Currently, the Wolverines find themselves in a position of unparalleled success after clinching victory in the College Football Playoffs…
Currently, the Wolverines find themselves in a position of unparalleled success after clinching victory in the College Football Playoffs, securing the National Champions crown, and completing an undefeated season in 2023. However, significant changes loom on the horizon.
Jim Harbaugh, having achieved the title, has departed from his coaching role in Ann Arbor to try his hand in the professional arena. The team faces a substantial turnover, with experienced starters either graduating or declaring for the upcoming NFL Draft. This transition is further accentuated by the appointment of first-season head coach Sherrone Moore. Additionally, the landscape of the Big Ten sees USC and UCLA officially joining this season, and the College Football Playoffs expanding to accommodate 12 teams.
Undoubtedly, the upcoming college football season in Ann Arbor promises a markedly different experience. Although 2024 marks Moore’s inaugural full campaign as head coach, the Broyles Award finalist draws from previous experience, having stepped in for Harbaugh last season. Under Moore’s guidance, the Wolverines secured a 4-0 record, including notable victories against No. 9 Penn State and No. 2 Ohio State. Moore now aims to build on these achievements in the upcoming season, despite the departure of running backs coach Mike Hart.
In the aftermath of Harbaugh’s departure, changes in the coaching staff are expected, as is natural when a prominent figure exits a program. The on-field dynamics are set to operate differently, and the coaching staff has been finalized to navigate this new era.
Turning to the playing field, the departure of 17 Wolverines with starting experience, either through graduation or draft eligibility, poses a significant challenge. While depth and rotation played pivotal roles in the title run, experience remains in short supply. Moore faces the task of establishing continuity early, a task complicated by the presence of a new starting quarterback and widespread turnover in other positions. The current battle for the starting quarterback position involves Alex Orji, Jayden Denegal, Jaydn Davis, and Davis Warren, with the possibility of Michigan acquiring another signal caller from the transfer portal.
