The most painful blow came financially. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Michigan will lose roughly $30 million, with at least $20 million of that tied to a two-year postseason fine. That’s a big number, but Thamel noted the Wolverines could easily offset it with about $25 million in College Football Playoff revenue changes coming in 2026.

Some sophomores, who burst onto the scene during their freshman season, can be known to have sophomore slumps. But there are also freshmen who came on late in 2024, who are expected to take major leaps in 2025.

Dominic Zvada was snubbed by college football’s top kicking award last season, but ESPN continues to recognize his talent. The Michigan senior made the outlet’s All-America team, released on Monday, as the first-team placekicker.

Coming up with a list on Wednesday, ranking the top second-year breakout players in 2025 across college football, Marshall ended up being ranked second of the 11 players who made the cut, just behind projected OSU QB starter Julian Sayin.

The NCAA investigation surfaced early in the 2023 season with allegations that Michigan used in person scouting and sign-stealing operations during the 2022 season conducted by Connor Stalions, a former low-level staffer who was suspended by the school and later resigned.

Earlier this week, Billy Tucker of ESPN.com named his top 10 freshmen for the 2025 season and Syracuse cornerback/wide receiver Demetres Samuel Jr was ranked 8th on the list.

Despite the buzz around Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines haven’t named their QB1 yet. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Showon Thursday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel pulled back the curtain on Underwood’s status in Michigan’s quarterback room.