The Michigan Wolverines wrapped up their 2025 football season at number 22 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, following a 9-4 overall record and a defeat in the Citrus Bowl to Texas, which finished 13th. The final ballots from FBS coaches offered a mixed bag of opinions on Michigan’s performance. While a majority of coaches, 45 out of 62, placed Michigan within the 15-25 range, some significant absences from their top 25 rankings have drawn particular attention, highlighting the diverse perspectives on the team's standing.
Among the coaches who recognized Michigan's efforts, Indiana's Curt Cignetti, a national champion coach, ranked the Wolverines at number 17, and Wisconsin's Luke Fickell placed them at number 15. These higher rankings suggest a belief in Michigan's quality despite their bowl game loss and failure to reach the College Football Playoff. Their consistent appearance on most ballots indicates a general consensus that Michigan was a solid top-25 team, even if opinions on their exact placement varied.
However, the more intriguing aspect lies with those coaches who chose to exclude Michigan from their final top 25. Rich Rodriguez, the current West Virginia coach and former Michigan head coach from 2008-10, was a notable omission. His decision not to include his former team raises questions about his current assessment of the program. Similarly, Western Michigan's Lance Taylor also left Michigan off his list, opting instead to place his own team, the Broncos, at number 22. This move was particularly striking, as only two coaches in total included Western Michigan in their ballots.
Another coach who did not feature Michigan in his top 25 was New Mexico's Jason Eck. This is noteworthy given that New Mexico had lost to Michigan 34-17 earlier in the 2025 season. The context of a head-to-head loss makes Eck's exclusion of Michigan from his rankings particularly interesting. Meanwhile, some coaches, such as Kyle Whittingham from Utah, did not submit a ballot at all. Neither Pat Fitzgerald, the current Michigan State coach, nor Jonathan Smith, the former Michigan State coach, submitted votes. In contrast, former Penn State coach James Franklin did cast a ballot, positioning Michigan at number 19.
Even rival coaches offered their perspectives, with Ohio State's Ryan Day ranking Michigan at number 23, just one spot below their overall final ranking. This particular ranking from a key rival further illustrates the diverse opinions within the coaching community regarding Michigan's performance. Unsurprisingly, Michigan State, without a ballot submitted by their own coaches, did not appear in any top 25 rankings, underscoring the contrast in perceived performance between the two in-state rivals.
Ultimately, the 2025 US LBM Coaches Poll for Michigan provides a fascinating look into the collegiate football landscape. While the Wolverines secured a spot in the top 25, the varying opinions, especially the notable exclusions by former coaches and rival institutions, highlight the subjective nature of these rankings and the ongoing narratives surrounding the program. These ballots offer more than just numbers; they reflect strategic assessments, personal histories, and sometimes, a bit of rivalry-fueled intrigue.