Michigan
1-0 , 0-0
New Mexico
0-1 , 0-0
Haynes, Defense Lead U-M Past New Mexico in Season Opener
8/30/2025 11:33:00 PM | Football
Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Stadium)
Score: #14 Michigan 34, New Mexico 17
Records: U-M (1-0), New Mexico (0-1)
Attendance: 110,648
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Sept. 6 -- at Oklahoma (Norman, Okla.), 6:30 PM CT (TV: ABC)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 14-ranked University of Michigan football team had a strong opening to its 2025 season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico under the lights on Saturday night (Aug. 30) at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines outgained New Mexico 452-267 in total yards, thanks in part to running back Justice Haynes and quarterback Bryce Underwood.
The Maize and Blue started the game on offense, recording its first touchdown of the season less than two minutes into the game on a 56-yard rush by Alabama transfer Haynes -- his first touchdown as a Wolverine. He found the end zone two more times in the contest, from five yards and one yard out, respectively.
After the defense forced a three-and-out on New Mexico's first drive, Haynes found the end zone again from five yards out with 4:26 remaining in the first. In the fourth quarter, Haynes capped off his Michigan debut with a third touchdown, ending his day with career highs in yards (159), attempts (16), and touchdowns (three).
Right before halftime, the Wolverines extended their lead to 14 on the first career touchdown pass by Underwood, a 15-yard strike to Marlin Klein, who also recorded his first collegiate touchdown on the play. On the day Klein recorded six catches for 93 yards, both career highs for the senior. The two-minute drill lasted eight plays and 75 yards, including a 39-yard catch on third and 14 by Channing Goodwin, to keep the drive alive and lead to the score.
In the effort, Underwood set a Michigan record for a freshman quarterback in their debut with 251 yards, eclipsing the mark set by Tate Forcier in 2009.
Michigan's pass rush was strong, recording seven quarterback hurries, while the Wolverines hauled in three interceptions. TJ Guy, Brandyn Hillman, and Cole Sullivan all had their first career interceptions in the contest, with Sullivan adding a sack. In total, the Wolverines forced four turnovers and added nine tackles for loss (three sacks).
Dominic Zvada hit all six of his kicks in the victory, including field goals from 39 and 21 yards, respectively, and four extra points.
To close out the game, Michigan outscored New Mexico 10-7 in a second half that saw the Wolverines intercept two passes.
Michigan continues its non-conference schedule next Saturday (Sept. 6) against Oklahoma. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. CT kick on ABC.
Team Stats
NM 0, UOM 7
UOM - Haynes,Justice 56 yd run (Zvada,Dominic kick), 6 plays, 78 yards, TOP 01:57
NM 0, UOM 14
UOM - Haynes,Justice 5 yd run (Zvada,Dominic kick), 13 plays, 73 yards, TOP 06:46
NM 0, UOM 17
UOM - Zvada,Dominic 21 yd field goal 5 plays, 14 yards, TOP 01:54
NM 7, UOM 17
NM - Thomas,Dorian 9 yd pass from McKinney,D.J. (Drzewiecki,Luke kick) 12 plays, 82 yards, TOP 05:55
NM 10, UOM 17
NM - Drzewiecki,Luke 44 yd field goal 4 plays, 2 yards, TOP 00:22
NM 10, UOM 24
UOM - Klein,Marlin 15 yd pass from Underwood,Bryce (Zvada,Dominic kick) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 01:31
NM 10, UOM 27
UOM - Zvada,Dominic 39 yd field goal 9 plays, 73 yards, TOP 02:47
NM 17, UOM 27
NM - Thomas,Dorian 3 yd pass from Layne,Jack (Drzewiecki,Luke kick) 15 plays, 75 yards, TOP 08:39
NM 17, UOM 34
UOM - Haynes,Justice 1 yd run (Zvada,Dominic kick), 6 plays, 80 yards, TOP 03:16
