How Michigan football 2025 opponents rank in initial ESPN SP+

The college football season comes in waves. First are the ‘way-too-early’ rankings that start before the previous year’s postseason has even concluded. Eventually, there will be other rankings that coincide with pre-spring ball, post-spring ball, pre-fall camp, and then those of the actual season.

We’re now past the first benchmark and into pre-spring.

The one ranking we pay attention to more than any comes courtesy of ESPN resident advance analytics guru Bill Connelly — SP+ — which takes into account multiple factors: returning production, recruiting rankings, and recent history. Connelly released his initial 2025 SP+ rankings (subscription required) and Michigan football did indeed make the cut, coming in at No. 13 overall, with the 51st-ranked offense and No. 3 defense.

Here is how Michigan football’s 2025 opponents rank:

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Offense rank: 6

Defense rank: 2

We think this is a bit high, despite all of the talent in Columbus. Ohio State lost both coordinators and a ton of starters on both sides of the ball. OSU will still likely be a College Football Playoff team, but it’s no surety that the Buckeyes will be the cream of the crop in 2025.

20. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables stands with his team before the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.

Offense rank: 43

Defense rank: 14

Michigan’s second game of the season will take place in Norman and Brent Venables brought in former Washington State standout quarterback John Mateer. There’s talent at Oklahoma, but it’s unclear at this juncture if Venables can get the most out of it. But Michigan will likely still be in a shaky situation entering Week 2.

Michigan Wolverines offensive line

Offense rank: 14

Defense rank:…