The Michigan Wolverines football team wrapped up its 2025 regular season with a 9-3 record, including a 7-2 performance in conference games. However, the year was defined more by significant defeats than victories, particularly away games against ranked opponents like No. 18 Oklahoma and USC, capped by a rivalry loss to Ohio State—the first in that series since 2019.
Even with these challenges, the Wolverines secured a postseason invitation and competed in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas, ultimately dropping a 41-27 decision to close out the year at 9-4.
In that bowl matchup, true freshman signal-caller Bryce Underwood went 23-of-42 through the air for 199 yards, tossing two touchdowns but also three interceptions. On the ground, he contributed 69 yards and one score across 14 attempts.
Although the squad ended ranked No. 18 in the final polls, maintained a winning record, and extended its streak of consecutive bowl appearances to five, the season’s narrative was dominated by the abrupt dismissal of head coach Sherrone Moore.
Moore was let go for cause on December 10, 2025, after an internal review revealed what the university termed “credible evidence” of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. This move occurred amid ongoing attention to various program issues from earlier in the year.
Soon afterward, Moore faced legal troubles, being arrested and charged with home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering related to an alleged post-termination incident.
Biff Poggi, the associate head coach, stepped in as interim leader for the remainder of the season, guiding the team through the bowl game before moving on from the program himself.On December 26, the university announced the hiring of veteran Utah coach Kyle Whittingham on a five-year deal to lead the Wolverines starting in 2026.
As the program seeks to recover from the legal challenges, media scrutiny, and damage to its reputation tied to the previous regime, recent developments suggest an aggressive approach in the transfer market, with the portal window opening at midnight on January 2.
Among the initial names linked to Michigan is former North Texas standout receiver Wyatt Young, who is expected to schedule a campus visit soon, reportedly generating enthusiasm from Whittingham and his incoming staff.
According to reporting from CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer, Young also has planned trips to Oklahoma State, Louisville, and Missouri, but the Wolverines stand out as the most prominent brand in his current group of suitors.
The 6-foot, 195-pound pass-catcher from Katy, Texas, decided to enter the portal after a stellar sophomore campaign at North Texas.
Young ranked near the top nationally with 1,264 yards receiving on 70 catches, including 10 touchdowns, while averaging 18.1 yards per reception—a mark that placed third in FBS for total receiving yards.
That dominant performance earned him First-Team All-American Athletic Conference recognition as one of the country’s elite wideouts.
Current 247Sports portal rankings place Young at No. 39 overall and No. 10 among receivers.
His journey to North Texas began after a strong prep career at Tompkins High School in Texas, where he was a three-star recruit with offers from several mid-major programs such as Rice, Arizona, Memphis, and Tulsa.
Should Michigan successfully land Young, it would bring in a dynamic playmaker capable of stretching defenses, providing a major boost to an offense in transition under fresh leadership and poised to make an immediate impact.
