Game Thread: No. 14 Michigan Football vs New Mexico

Michigan enters tonight’s matchup ranked No. 14 in both major polls after finishing 8–5 last season, capped by statement wins over Ohio State and Alabama. True freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, will make his highly anticipated debut leading Chip Lindsey’s retooled Michigan offense. Transfer additions Donaven McCulley (Indiana) and Justice Haynes (Alabama) headline the new-look offensive skill positions, while the defense promises to be every bit as good as it was last season.

On the other side, New Mexico begins a new chapter under first-year head coach Jason Eck, who arrived from Idaho after building the Vandals into a perennial FCS playoff contender. The Lobos overhauled their roster this offseason, bringing in 75 new players, including 48 transfers. Quarterback Jack Layne (Idaho) and running back Scottre Humphrey (Montana State) provide proven production from the Big Sky Conference, but the Lobos’ biggest question mark remains their offensive line, which returns just one starter.

This marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Michigan owns a 119-23-3 record all-time in season openers and is a heavy favorite (-34.5) to add another win to that tally.

Teams: No. 14 Michigan Wolverines vs. New Mexico Lobos

Date: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025

Location: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, MI)

Radio: Learfield Michigan Sports Network

Spread: Michigan -34.5; O/U: 49.5

Today’s question: How ready is Bryce Underwood for the spotlight?

Michigan hasn’t had this much buzz surrounding a season opener in years, with Underwood’s debut taking center stage. The Wolverines were limited through the air a year ago, but Underwood’s arm talent and mobility give Lindsey the freedom to push the ball downfield in ways last season’s offense rarely attempted. Against a New Mexico defense still figuring things out under new leadership, this could be the perfect opportunity for the freshman to settle in and showcase why he was the most coveted recruit in the country.

If Underwood can find an early rhythm, and if Wink Martindale’s aggressive defense forces short fields against the Lobos’ shaky offensive line, Michigan could have this one well in hand by halftime. The bigger question is whether the Wolverines can turn an expected win into a dominant statement to open the season.