It’s August. The countdown is on—about four weeks until the Wolverines kick off their season against New Mexico, followed quickly by a high-stakes trip to Oklahoma. The wait is nearly over.
This summer has been a whirlwind for Michigan football. The transfer portal, new player signings, and the constant buzz surrounding Bryce Underwood have defined the offseason. It’s been a summer of fresh starts, tempered by lingering clouds from the NCAA’s investigation into the Conor Stalions scandal that refuses to fade. Yet, despite the noise, a new era is dawning for the Wolverines.
The opener against the New Mexico Lobos will likely be either a dominant blowout or an unexpectedly tight contest—there’s rarely an in-between with Michigan. A loss would be shocking, albeit unlikely. In truth, the Wolverines’ season will begin in earnest the following week when they face the Oklahoma Sooners. That game will serve as a measuring stick, setting the tone for everything that follows.
Across the college football landscape, uncertainty reigns. Programs are in flux, and coaching seats are heating up. Texas, Alabama, Indiana—many face pivotal seasons. There’s no clear favorite for the national title. Ohio State fans may argue otherwise, but even they recognize the murky reality. Michigan has a golden opportunity to seize the moment and make a statement. The question is—will they rise to meet it?
The anticipation is palpable. Michigan fans are eager to see what Bryce Underwood becomes, to witness a revamped offense that doesn’t induce collective frustration, and to reassert their dominance in the Big Ten after last year’s missteps. For supporters, the games can’t come soon enough.
But the skeptics are equally eager. They question if Sherrone Moore’s suspension will disrupt the team’s rhythm. They doubt whether Michigan has found their quarterback. They wonder if the Wolverines can truly contend in a Big Ten that’s grown increasingly competitive. And, of course, there are plenty who simply want Michigan to fail, branding the program with the label of cheaters.
As summer winds down, all the talk, speculation, and debate converge on one inevitable truth: the 2025-2026 season is here, and Michigan football has everything to prove.
They call them transition years, but in college football, there’s no such thing. There are only seasons of glory—or seasons of regret.
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