While there are eyes on the current prize as Michigan football seeks to embark upon a promising 2023 campaign, it’s difficult not to think about the future for the Wolverines.
With a lot of young talent who will be returning even next year — cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant — there will also be an infusion of top-flight recruits coming in via the 2024 class, such as quarterback Jadyn Davis and running back Jordan Marshall.
ESPN has been looking at different metrics individually as the worldwide leader has ranked how teams stack up for the future. The Wolverines have a top offense and defense according to those future rankings, but what about the whole?
Adam Rittenberg compiled all of the different metrics to look at how each college football team ranks according to a projection for the next three years ($) and while Michigan came in ranked No. 8 last year, now it’s No. 4.
2023 Future QB ranking: 6
2023 Future defense ranking: 3
2023 Future offense ranking: 5
2022 Future team ranking: 8Scouting the Wolverines: Michigan’s remarkable rise since 2020 has included upgrades at just about every position, and growth from coach Jim Harbaugh and the staff. The team is not just winning but achieving Harbaugh’s vision, overpowering opponents at the line of scrimmage. Michigan’s recruiting is starting to approach the level of other top-five teams, as ESPN currently ranks its 2024 class at No. 2 nationally, helped by the commitment of quarterback Jadyn Davis, the No. 37 overall prospect, and others like top tight end recruit Brady Prieskorn (ESPN No. 92 overall) and running back Jordan Marshall. The Wolverines are also effectively using the portal. This year they’ve added transfers like linebacker Ernest Hausmann (Nebraska), edge rusher Josaiah Stewart (Coastal Carolina), kicker James Turner (Louisville), and offensive linemen LaDarius Henderson (Arizona State), Drake Nugent (Stanford) and Myles Hinton (Stanford). Michigan could have the best offense in Harbaugh’s tenure this fall, especially if quarterback J.J. McCarthy improves on downfield throws. Michigan returns the nation’s best running back tandem in Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, veteran wide receivers like Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson, and an emerging star in tight end Colston Loveland. The line will need to keep reloading after 2023, but coach Sherrone Moore has the group in a good spot.
Since 2021, Michigan ranks fifth nationally in points allowed. The defense last fall showed its staying power after losing several stars and coordinator Mike Macdonald to the NFL. Playcaller Jesse Minter returns and will oversee a unit set up well at linebacker, safety and — potentially — along the defensive line, especially if Stewart, Jaylen Harrell, Derrick Moore and others can provide a pass-rushing boost. The defense needs to keep producing stars, and cornerback Will Johnson could be one of them for at least the next two seasons. Linebacker projects as a strength with Junior Colson, Michael Barrett and others. A long-term core of Johnson, Moore, Hausmann, lineman Mason Graham and others is very exciting. Michigan’s 2024 recruiting is a bit offense-heavy at the top but also features three ESPN 300 defenders.
The Wolverines are behind Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State, though Rittenberg says it was close between the Wolverines and Buckeyes, with the Buckeyes solely getting the edge due to there being more of a track record at quarterback development. Still, as Michigan has shown, if it can keep within striking distance, it has the capability of winning.
And that goes for the other schools, too. If Michigan was able to win a national championship this year, that should propel recruiting in the next few years. Landing a top-flight talent such as 2025 Belleville (Mich.) five-star QB Bryce Underwood would help cement the upward tick for the maize and blue as it pertains to the future.
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