Home US SportsNCAAF Michigan football moves up in final preseason ESPN SP+ rankings, has top-rated defense

Michigan football moves up in final preseason ESPN SP+ rankings, has top-rated defense

by

Not many pundits across college football are expecting big things from Michigan football entering the 2025 season. Despite Oklahoma coming off a 6-7 season, and Nebraska and USC following up from 7-6 campaigns, those teams (who the Wolverines all play on the road) are thought of by many as being better than the maize and blue as the season approaches.

But not by everyone.

Advertisement

After spring ball, ESPN resident advanced stats guru Bill Connelly had the Wolverines as his No. 10 team in the SP+ rankings, with the 32nd-ranked offense and second-ranked defense. However, he’s changing his tune as the season nears — but for the better for Michigan.

Last week, Connelly revealed his final preseason SP+ rankings, and the Wolverines moved up to No. 8 — with the No. 37 offense but the No. 1 defense in the country. There are two opponents on the schedule in his top 25: Ohio State at No. 1, Oklahoma at No. 15, and USC at No. 21.

Here is Michigan’s upcoming schedule and each team’s SP+ ranking:

  • Week 1 – New Mexico (130)

  • Week 3 – Central Michigan (120)

  • Week 12 – at Northwestern (86)

  • Week 13 – at Maryland (67)

The big question is more about if the Wolverines are a road team or not. If they are, then they should be able to take on teams that are close, rankings-wise, on the road. If not, then it could be a long season.

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan rises in ESPN SP+ before 2025 season starts

Source link

You may also like