After their bye week, the Michigan Wolverines face a crucial stretch of their 2025 schedule that will significantly shape their season and potential College Football Playoff hopes. Here's a breakdown of the remaining games:
Wisconsin (October 4th): The Wolverines return to Ann Arbor to face the Wisconsin Badgers. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2021. The Badgers have always been a physical opponent, and this game could set the tone for Michigan's performance in the second half of the season. I don’t see Michigan Struggling with the badgers to badly, Michigan should run away with this one.
At USC (October 11th): A major road test awaits Michigan as they travel to Los Angeles to face the USC Trojans. USC is expected to be a tough opponent, and ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) considers this potentially the second-toughest game on Michigan's schedule. This will be a key barometer of Michigan's ability to compete with top teams on the road. According to Yahoo Sports, the Trojans are ranked as the third most difficult opponent for Michigan in 2025. Michigan got the Trojans last year, so they will be out for their revenge, don’t count this game in as an easy win, this one could come down to Michigan’s Kicker Dominic Zvada’s leg.
Washington (October 18th): Michigan returns home to face the Washington Huskies. The last time these two teams met, Washington got the upper hand winning 27-17. This time the game is in Ann Arbor, so look for that the play a factor.
Michigan State (October 25th): The Wolverines hit the road again for the heated rivalry game against Michigan State. Michigan has won the last three matchups against the Spartans and will be looking to extend that streak to four. The Spartans will be looking for a statement win on their home turf.
Purdue (November 1st): Michigan hosts the Purdue Boilermakers. Purdue is expected to be a less formidable opponent this season. Purdue only has one win on the season so look for Michigan to be playing their backups by the third quarter.
At Northwestern (November 15th): The Wolverines will be playing a unique game at Wrigley Field against the Northwestern Wildcats. Northwestern's defense has the potential to steal a game or two, so Michigan will need to be focused.
At Maryland (November 22nd): Michigan heads to College Park to face the Maryland Terrapins. Maryland gave Michigan a tough battle in their last matchup in 2023, and Michigan will need to execute well to secure a victory on the road. This game is a bit scary considering the level of play displayed by Maryland so far, and the fact that Maryland always gives Michigan a little more than they would want.
Ohio State (November 29th): The regular season concludes with the biggest rivalry game of the year against Ohio State in Ann Arbor. This year's game is anticipated to be an epic matchup, with Michigan hoping to extend their four-game winning streak against the Buckeyes. According to ESPN, early predictions favor Michigan to upset Ohio State once again. Records typically are thrown out the window for this one, and it’s never short of entertaining. This is always a toss-up, but usually the home team has a slight advantage.
Overall Outlook:
Michigan's remaining schedule presents a significant challenge. The outcomes of the games against Wisconsin, USC, Washington, and Ohio State will largely determine Michigan's fate. The road trips, particularly against USC and Maryland, also add an element of difficulty. While Michigan's schedule is considered easier than the 2024 schedule, they face several strong opponents and must remain consistent to achieve their goals. The Wolverines will aim for a strong finish to the regular season, hoping to secure a spot in a major bowl game or even make a run for the College Football Playoff. As of September 23, 2025, Michigan is on the bubble for the College Football Playoff and will need to perform well in the second half of the season to gain serious consideration for a top 12 spot.