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Notes: Michigan football misses final AP top 25

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Jan 19, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head football coach Sherrone Moore fires up the crowd in overtime of the basketball game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Michigan football capped off the 2024-25 season with authority, beating then-No. 2 Ohio State and then-No. 11 Alabama in back-to-back games. The Buckeyes couldn’t get a pair of gold pants (for the fourth year in a row), but they hoisted the gold trophy of the national championship on Monday, beating No.7 Notre Dame 34-23. With the end of the season comes the final rankings, so let’s get into it.

AP Top 25: Michigan misses final list

The Big Ten conference had three teams in the final top five for the first time ever. Of course, OSU and Notre Dame were No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Oregon came in at No. 3, and Penn State finished at No. 5 for its first top five finish since 2005, with Texas squeezed between them. Indiana finished at No. 10, and Illinois came in at No. 16.

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Only the SEC (7) ended the year with more teams in the top 25 than the Big Ten. Michigan knocked the Crimson Tide down six spots to No. 17, which was the most any team fell.

The Michigan angle

The maize and blue reportedly received some votes, but they were left off the list for the first time in six seasons (not counting the COVID-shortened season). The Wolverines have appeared in numerous way-too-early top 25s for next season, and they seem to be primed for a quick turnaround. Michigan avoided a downward spiral in 2024 behind a stout defense and strong running game; Sound familiar? It’s what their known for. The thing is, for 2025-26, it might be able to win any way it wants.

The Wolverines are ranked in the top ten in both the recruiting class and transfer portal of 2025. Their recruiting class includes the nation’s No. 1 player in QB Bryce Underwood, and RB Justice Haynes is projected to be one of the most impactful transfers of the upcoming season. Michigan is losing several defensive players to the NFL draft. But between the players that stayed and who’s coming in, all should be fine.

Wolverines fans could be in for a wild ride in 2025.

More: Michigan men’s basketball escapes Northwestern 80-76 in overtime

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