The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1540586
22 THE WOLVERINE ❱ NOVEMBER 2025 BY JOHN BORTON M ichigan knew its receiv- ing corps graduated to a n o t h e r l eve l wh e n grad wideout Donaven McCulley successfully made the switch from Indiana's Crimson and Cream to Michigan's Maize and Blue this past offseason. Yet with the 2025 campaign nearing its midway point, McCulley found himself still looking for a definitive breakthrough effort to establish himself with the No. 1 he wore on his back. He picked an excellent moment to rise above. Michigan found itself clinging to the lead in a 10-7 fistfight at home against Wisconsin. The struggling Bad- gers were staying close, and with more than half the third quarter gone, the visitors saw every reason to believe they could last into the final round of this bout. That's when McCulley stepped in. The 6-5, 215-pounder out of Indianapolis lit- erally took matters into his own hands, in a three-play scoring drive featuring his leaping, pass catching and resilience in seeking the end zone. Michigan took over the football at its own 33-yard line. Freshman quarterback ON THE RISE Donaven McCulley Separates Himself At A Much-Needed Position McCulley had a break- out effort in the win over Wisconsin, recording 6 catches for 112 yards with a long of 33 yards and 1 touchdown. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL