the anticipation surrounding his potential impact on the team. Supporting the defensive secondary, Tevis Metcalf, a transfer from Arkansas, joins the questionable list, further raising concerns about the team's defensive depth.
As the Wolverines gear up for their season opener against New Mexico, the focus shifts to prized quarterback recruit, Bryce Underwood, making his debut in a highly anticipated matchup. Facing a revamped Lobos team under new coach Jason Eck, Michigan enters the game as a heavy favorite, emphasizing the contrasting states of the two programs.
While the Wolverines are expected to dominate, questions linger around the offensive performance, especially with a freshman quarterback at the helm. The prospect of a high-scoring game is tempered by the likelihood of Michigan's strong defense limiting the Lobos' offensive production, setting the stage for a potentially lopsided outcome.
In the realm of predictions and betting, the odds heavily favor Michigan, with most sportsbooks reflecting the vast talent gap between the two teams. While an upset is not entirely out of the realm of possibility in college football, the odds heavily tilt in favor of the Wolverines, supported by their superior roster and recent successes.
With various key players sidelined and others listed as questionable, Michigan's depth and adaptability will be put to the test in their season opener. However, the Wolverines' defensive prowess and overall talent level position them favorably against a rebuilding New Mexico team, pointing towards a solid start to their 2025 campaign as they set their sights on higher challenges ahead in the season.