Overview

• Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Michigan Stadium, with the game televised on NBC and betting lines holding near Michigan -34.5.
• True freshman Bryce Underwood will start at quarterback, becoming the fourth freshman to start at the position in Michigan history.
• New Mexico enters with massive turnover under Jason Eck, with an FBS-low 34 returning players and 75 newcomers, creating scouting uncertainty for Michigan.
• Eck brought multiple Idaho additions, including quarterback Jack Layne, and the Lobos’ 2024 profile showed a top-5 offense contrasted by a bottom-tier defense, according to AP statistical summaries.
• Ann Arbor officials and the university published game-day guidance for the expected 100,000-plus crowd, including parking options, street closures and shuttle services.