Michigan football doesn't get as much love as other recent schools that have won national championships, but that may be par for the course for the Wolverines heading into 2024.
The Maize and Blue have a lot to prove this coming season and will undoubtedly have a lot on their shoulders. With a new head coach in Sherone Moore, a new starting quarterback and the departure of several key players to the NFL, the Wolverines aren't getting the love that Clemson and Georgia got when they ultimately won the whole shebang.
ESPN released its college football power rankings for spring 2024 and beyond on Monday, and the Wolverines are ranked 10th overall, behind the likes of Georgia State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, but ahead of Penn State, LSU, and Oklahoma.
10. Michigan Wolverines
Spring update: It's not like the Wolverines are going to fall off a cliff after coach Jim Harbaugh steps down to manage the Los Angeles Chargers after a season in which he led his alma mater to its first national championship in 26 years. Michigan has to replace quarterback JJ McCarthy, most of its offensive line, and several other contributors, but it has enough talent back to be a factor in the Big Ten again. New coach Sherone Moore needs to decide on a starting quarterback. Alex Orge is a two-way option, but Jack Tuttle has more experience and Davis Warren might have the strongest arm. Michigan will rely heavily on tailback Donovan Edwards and tight ends Colston Loveland and Marlin Cline. Left tackle Myles Hinton is the only returning starter up front. Northwestern transfer Josh Priebe worked at left guard in the spring. The defense returns five starters, including star tackles Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, and All-America cornerback Will Johnson. Michigan acquired transfer cornerback Ahmir Hall (Albany) to compete for the other cornerback spot. The Wolverines face Texas at home in Week 2 and face a tough Big Ten challenge that includes home games against USC and Oregon State, and road contests at Washington State and Ohio State.
Obviously the schedule is important for Michigan. But considering the defense returns three potential first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, if Sherone Moore can press the right buttons on offense and find a capable signal-caller. , there's a good chance the Wolverines can at least go deep. playoff run.
The story originally appeared on Wolverines Wire
