Michigan has been one of the most dominant programs of the last half-decade, winning the Big Ten four out of five seasons, capturing two Rose Bowl titles, and winning the College Football Playoff National Championship last season. The losses the Wolverines have faced this offseason have been well-documented.
While Jim Harbaugh’s and J.J. McCarthy’s departures have undoubtedly left a void, it’s important to remember that the Michigan football program is far from being a bottom-of-the-barrel team. Their significant contributions will be remembered, but the current roster is well-positioned to defend its Big Ten title, offering a glimmer of hope and optimism for the upcoming season.
This is not to say they are the favorites in the conference or should be favored in the conference. Ohio State and Oregon are the well-deserved favorites, but let’s not forget Michigan has beaten Ohio State three seasons in a row, and Oregon is brand new to a Big Ten football schedule. A Michigan repeat is not entirely out of the realm of possibilities.
Jim Harbaugh’s absence from the program is the main sticking point for pundits and media alike to push Michigan down the totem pole a spot or two in the Big Ten, and that is rightfully so; they’re doing the same with Alabama since the departure of Nick Saban as well. When a great coach leaves a program, the program seems to take a step back.
However, Michigan’s situation is incredibly different because they gave the head coaching job to someone who has already established a voice and culture and has been around the school for years. Not to mention, Sheronne Moore coached a handful of games last season, including the win against Ohio State, last season when Harbaugh was suspended. While he might not be an established 100 career wins type of coach, he is an established Michigan Wolverine, and culture, more than anything, is what matters in college football.
Not only is Moore getting short-changed, but so is the Michigan roster. Alex Orji is a former five-star quarterback with an incredibly high ceiling, and he has one of the most dynamic running backs in college football behind him, Donovan Edwards. The offensive line is returning one of the best tackles in college football, Zach Zinter. The defense has three legitimate superstars across all levels: Mason Graham, Will Johnson, and Jyaire Hill.
While the new-look Wolverines might not be the bonafide favorite in the Big Ten, they should not be overlooked. With a schedule that includes Ohio State and Oregon, Michigan could shake the conference up in a big way with wins against either program.