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One of the most highly anticipated games of the 2024 college football season will take place on Saturday when the Texas Longhorns travel to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines. With all 32 NFL teams expected to have scouts in attendance, this game is brimming with draft-eligible talent on both sides of the ball. Michigan and Texas feature several 2025 NFL Draft prospects, making this matchup a scouting bonanza.
Texas-Michigan Scouting Preview: Big Matchups to Watch for the 2025 NFL Draft
1. Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas vs. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Isaiah Bond, a transfer from Alabama, will face off against Michigan’s standout cornerback Will Johnson. Bond’s speed and ability to create separation will challenge Johnson, who is widely regarded as one of the best corners in college football. Johnson, a likely top-15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has the length, ball skills, and athleticism to shut down top receivers. His matchup with Bond, who led Texas in Week 1 with five catches, will be a key battle to watch.
2. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas vs. Michigan Defense
Quinn Ewers is coming off a solid performance in Week 1, but facing Michigan’s defense will be his toughest challenge yet. Ewers has the arm talent to make big plays, but he will be tested by Michigan’s defensive scheme, led by coordinator Wink Martindale. Michigan’s interior defensive line, featuring Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, will look to disrupt Ewers' timing and force him out of the pocket. The Longhorns' QB will need to make quick decisions and avoid costly mistakes to have success against Michigan’s NFL-caliber defense.
3. Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas vs. Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Kelvin Banks Jr. will face off against Michigan’s dangerous edge rushers, Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore. Stewart, who recorded two sacks in Week 1, and Moore, who had five QB pressures, will provide a formidable test for Banks. The Texas left tackle was flawless in Week 1, but Michigan’s pass rush will challenge his ability to protect Ewers and create running lanes in a more difficult environment.
4. Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan vs. Texas Offensive Line
Mason Graham is one of the top defensive linemen in college football and a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He will look to disrupt Texas’ offensive line and put pressure on Ewers. Graham’s quickness and power make him a force to be reckoned with inside. If he can penetrate Texas’ interior line and force Ewers into hurried throws, it will set the tone for Michigan's defense.
5. Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan vs. Texas Front Seven
Donovan Edwards is a versatile back with big-play ability. He can break runs outside or catch passes out of the backfield. Edwards will go up against a Texas front seven that includes linebackers like Anthony Hill Jr., a rising star with great coverage and run-stopping ability. Edwards will be key to Michigan’s ground game, and his ability to make defenders miss will be crucial for Michigan to control the tempo of the game.
6. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan vs. Texas Linebackers/Safeties
Colston Loveland is one of the most talented tight ends in the 2025 draft class. His size, route-running, and ability to make contested catches make him a difficult matchup for linebackers and safeties. Texas will counter with players like LB Anthony Hill Jr. and safety Derek Williams Jr., both of whom possess the athleticism and physicality needed to challenge Loveland. Loveland’s ability to win one-on-one matchups will be key for Michigan’s passing attack.
7. Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan vs. Texas Offensive Tackles
Josaiah Stewart, who had a dominant Week 1, will be a major factor for Michigan’s pass rush. His matchup against Texas' offensive line, particularly left tackle Kelvin Banks, will be a key determinant of how much time Ewers has to operate in the pocket. If Stewart can get to the quarterback consistently, it could be a long day for Texas’ offense.
8. Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan vs. Texas Running Game
Kenneth Grant is another interior force for Michigan, complementing Mason Graham on the defensive line. His size and strength make him a formidable run defender, and he will look to clog up lanes against Texas' running game. If Grant can dominate the trenches, it will make life difficult for Texas running backs and force the Longhorns to rely more on Ewers' arm.
9. Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan vs. Texas Offensive Line
Jaishawn Barham, one of Michigan’s top linebackers, will be a key player in shutting down Texas’ offense. His ability to cover sideline to sideline and disrupt the run game will be critical in slowing down Texas running backs and limiting Ewers’ ability to find receivers downfield. Barham will also need to be effective in coverage against Texas’ playmakers.
10. David Gbenda, LB, Texas vs. Michigan Offense
David Gbenda will play a huge role in this matchup. The 6-foot, 235-pound linebacker will be tasked with containing Michigan’s talented running backs, Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, and covering All-Big Ten tight end Colston Loveland. Gbenda, who is on the 2025 Senior Bowl watchlist, had four tackles in the opener against Colorado State and will be a major factor in Texas’ ability to stop Michigan’s offense.