Today, Michigan Stadium welcomed a remarkable crowd of 110,648 fans, marking an impressive streak of 324 games with over 100,000 attendees. This passion for the game exemplifies the strong bond between the team and its supporters.
Before the game, the Wolverines honored two honorary captains: John Harris, a notable donor to the U-M Athletic Department, and Ethan White, a brave senior facing a battle with Diffuse Midline Glioma, a type of brain tumor. Their stories resonate deeply within the Michigan community.
In a historic match, Michigan faced New Mexico for the first time and emerged victorious, giving the Wolverines a 1-0 lead in their series. This win adds to Michigan’s impressive season opener record of 120-23-3, with 102 victories at home.
The Wolverines have now won nine straight night games, showcasing their ability to perform under the lights. Newly elected captains include Max Bredeson, Giovanni El-Hadi, Marlin Klein for offense, and Rod Moore, Ernest Hausmann, Derrick Moore for defense. Notably, Bredeson and Moore are two-time captains.
Several players made their collegiate debuts today, including quarterback Bryce Underwood, who made quite an impression. He became the first freshman to start a season opener since 2009, throwing for 251 yards, which sets a new record for debut freshmen at Michigan. This surpasses Tate Forcier’s previous mark of 179 yards.
Running Back Justice Haynes also shone brightly, rushing for 159 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His performance marks the best debut for a Michigan running back since 1970. Including Haynes, only three other backs have rushed for over 100 yards in their debut.
Michigan’s offense showcased its strength, amassing 452 yards in total—its highest since Week 3 of the 2023 season. Klein caught six passes for 93 yards, hitting career highs, and scoring a touchdown from Underwood.
On defense, the Wolverines made their mark as well. Several players, including Kendrick Bell and Cole Sullivan, recorded interceptions, adding to the team’s defensive prowess. Ernest Hausmann led the squad with eight tackles, proving instrumental in keeping New Mexico’s offense in check.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that Michigan is not just building a winning streak but also nurturing young talent ready to shine on the big stage. The energy, excitement, and commitment on and off the field suggest that this season could be exceptionally memorable.
With supporters consistently filling the stands and a roster full of promising players, Michigan is poised for a thrilling season ahead. Only time will reveal how far they can go, but today’s performance certainly set a strong foundation.
