The Michigan Wolverines are adopting a focused training strategy as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 football season. Head coach Sherrone Moore, now in his second season, has embraced a method reminiscent of his predecessor, Jim Harbaugh, who famously referred to a similar approach as going into “the submarine” during his first year in 2015. This year, the team is committing to a distraction-free camp, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical preparation.
Moore has encouraged players and coaches to limit their social media presence. Instead of completely isolating the team, as Harbaugh did, Moore is allowing some media interactions while urging players to concentrate on their training. The Wolverines are set to kick off their season against New Mexico at Michigan Stadium on August 30, 2025.
Players have embraced the initiative, sharing messages like #imlockedin on social media as a sign of their commitment. Senior edge rusher TJ Guy describes the challenge as a “self-challenge,” equating it to a retreat where the focus is solely on football. “We’re going to be in a bunker mentality until we decide to come to the surface,” he stated, echoing Harbaugh’s sentiments.
New receiver Donaven McCulley, who transferred from Indiana, admitted that stepping away from platforms like Instagram has been difficult. “It was a little hard, but I just deleted all my apps so I wouldn’t see it,” he shared. The aim behind this initiative is to cultivate a focused mindset, minimizing distractions as the players gear up for the season.
As part of their preparations, the Wolverines are also focusing on physical conditioning. Guard Gio El-Hadi, who played last season at around 305 pounds, has noticeably increased his weight to between 325 and 330 pounds. He reflected on the importance of maintaining his weight and recovery during practices. “I still felt very powerful but kind of light,” El-Hadi explained about his previous season. “Now, when I get my hands on you, it’s a lot more weight you’re trying to push through.”
The team’s coaching staff has been instrumental in this transformation. Offensive line analyst Juan Castillo has been particularly praised for his extensive NFL experience and the impact he has had on the players’ development. Castillo’s dedication and hands-on approach have made him a favorite among the linemen. “Juan is the best,” El-Hadi said. “It’s like he lives here. He’s here all day and he always wants to just help us get better.”
As the Wolverines embark on their training camp, players like Guy are optimistic about the upcoming season. Reflecting on the team’s progress, he remarked, “We have a lot of talent… real close-knit group, like building the continuity within.” This atmosphere of camaraderie and dedication suggests that the Wolverines are poised for a competitive season ahead.
With training well underway, the Michigan Wolverines are channeling their efforts into a unified approach, ready to tackle the challenges of the 2025 season head-on.