Examining Michigan football's 2025 schedule with advanced analytics; comparing entire Big Ten

With spring behind us and summer ahead, ESPN released its new SP+ Rankings. The Wolverines checked in as the 10th-best team in the country according to the advanced analytics. ESPN was high on Michigan's defense, and the analytics were much higher on the Wolverines' offense compared to a season ago. But how does Michigan's 2025 schedule look as far as analytics are concerned, and how do the Wolverines stack up with the rest of the Big Ten?

Michigan's 2025 schedule (analytic ranking):

Week 1: vs. New Mexico (130th overall)
Week 2: @ Oklahoma (16th overall)
Week 3: vs. Central Michigan (117th overall)
Week 4: @ Nebraska (34th overall)
Week 6: vs. Wisconsin (37th overall)
Week 7: @ USC (30th overall)
Week 8: vs. Washington (39th overall)
Week 9: @ Michigan State (64th overall)
Week 10: vs. Purdue (101st overall)
Week 12: @ Northwestern (87th overall)
Week 13: @ Maryland (70th overall)
Week 14: vs. Ohio State (1st overall)

According to the advanced analytics, the game in Norman against Oklahoma will be the second-toughest game behind Ohio State. The Wolverines should have two easy non-conference tests lumped in between the game against the Sooners. Then in from Week 4-8, Michigan will face four teams that are ranked in the 30s. But the Wolverines have a real shot to cruise until facing the Buckeyes in the last week. Of course, this is all on paper, and games are played for a reason.