Michigan Football News: Wolverines vs. Texas – Breaking Down the Key Matchups

The Big House will be buzzing this weekend as Michigan welcomes Texas for a rare top 10 non-conference showdown in Ann Arbor. Texas enters the game riding high after a dominant 52-0 win over Colorado State, while Michigan’s offense has struggled to find its rhythm, barely escaping Fresno State with a win. With both teams aiming for big seasons, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Texas is on a mission this year, chasing National Championship dreams after falling short to Washington in the College Football Playoff last season. Meanwhile, Michigan is focused on getting its offense firing on all cylinders after a shaky start. But this matchup isn’t just about the teams—it’s about the key players who will be pivotal in deciding the outcome.

Here are three Texas players Michigan needs to contain if they want to leave The Big House with a victory.

1. Quinn Ewers: The Wild Card

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers might have left Ohio State after a short stay, but he still refers to Michigan as “That team up north.” Classic rivalry fuel aside, Ewers is a player Michigan can’t afford to overlook. The third-year starter threw for 3,460 yards last season, completing 68.5% of his passes. But the stat line that sticks out? Just 22 touchdowns and 6 interceptions—not exactly jaw-dropping for a future first-round NFL pick.

While the buzz around Austin is about Ewers' potential, some fans are already calling for backup Arch Manning to step in. Michigan’s defense can feed off that uncertainty. Ewers has struggled with deep throws, hitting on just 34% of those attempts last season, and wasn’t always sharp on short passes either.

If the Wolverines can apply pressure and tighten up coverage, especially on middle-distance throws, forcing Ewers into a mistake or two could swing the game in Michigan’s favor.

2. Isaiah Bond: The Speed Threat

Michigan is no stranger to Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond . The speedster racked up 671 yards and 4 touchdowns on 49 receptions with Alabama last season, but he was quiet in last year’s Rose Bowl against the Wolverines, managing just 47 yards on 4 catches. Bond, however, has the ability to break open a game at any moment, and he’ll be a focal point of the Longhorns’ offense.

It’s still up in the air whether Michigan’s star corner Will Johnson or promising youngster Jyaire Hill will be tasked with covering Bond. Texas also boasts two other talented wideouts in Matthew Golden and Ryan Wingo, so Michigan’s secondary will have its hands full.

But Bond’s familiarity with Michigan’s defense from their Rose Bowl clash might give the Wolverines an edge. If they can neutralize Bond, they’ll force Ewers to look elsewhere, which could disrupt Texas’ passing rhythm.

3. Trey Moore: The Pass Rush Problem

While Texas’ offense garners most of the attention, their defense will be looking to make a statement against Michigan’s new starting quarterback Davis Warren. Last week, the Longhorns didn’t record a single sack against Colorado State and managed just seven pressures. But don’t let that fool you—UTSA transfer Trey Moore is the player Michigan’s offensive line needs to worry about.

Moore racked up 22 sacks and 77 pressures over the past two seasons, earning him a spot on Texas’ revamped defensive front. Michigan knows how dangerous a player like Moore can be—he’s similar in build and play style to Wolverines’ edge rusher Josaiah Stewart.

Moore’s ability to get after the quarterback will be crucial for Texas, especially if Michigan gives dual-threat Alex Orji an expanded role. Keeping Moore off Warren’s back will be key to Michigan’s offensive success.

Michigan vs. Texas promises to be a game packed with talent, strategy, and plenty of storylines. The Wolverines may have struggled last week, but they’ll be looking to bounce back in a big way. If they can contain Texas’ stars like Ewers, Bond, and Moore, they’ll have a real shot at pulling off the upset.

As always, the atmosphere at The Big House will be electric—let’s see if Michigan can feed off that energy and slow down the Longhorns’ high-flying attack.