Michigan vs. Maryland 2025 Preview: Wolverines Take on Terrapins in Week 13

In Week 13, the Michigan Wolverines (8-2, 6-1) head to College Park to take on the Maryland Terrapins (4-6, 1-6). It’ll be the Wolverines’ final road game of the season. With that in mind, we’re going to dive into the Michigan vs. Maryland 2025 college football preview for you to enjoy!

Michigan Wolverines vs. Maryland Terrapins 2025 College Football Preview

Michigan is looking to add another win to their college football playoff resume and use this as a tune-up game for their matchup with Ohio State next week. At the same time, Maryland is desperate to win another game to remain alive for bowl eligibility. Michigan is currently a 13.5-point favorite. 

Matchup History and Coach Quotes

This will be the 13th meeting between Michigan and Maryland. Michigan holds an 11-1 all-time record versus the Terrapins.

Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore has to ensure his team doesn’t look ahead at next week’s game versus Ohio State. Michigan can’t afford to lose any more games if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive, and Moore is well aware of that. He is giving his team this message ahead of Maryland.

“It’s a playoff game. You can’t worry about that next one if you don’t worry about this one. For us, we’ve got to do everything we can to go win this game, and the guys all know what’s at the end of the road. Their team knows, our team knows, but we know, also, if you don’t play good in this game, that won’t matter for what we’re trying to do, so we got to go execute.”

Michigan needs to come in prepared and win this game before they can think about Ohio State. Beating the team put in front of you needs to be the priority.

Mike Locksley is in his seventh season as Maryland’s head coach, in the midst of yet another disappointing season. This game not only acts as an opportunity for Maryland to extend their season into December, but it would be a massive win for Locksley’s job security. Locksley had this to say about this week’s matchup. 

“Tremendous opportunity for us this week, as we welcome Michigan — [head] Coach [Sherrone] Moore and his team — here to ‘The Shell’ this Saturday. As I told our players yesterday, the next two weeks we’re in what I call a ‘play-on’ situation, where, for us to play on, this first game is a really important game, because it gives us a chance to extend our season into December, which is a needed, needed, needed opportunity for a team like ours.”

This game is a massive opportunity for Maryland to bring their program back into the spotlight of college football, and Maryland is treating it that way.

Key Players for Michigan

Last week was a rough outing for Michigan’s offense as a whole. They can’t expect to win games consistently if they keep losing the turnover margin 5-0. Bryce Underwood needs to play a cleaner game this week, making the right reads and keeping the ball out of harm’s way.

This backfield will officially be Jordan Marshall’s for the rest of the year, with Justice Haynes being ruled out. However, an injury late to Marshall could push Bryson Kuzdal into the starting role. Kuzdal looked good in his limited time against Northwestern and should see a larger role regardless of Marshall’s availability this week.

Andrew Marsh had his best game of the season with almost 200 receiving yards, pushing him clearly into Michigan’s WR1 role. He will also act as Michigan’s punt returner this week after Semaj Morgan muffed another punt.

Defensively, the Wolverines continue to stack together impressive defensive performances. Michigan’s defensive line put up a stellar performance and continued to be a strong unit. Derrick Moore and Rayshaun Benny played well as run defenders, and Jaishawn Barham created multiple explosive plays. Ernest Hausman was excellent as he has been all year, and a leader in the middle of the Wolverine defense. Jyaire Hill continued his impressive season last week only allowing two catches for eight yards, and should be a force again this week.

Key Players for Maryland

Freshman phenom quarterback Malik Washington has been a fun player for the Terrapins, with many highlight plays. He’s been dangerous as both a rusher and passer this year. The running back tandem of DeJuan Williams and Nolan Ray has been solid, but it has been a struggle point for the Terrapins. Receivers Shaleak Knotts and Octavian Smith Jr. have led Maryland in receiving, with nearly 500 receiving yards each.  

Defensively, linebacker Daniel Wingate is Maryland’s force in the middle of the defense and the team’s best run defender. He has been a steady presence throughout the year and a key pillar of their defense. Safety Jalen Husky has been elite this year in coverage, allowing just 10 catches for 76 yards. 

Keys for Michigan to Win

Maryland struggles mightily to run the ball, and this is the strength of Michigan’s defense. Maryland ranks in the bottom third in college football in rushing yards per game, and it should not be an issue for Michigan to stop. However, if Michigan can isolate the passing game even more than it already it is, it could create incredibly difficult situations for the young Washington to deal with. 

Michigan will need to play turnover-free football this week. The Wolverines were lucky to escape Wrigley Field with a win last week after losing the turnover margin by five. It is rare for a team to win a game when that happens, but the Wolverines found a way. That is not a sustainable way to play football, and it needs to be cleaned up this week.