The Michigan Football Wolverines are coming off of yet another incredible season, with another year of domination against rivals Michigan State and Ohio State and another trip to the Big Ten Championship game, where they took care of Purdue. Yet, with a disappointing loss in the CFP yet again, this time at the hands of TCU, there is still much to be desired for the Wolverines this fall. With many returning players and the majority of the coaching staff returning, this 2023 team is poised to be one of, if not the best of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure at Michigan. These are the three main reasons I believe the Wolverines are poised to go on another fantastic run in 2023.
1. The Returning Starters
Michigan WR Cornelius Johnson (6) – Jay LaPrete/AP Photo
With a bunch of important starters from the 2022-23 season returning on both sides of the ball, we can expect this ’23 Michigan team to be locked in. Some of the most important players and leaders on offense returning include running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, wideout Cornelious Johnson, and quarterback JJ McCarthy. These four core playmakers on offense are all expected to have yet another breakout season, as this Michigan offense could be the best in the nation.
On the defensive side of the ball, defensive back Will Johnson seems to have solidified the number one cornerback position, and linebackers Michael Barret and Junior Colson look to maintain their starting roles from the ’22 season. On the defensive line, Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham, and Braiden McGregor are all returning players who will see more playing time with the departers of Mike Morris and Mazi Smith to the NFL. The defense will be very improved this year, and I fully believe they will be better than last year’s #7 ranking.
2. The Running Game
Michigan RB Donovan Edwards (7) – Michael Conroy/AP Photo
Michigan’s running game in 2022 was one of the best, a 5th overall in rushing yards per game, at 238 yards a game. Elite rushing duo Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards both had great seasons last year, and I expect them to have another great season.
Donovan played phenomenally the last few games of the season, even with a broken hand. He racked up 216 yards and two huge touchdowns for the Wolverines in the Ohio State game when he filled in for Blake Corum, who was sidelined with a knee injury during the Illinois game the previous week. I can see him being used as more of a receiver this season, and I expect offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to get him more involved as one this season.
As for Blake, I expect more of what we saw from him last season and for him to have another All-Big Ten type season yet again.
3. The Coaching Staff
Michigan DC Jesse Minter – Paul Sancya/AP Photo
Jim Harbaugh’s 2023 coaching staff is pretty similar to last year, and I think with a year of playoff experience and an undefeated season under their belt, they will coach lights out yet again. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter returns after a fantastic 2022 season at the helm of the defense, and I fully expect him to coach another top-ten or possibly top-five defense this year.
On the offensive side of the ball, former co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss was let go back in January over a computer scandal, and now offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Sherrone Moore takes over. Sherrone has led the offensive line to two straight Joe Moore awards (given to the best offensive line group in the nation) and has a season of co-offensive coordinator under his belt. I am extremely excited to see what Sherrone can and will do with this group this year, as the offense has a ton of talent and overall upside.
Overall, this 2023 Michigan football team is stacked. From the players to the coaches, I expect a huge year and to be right back into the playoff discussion for the third year in a row.
