The Michigan football schedule for 2025 is officially set, and fans of the Wolverines are already circling the biggest matchups of the year. After another strong campaign in 2024, the Wolverines are gearing up for a new season that will feature several marquee games, including a massive early-season trip to Oklahoma and the traditional rivalry finale against Ohio State in Ann Arbor.
With a schedule loaded with powerhouse programs, high-stakes road trips, and must-win Big Ten showdowns, 2025 promises to be one of Michigan’s most exciting and challenging seasons in years.
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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2025 (COMPLETE LIST)
Here’s the full list of opponents, dates, and locations for the 2025 season:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 30 | New Mexico Lobos | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Sept. 6 | Oklahoma Sooners | Norman, OK |
| Sept. 13 | Central Michigan Chippewas | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Sept. 20 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | Lincoln, NE |
| Oct. 4 | Wisconsin Badgers | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Oct. 11 | USC Trojans | Los Angeles, CA |
| Oct. 18 | Washington Huskies | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Oct. 25 | Michigan State Spartans | East Lansing, MI |
| Nov. 1 | Purdue Boilermakers | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Nov. 15 | Northwestern Wildcats | Evanston, IL |
| Nov. 22 | Maryland Terrapins | College Park, MD |
| Nov. 29 | Ohio State Buckeyes | Ann Arbor, MI |
This schedule features six home games at Michigan Stadium and six on the road, offering a perfect balance of home-field advantage and road challenges.
A STRONG START: NON-CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES AND EARLY TESTS
The Wolverines kick off the season on August 30 against New Mexico, a matchup designed to set the tone for the season. It should provide Michigan an opportunity to evaluate its starting lineup and fine-tune both sides of the ball before the gauntlet of conference and marquee games begins.
The second week, however, brings a serious test — a road trip to Oklahoma on September 6. The Sooners are expected to be one of the top programs in the nation, and this early matchup will serve as a measuring stick for Michigan’s playoff potential.
Returning home, Michigan faces Central Michigan on September 13 — a local matchup that provides a chance to refocus before Big Ten play begins.
BIG TEN PLAY BEGINS: NEBRASKA AND WISCONSIN EARLY SHOWDOWNS
Michigan’s Big Ten journey starts with a tough road test against Nebraska on September 20. The Cornhuskers are rebuilding under new leadership, and the atmosphere at Memorial Stadium will be electric as Nebraska aims to pull off an upset.
After that, Michigan returns to Ann Arbor on October 4 to host Wisconsin. This early October showdown could have major implications for the Big Ten title race. Wisconsin’s physical running game and defensive toughness have traditionally tested Michigan’s resilience, making this a must-watch contest.
MIDSEASON CHALLENGES: USC AND WASHINGTON
The midseason stretch of the Michigan football schedule is as challenging as it gets. On October 11, the Wolverines will travel cross-country to face the USC Trojans in Los Angeles. This matchup pits two iconic programs against each other, both known for their championship histories and passionate fan bases.
The following week, on October 18, Michigan hosts the Washington Huskies in what promises to be one of the most high-profile home games of the year. Washington’s explosive offense will be a major test for Michigan’s defense, especially after the Huskies’ recent success on the national stage.
These back-to-back games against USC and Washington could shape Michigan’s playoff hopes and determine its national ranking entering November.
RIVALRY MONTH: MICHIGAN STATE AND OHIO STATE
October and November bring Michigan’s most emotional and anticipated games — the traditional rivalries that define the Wolverines’ season.
On October 25, Michigan travels to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. The in-state rivalry is always intense, regardless of records. Last season’s matchup was one-sided, but the Spartans will be motivated to turn the tables on their home turf.
Then, after several key conference games, Michigan closes the regular season on November 29 with its iconic battle against Ohio State in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines have dominated “The Game” in recent years, and fans are already anticipating another high-stakes edition of this century-old rivalry.
The Ohio State game almost always carries Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff implications, and the 2025 version is expected to be no different.
OTHER KEY MATCHUPS AND POTENTIAL TRAPS
While the headlining games draw the most attention, Michigan cannot afford to overlook several underrated opponents:
- @ Maryland (Nov. 22): A tricky late-season road game before facing Ohio State. Maryland’s high-powered passing attack could test Michigan’s secondary.
- @ Northwestern (Nov. 15): The Wildcats have historically played Michigan tough at home, and this matchup could be closer than expected.
- vs. Purdue (Nov. 1): A dangerous team that can pull off upsets when underestimated. Michigan will need to stay sharp.
The Wolverines’ ability to maintain focus against these mid-tier Big Ten opponents will be key to staying undefeated and reaching their postseason goals.
HOME ADVANTAGE AT THE BIG HOUSE
Michigan Stadium, affectionately known as “The Big House,” will once again be the heart of the Wolverines’ season. Hosting marquee opponents like Wisconsin, Washington, Purdue, and Ohio State, the Ann Arbor crowd will play a major role in energizing the team.
The Big House has become one of the most intimidating environments in college football, regularly drawing over 110,000 fans each game. Michigan’s strong home record has been a major factor in its recent success, and the 2025 season will rely heavily on that same advantage.
PREDICTED OUTLOOK FOR THE 2025 SEASON
The 2025 Michigan football schedule is a perfect mix of opportunity and challenge. The team has the talent and experience to compete at the highest level, but the sequence of games — including multiple tough road trips and consecutive high-intensity matchups — will require mental toughness and depth.
If Michigan can navigate the Oklahoma, USC, and Ohio State games successfully, a return to the College Football Playoff is well within reach. Their combination of elite defense, physical offensive line, and emerging playmakers should keep them in contention throughout the season.
The margin for error, however, is slim. Any stumble in October or early November could derail championship hopes, especially in a Big Ten landscape that now includes West Coast powerhouses like USC and Washington.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2025
The Michigan football schedule for 2025 is as demanding as it is exciting. With national powers like Oklahoma, USC, Washington, and Ohio State on the docket, fans are in for a season filled with storylines, rivalries, and playoff implications.
For head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines, the mission is clear — defend their Big Ten dominance, stay in national title contention, and continue the winning tradition that defines Michigan football.
Which matchup are you most excited for in the 2025 Michigan football season? Let us know and join the conversation below!