Michigan opened its 2025 college football season with a nail-biting 13-12 win over Western Michigan, narrowly avoiding one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history. Despite entering as heavy 27.5-point favourites, the Wolverines were pushed to the brink by the MAC champion Broncos in a low-scoring, defensive contest that came down to the final play at Michigan Stadium. The result matters as it marks the winning debut of new head coach Kyle Whittingham in Ann Arbor, achieved in dramatic and controversial circumstances.

Michigan led just 7-6 at halftime after quarterback Bryce Underwood scored on a short run, while Western Michigan kicked three field goals across the game. A late fumble by Underwood let the Broncos retake the lead at 12-7, before a clock-management review controversially restored one second to the game clock after what appeared to be a failed final play. That extra second allowed Underwood to connect with JJ Buchanan on a 46-yard Hail Mary touchdown for the win, capping a 170-yard passing, 46-yard rushing performance. Michigan next faces No. 10 Oklahoma on 12 September.