No. 14 Michigan Kicks Off Bryce Underwood Era Under the Lights vs. Lobos

The Michigan Wolverines are ready to begin a new chapter, and all eyes will be on freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood when they open their season at home Saturday night against New Mexico. Underwood is one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, ranked by most services as the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class. Originally committed to LSU, he flipped to Michigan after a lucrative NIL deal — reportedly worth $3 million per year — allowed him to stay close to home. Underwood arrives with an impressive résumé, having thrown 152 touchdown passes during a decorated career at Belleville High School just outside Detroit.

Head coach Sherrone Moore, entering his second season leading the program, officially named Underwood the starter this week, just days after his 18th birthday. Moore said the decision became clear halfway through camp, citing the young quarterback’s poise, leadership, and maturity. “Bryce took the necessary steps and really took the position,” Moore said. “Took ownership of the team, became a leader, and used his skill without trying to do too much. For a young guy, he’s very mature beyond his years.”

Bryce Underwood high school career

Michigan’s offensive outlook

Quarterback instability was a major reason Michigan stumbled to an 8-5 record last year, but the team still finished strong, stunning Ohio State and then beating Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. With Underwood now under center, the Wolverines hope to re-establish themselves as Big Ten contenders. He’ll be supported by a promising backfield, with Jordan Marshall stepping into a bigger role after flashes as a freshman, and Alabama transfer Justice Haynes adding SEC-tested talent to the rotation.

The receiving corps will be led by Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley, who will wear Michigan’s iconic No. 1 jersey — a number traditionally reserved for elite playmakers. His size and speed give Underwood a go-to target, while the Wolverines will also rely on tight ends and running backs to provide versatility in the passing game. On defense, edge rushers TJ Guy and Derrick Moore headline a deep rotation that Moore plans to keep fresh by rolling multiple players throughout games.

For fans monitoring betting trends, NCAAF picks see Michigan as a heavy favorite at home, while NCAAF scores & odds highlight the wide point spread reflecting the mismatch.

New Mexico brings fresh leadership

The New Mexico Lobos arrive in Ann Arbor with a new head coach and renewed optimism. Jason Eck, who built Idaho into a consistent winner in the FCS ranks, now takes on the challenge of reviving a program that hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2016. Eck wasted little time putting his stamp on the roster, bringing in quarterback Jack Layne from Idaho. Layne, who started six games last year before a collarbone injury, earned the Lobos’ starting job this fall. He threw 14 touchdowns with just four interceptions and impressed Eck with his football IQ. “He’s probably the smartest quarterback I’ve ever been around in 27 years of coaching,” Eck said.

The Lobos will also boast one of the deepest backfields in the Group of Five, thanks to a wave of transfers. Damon Bankston (Weber State), Scottre Humphrey (Montana State), D.J. McKinney (Sam Houston), and Deshaun Buchanan (Idaho) all led their previous teams in rushing and now form a committee that Eck plans to rotate heavily. “It’s a talented room,” he said. “We’ve got to be creative. We’ve got to find a way to use those guys a lot.”

Key New Mexico transfers

Conclusion

Saturday night at the Big House will mark the start of a new era for Michigan football. Bryce Underwood arrives with immense expectations, and his development could define the Wolverines’ season as they look to rebound from last year’s inconsistency. He will be supported by a balanced rushing attack, a transfer playmaker at receiver, and a defensive line built to pressure opponents. New Mexico, meanwhile, begins its rebuild under Jason Eck, leaning on smart quarterback play and a crowded running back room to compete. For Michigan, the opener is about setting the tone for a season of high hopes, while for the Lobos it’s about proving they can lay the foundation for long-term growth against one of college football’s biggest brands.