Michigan defense ranked 3rd in EA Sports College Football 25 game
On Thursday, EA Sports released its team rankings for the upcoming College Football 25 video game. Earlier, the offense ratings came out, and Michigan Football was left out of the top 25.
READ: Michigan's offense left out of top 25 in CFB25's offensive ratings
In the afternoon, EA Sports released their top-rated defenses and Michigan comes in at #7, but tied with multiple teams for 3rd.
1. Ohio State
2. Georgia
3. Oregon
4. Alabama
5. Clemson
6. Notre Dame
7. Michigan
8. Texas
9. Penn State
10. Utah
Ohio State is 1st with a 96 ranking, while Georgia is 2nd with a 94. Teams 3-7 have the same identical score of 90.
The game attempts to predict the 2025 season, so the 2024 results are only part of the equation. But this feels like more of a continuation of a narrative for the Michigan defense that isn't true.
Unlike the offense, Michigan returns many starters on the defensive side of the ball. Notably the top defensive tackle duo in the nation with Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. Along the defensive line, Michigan also returns Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore on the EDGE. Many expect Michigan to have a top DL unit in college football.
Both starting linebackers will be replaced but, with Ernest Hausmann already in the fold and Maryland two-year starter Jaishawn Barham transferring over, Michigan once again has a solid unit.
In the secondary, Michigan is led by the best cornerback in the nation, Will Johnson. Replacing Mike Sainristil and Rod Moore will be no easy task. Still, with Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson returning, risers like Zeke Berry and Ja'Den McBurrows, as well as transfer additions Wesley Walker and Jaden Mangham, Michigan isn't void in the secondary.
Ohio State at the top is not a surprise, they rank #1 in SP+ heading into the 2024 season. Like Michigan last year, OSU has a good balance of NFL talent and transfer additions. Georgia has been one of the top defenses consistently the last few seasons, and ranking at 2 compared to their SP+ of 5 isn't abusrd.
Michigan, which ranks 2nd in SP+, being ranked equal with teams like Oregon, which ranks 15th in SP+ and gave up an average of 35 points in two games to the same Washington team Michigan held to 13 in the National Championship, seems odd.
Or Clemson, who is ranked 20th in SP+ and gave up 30 touchdowns last season.
It's a video game, so it has no real consequence on Michigan's season. The real Michigan defense will have to prove it is still elite and one of the top 3-5 defenses in the nation, and separate itself from those it is currently grouped with.
---
Discuss this article with our community on our premium message boards
Not a subscriber to Maize & Blue Review? Sign up today to gain access to all the latest Michigan intel M&BR has to offer
Follow our staff on Twitter: @JoshHenschke, @Berry_Seth14, @TrevorMcCue, @DennisFithian, @BrockHeilig, @JimScarcelli, @Jerry_Diorio
Subscribe to our podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify
Check out Maize & Blue Review's video content on YouTube
Follow Maize & Blue Review on social media: Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram