Who Are the Announcers for Michigan vs New Mexico Week 1 College Football Game

The 2025 college football season bursts open with high-stakes matchups, and all eyes are on Michigan’s home opener against a Group of Five program, New Mexico. As Week 1 unfolds, the Wolverines look to build on their 8-5 record from last year, capped by a thrilling upset over Alabama. This clash carries weight for both squads; Michigan aims to launch strongly under head coach Sherrone Moore. New Mexico, meanwhile, closed the 2024 campaign at 5-7 overall and 3-4 in Mountain West play before HC Bronco Mendenhall stepped down in December. The program is now under the Jason Eck. Fans can catch the Week 1 showdown at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. But what voices will bring this debut rivalry to life?

Meet the Broadcast Team

Noah Eagle handles play-by-play duties for this Michigan-New Mexico tilt on NBC, bringing his sharp timing and energy to the booth. As the son of veteran broadcaster Ian Eagle, Noah has honed his craft calling Big Ten games and Olympics events, offering viewers clear, rapid narration that keeps pace with the field’s chaos.

Todd Blackledge, a former Penn State quarterback, adds color commentary with his insider knowledge of quarterback play and defensive schemes, skills forged during his college career, where he led the Nittany Lions to a national title in 1982. Sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen rounds out the trio, delivering real-time updates and interviews; her experience spans NHL coverage and Big Ten sidelines, where she excels at humanizing the game’s emotional swings.

For Michigan, a Week 1 victory is crucial to set the tone after a seventh-place Big Ten finish in 2024, especially with true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood making his debut as the No. 1 recruit from the 2025 class. New Mexico, coming off a 5-7 season, views this as a chance to showcase its overhaul under Eck, who brought in FCS transfers like quarterback Jack Layne to inject new life.

Tappen‘s sideline presence amplifies these narratives, drawing from her work on high-profile matchups. A win propels Michigan toward Big Ten contention, while New Mexico could gain recruiting momentum with any upset vibes. As Eck put it ahead of the game, “It’s a little bit like the movie Hoosiers. Maybe you have to measure the goalpost like the coach (measured the basket) in Hoosiers,” highlighting the underdog spirit against Michigan’s storied venue. This draws from Eck’s Tuesday presser, where he framed the David-vs-Goliath dynamic, tying back to his Idaho success before taking the Lobos job.

With the broadcast crew set to elevate the drama, attention turns to how the game might unfold on the field.

Game outlook: picks and key odds

Experts naturally lean heavily toward Michigan in this opener, but the Lobos’ fresh faces add intrigue. “Michigan is a five-touchdown favorite in this matchup, and while that’s a considerable number, it’s completely warranted. The Wolverines have massive advantages on both sides of the ball, and New Mexico’s offense is likely to be nonexistent,” states the Action Network analysis. This prediction is rooted in Michigan’s defensive edge and Underwood’s talent, contrasted with New Mexico’s 5-7 mark last year and major changes, including Eck’s hires from Idaho.

Odds reflect the mismatch: Michigan -34.5 (-108), over/under at 49.5, with New Mexico’s team total at 6.5. “My Michigan vs. New Mexico best bet is on Michigan to cover the first-quarter spread,” adds the Action Network, expecting a fast Wolverine start at home. Michigan covered in their last four 2024 games, going 6-7 ATS overall, while New Mexico hit 7-5 ATS but missed a bowl. Key to an upset? Pressuring Underwood, as Lobos end Keyshawn James-Newby noted, “Maybe a little bit. Because maybe (his) coach is telling (him), ‘Hey, after you look to your (first read), maybe get out of the pocket’ or something. Whereas a more experienced quarterback will have a little more comfort in the pocket. But other than that, it doesn’t really make a difference to me. At the end of the day, I gotta go tackle that guy.”

Predictions vary slightly but favor dominance: Chris Balas sees U-M 37-3, Clayton Sayfie 38-6, emphasizing Michigan’s run game and shutdown D. We can expect the Wolverines to pull away early in Ann Arbor.