Michigan vs. Washington 2025 Preview: Can Wolverines Pounce on Huskies?

The Michigan Wolverines (4-2, 2-1) will host the Washington Huskies (5-1, 2-1) in a Big Ten matchup in Week 8. The Wolverines are coming off a demoralizing loss to the USC Trojans, where they got dominated by a score of 31-13. Meanwhile, the Huskies are coming off two consecutive Big Ten wins versus Maryland and Rutgers. Michigan is looking to bounce back and ensure their season doesn’t get off track, while Washington is looking to continue their Big Ten winning streak with a high-quality win. The Wolverines are currently a 6.5-point favorite. With that in mind, let’s dive into this Michigan vs. Washington 2025 game preview.

Michigan Wolverines vs. Washington Huskies: Matchup History and Excerpts

Currently, Michigan holds an all-time record of 9-6 over Washington with a 2-1 record since 2021. They’ll look to extend that win-loss record in Week 8’s matchup.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore knows his team needs to bounce back after a demoralizing loss against USC last week. Michigan was thoroughly outmatched offensively and defensively, so a win this week to get the season back on track is critical. Moore had this to say about the loss to USC.

“Yeah, first off, like I said previously, a lot of credit to them how they executed and they played. I thought the week of prep was good, but you got to execute in those moments, and there’s just too many little things in all three phases that we got to get better at. And right now it’s just all about the work. It’s all about putting in the work to get better at those things. I thought offensively, there was times we moved the ball. We had the first drive was three and out, then we went 12 plays, and then you get in the red zone, you don’t score, that hurts, especially against a really good team that’s top five in scoring offense.”

It’s clear Michigan wasn’t as prepared as they would have liked to be, and it showed during the game. USC came out looking faster and tougher, while it took Michigan too long to get into the game.

This week versus Washington is an opportunity to set themselves up for a successful rest of the season with a win against a good team. Moore had this to say about this year’s Washington team.

“You got a phenomenal football team coming in here. A team that has a dangerous quarterback, dual threat guy that can, he’s just not a runner. He can throw it. And then dangerous running back. Probably, I think he’s close to leading the country in missed tackles. So I mean, an emphasis of what we’ve got to do this week with this guy. He’s an unbelievable back. And then the receiver, Boston, he’s a great player too. So we got a big challenge on our defense to stop their offense because they can do a lot. And defensively, they play sound football. They play physical. They’re going to be pressed corners. They got 6-foot-4 corners on the outside. So it’s going to be a big challenge.”

Washington is a talented football team, and Michigan has their work cut out for them if they want to come out of this game with a win.

On the other side, Jedd Fisch is entering his second season as the Washington head coach. After last year’s 6-7 finish, Fisch has his team off to a much stronger start this season. This will also be the first time Fisch has returned to Ann Arbor since serving as Michigan’s quarterbacks coach, wide receivers coach, and passing game coordinator from 2015-2016. Fisch had this to say about facing Michigan this season.

“[Michigan’s defense has] been fun to watch, but we’ve got our work cut out for us against Coach Martindale and Michigan. We know it’s going to be a very physical football game. They have an outstanding front. They do a fantastic job. And we know that defensively, it’s going to be an extreme challenge. And then we know offensively, the skill guys, I know some of the guys that they have out there, we recruited. Their quarterback is elite. Their offensive line coach, Moore, always does a fantastic job with their O-line. And they’re always well-known to have great backs and tight ends. So, it’ll be a tremendous challenge as we play Michigan this week.”

Fisch is excited for the opportunity to face off against a talented Michigan team and prove to people what his team is made of.

Michigan vs. Washington 2025 Preview: Keys to the Game

Key Players for Michigan

Bryce Underwood showed some inconsistencies last week versus USC, but overall played well enough given the circumstances. However, he will need to play at a higher level this week.

With Justice Haynes potentially out of this matchup, the bulk of the running back snaps will fall to Jordan Marshall. While Marshall has been good, he will have to be even better this week if Haynes cannot play.

Wide receiver Andrew Marsh had his breakout game and proved to the coaching staff that he deserves to be a starter on this team, recording eight catches for 138 yards and 1 touchdown. Marsh and Donaven McCulley together create one of the more talented wide receiver duos Michigan has seen in recent memory. 

Defensively, the Wolverines were outmatched versus USC, but there were still promising signs from a talented defense. Defensive tackle Tre Williams was able to create havoc in the run game. If he is healthy, he will be a major force on the inside for Michigan. Linebackers Jimmy Rolder, Ernest Hausman, and Cole Sullivan also continue to excel as run defenders. In the secondary, Zeke Berry and TJ Metcalf both put together solid performances, while Jyaire Hill had his first game where he struggled. While the game against USC showed holes in Michigan’s defense, the team still has an incredibly talented group. 

Key Players for Washington

Quarterback Desmond Williams Jr. has put together an exceptional season, leading one of the most efficient passing attacks in the nation. He has a 74.0 completion percentage and is routinely able to complete throws to all areas of the field, while also being a dangerous running threat.

Running back Jonah Coleman is one of the best in the country, averaging 5.4 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns. Wide receiver Denzel Boston is one of the top receivers in the 2026 NFL draft class, and for good reason. He has already caught 30 passes for 444 yards and six touchdowns. 

Defensively, Jacob Lane and Ta’ita’i Uiagalalelei have been strong pass rushers for the Huskies this season. Deven Bryant is the leader of the defense at middle linebacker, playing well in the run game. The Huskies’ secondary is a strong unit at stopping the run game, as safety Alex McLaughlin has been excellent while being arguably the team’s best player in the secondary. Cornerback Tacario Davis has been one of the most underrated cornerbacks in college football, posting a 23.2 NFL passer rating when targeted. 

Keys for Michigan to Win

The playcalling often felt predictable last week, which forced Michigan into many long third downs. Michigan’s offensive line has improved, but they still struggle to pass protect in long third-down situations that are obvious pass plays. However, one area where they have excelled is in play action.

On play action concepts, Underwood was 9-of-11 with 158 passing yards and two touchdowns. It will be critical for Michigan to create situations early in the game where play action can continue to be successful. Particularly, against a Washington defense that ranks below average in pass coverage and struggles to generate pressure.

How will Michigan handle another high-powered offense? While not as strong as USC, Washington has an incredibly strong passing offense led by Williams, Coleman, and Boston. Michigan needs to adjust this week and show that they are a resilient group.

The key to stopping this Washington offense is getting to the quarterback. Washington has the ninth-highest sack percentage in college football at 10.67-percent. It will be critical for Michigan to get to the quarterback early to keep this Washington offense behind the chains, targeting their weak links in Geiren Hatchett and Carver Willis.