ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The countdown to kickoff is almost over as the No. 14-ranked Michigan Wolverines prepare to open their 146th season with a first-ever matchup against the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday, August 30, at Michigan Stadium. The primetime showdown kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will air nationally on NBC, with radio coverage provided by the Learfield Michigan Sports Network.
A Night of Firsts
This season opener marks multiple historic firsts for the Wolverines. For the first time in the modern era, Michigan will not play consecutive home games and will start the year with back-to-back night contests. The Wolverines, who own a dominant 119-23-3 record in season openers and 101-15-2 at home, aim for their 120th win in a season debut. Michigan has also won nine of its last 11 openers, with the only losses coming on the road at Utah (2015) and Notre Dame (2018).
Leadership and Star Power
Six captains will lead Michigan in 2025: offensive leaders Max Bredeson, Giovanni El-Hadi, and Marlin Klein, along with defensive anchors Ernest Hausmann, Derrick Moore, and Rod Moore. Notably, Klein becomes the first international-born player to earn the captaincy, while Bredeson joins his brother Ben as part of the first sibling pair to be named two-time captains in school history.
Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood will make his collegiate debut as the Wolverines’ starting signal-caller, becoming just the fourth true freshman in program history to start a season opener and the first since 2009.
Returning Talent and Key Additions
On defense, Michigan returns its top tacklers Ernest Hausmann (89 tackles) and Jaishawn Barham (66 tackles), and the unit ranks No. 1 nationally in ESPN’s SP+ defensive ratings. Offensively, running back Jordan Marshall—MVP of the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama—will share the backfield with Alabama transfer Justice Haynes. Special teams standout Dominic Zvada, a preseason All-American and 2024 consensus first-team selection, returns after converting 21 of 22 field goals last season, including a perfect 7-for-7 from 50-plus yards.
Season Outlook
The Wolverines’ schedule is one of the toughest in the nation, featuring six road games and two opponents ranked in the preseason Top 25: Oklahoma (18th) and archrival Ohio State (2nd). Saturday’s game also includes a full slate of promotions, including a parachute jump, a pregame flyover, and an ABBA-themed halftime show.
With a blend of veteran leadership, new playmakers, and defensive dominance, Michigan enters 2025 aiming to contend on the national stage—and it all begins Saturday night in Ann Arbor.
