Mikey Keene holds off Bryce Underwood longer than expected, and a new defensive star highlight Michigan Hot Takes heading into 2025 season

The Michigan Wolverines enter a really big second year under head coach Sherrone Moore. It wasn’t overly surprising to see the team have its struggles in 2024, especially with a new coaching staff and so much roster turnover. The team did, however, show a lot of promise down the stretch of the season with victories over Ohio State and Alabama. 

There are some very clear positions of strengths for the Wolverines entering 2025, and some question marks that do exist. With some volatility, there is sure to be some big surprises, and potential breakout players on the horizon. Here are some Hot Takes for this team entering the season. 

Mikey Keene holds off Bryce Underwood 

There are many people who believe that the Mikey Keene bridge conversation is nearly lip service, and insurance from the Michigan staff. When you have a five-star signal caller to the level of Underwood, they tend to get on the field very early. While I expect to see a lot of the 6-4, 214-pound freshman passer in 2025, I do think the Wolverines will remain patient with him and develop him properly. I do believe that Keene will start several games for Michigan, and people will have to try and be as patient as possible. Underwood is the future, but like most true freshman, he might need some time to develop. 

New defensive star 

When linebacker Jaishawn Barham transferred over from Maryland this past offseason, most Michigan fans were excited but didn’t fully understand just how he would fit. The 6-3, 245-pound athlete spent time at both defensive end and on the second level for the Terrapins, possessing intriguing upside but some tweener traits as well. While his impact might not have popped off the box score in his first season (66 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack), Barham showed great growth as a true linebacker. I have a feeling he’s going to take his game to a much higher level, and become a playmaker for the Wolverines this season. 

Two-headed rushing attack 

With Justice Haynes transferring in from Alabama, it feels like most people are assuming that he becomes the heavy volume getter in the running back room. There has been barely a mention of rising sophomore Jordan Marshall, who ended the 2024 season on a very high note. A tough and determined runner at 5-11 and 210 pounds, I expect Marshall to get his fair share of touches this season. This could end up being closer to a true split in the backfield. Don’t be surprised if Marshall and Haynes each eclipse the 800-yard mark in 2025.