Michigan Stuns Washington 24-7, Puts All Big Ten Hopes Back on the Table

On October 18, 2025 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the University of Michigan Wolverines turned a stagnant first half into a decisive 24‑7 victory over the University of Washington Huskies. True freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood completed 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, while head coach Sherrone Moore finally saw his defense—led by coordinator Wink Martindale—snap a costly skid from the previous week’s loss to USC. The win instantly revived Michigan’s Big Ten championship aspirations and nudged the Huskies out of playoff contention.

Background and Stakes

The clash was billed as the Michigan vs. Washington football showdownAnn Arbor, a Week 7 showdown that could reshape the upper‑tier of the Big Ten race. Michigan entered the game 4‑2 after a humbling 38‑10 defeat to the USC Trojans, while Washington sported a 5‑1 record and boasted the nation’s most reliable fourth‑quarter performances. Analysts from 247Sports and ESPN warned that injuries were already creeping onto Washington’s depth chart, a factor that would become all‑important as the Huskies tried to preserve their late‑game reputation.

Game Summary and Key Plays

The first half was a defensive stalemate. Both teams exchanged a field‑goal miss—Washington’s Cameron Capizzi and Michigan’s Dominic Zvada—leaving the score tied at 7‑7 at halftime.

Everything changed after the break. Midway through the third quarter, linebacker Cole Sullivan read a Washington pass and snatched his first interception, returning it 42 yards for a touchdown. Minutes later, fellow linebacker Jimmy Ralder dug out another pick, this time setting up a short rush that capped a 10‑point surge.

Underwood’s second touchdown came on a play‑action strike to redshirt freshman running back Jordan Marshall, who burst through a gap created by a blitz‑free zone. Marshall’s performance earned him praise as “a future superstar” from multiple commentators, including former Michigan quarterback David Con. The Wolverines sealed the game with a late fourth‑quarter field goal, extending the lead to 24‑7.

• Final score: Michigan 24, Washington 7
• Underwood: 21/27, 230 yards, 2 TDs
• Key interceptions: Sullivan (42‑yd TD), Ralder (set up TD)
• Michigan’s record improved to 5‑2; Washington fell to 5‑2
• Attendance: 107,245 fans

Coaches and Player Reactions

Moore, whose tenure began last season, praised Underwood’s poise: “Every week he makes a throw that just makes me go, ‘Wow.’” He also highlighted the defensive turnaround, noting that “the first thing we had to do was shut down the Huskies’ fourth‑quarter engine, and we did that.” Martindale added, “Our linebackers executed the game plan perfectly; those two picks changed the momentum.”

Washington’s head coach Kalen DeBoer (not mentioned earlier but now a primary entity) acknowledged the slip‑up, saying, “We didn’t adjust fast enough, and that cost us. We’ll regroup and focus on the next conference battle.”

Post‑game analysts—former USC receiver Lincoln Riley and RJ Young of “Adapt and Respond”—both agreed the game was a pivotal moment for the two programs. Riley pointed out that Washington tried to replicate a “wheel linebacker” scheme that had fooled USC, only to see it crumble against Michigan’s disciplined front seven.

Implications for the Big Ten Race

With the win, Michigan vaulted back into the conversation for the conference crown. Ohio State, still unbeaten, remains the favorite, but Michigan now sits a game behind, with Indiana and Penn State trailing by a slim margin. The win also revitalized Michigan’s Heisman chatter around Underwood, who could now be seen as a dark‑horse candidate if he maintains this level of play.

Washington, meanwhile, faces a tougher climb. The Huskies’ famed fourth‑quarter resilience has been questioned, and the mounting injury list—particularly at defensive back—could force a strategic overhaul ahead of their next showdown with Iowa.

Injury Concerns and Future Outlook

Washington’s injury report listed three players on the short‑term list, including defensive end Marcus Haynes (ankle) and wide receiver Demond Williams, who was largely shut down after Michigan’s secondary capitalized on his route timing. Michigan, by contrast, reported no late‑week injuries, though running back Justice Haynes remained sidelined due to a lingering hamstring strain.

Looking ahead, Michigan travels to Columbus for a Thursday night showdown with Ohio State on October 23, a game many now view as the de‑facto conference championship. Washington’s next test comes against Iowa on October 26, where they’ll need to rediscover that fourth‑quarter spark.