The Michigan Wolverines closed out the 2024 season with a bang, finishing 8-5 and pulling off stunning victories over top-ranked Ohio State and No. 13 Alabama in back-to-back games. Despite a challenging season plagued by injuries to key players like Colston Loveland, Will Johnson, and quarterback Jack Tuttle, Michigan’s youngest stars stepped up when it mattered most, fueling an impressive late-season surge.
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt is bullish on Michigan heading into 2025, ranking them No. 10 in his preseason projections. Klatt pointed to the Wolverines’ momentum and resilience during their strong finish as reasons for optimism.
“Michigan built as much momentum as any team in college football over the last month of the season,” Klatt said. While he acknowledged the departure of standout players like Kenneth Grant, Graham, Johnson, and Loveland, he praised the program’s culture under head coach Sherrone Moore.
“This culture at Michigan remains, and it feels like Sherrone Moore has leaned into that even more,” Klatt said. He highlighted Michigan’s impressive defensive stand against Alabama and their star quarterback Jalen Milroe in the Wolverines’ bowl victory on December 31, emphasizing the team’s ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Michigan’s offseason improvements, particularly through the transfer portal, have also caught Klatt’s attention. “They’ve been good in the portal on the defensive line… And the offense can’t be worse, folks,” Klatt remarked, referencing the Wolverines’ struggles in 2024, when they ranked 129th nationally in offensive production. “If they fix that at all, some of these losses could turn into close wins.”
With their late-season surge and key adjustments underway, Klatt believes Michigan is poised to be a top contender in 2025. The Wolverines may have been overlooked last season, but they’re a team to watch in the upcoming college football campaign.
