Looking ahead to the 2024 college football season, the defending national champions are not on the top of everyone’s minds. Despite Georgia not winning the title last year, Michigan football took home the honor. However, Georgia seems to be gunning for their fourth consecutive championship, with competition coming from Eugene, Columbus, or Austin. On the other hand, in Ann Arbor, many underestimate the Wolverines, with Michigan ranked No. 12 in the ESPN FPI, indicating a good team but not necessarily a championship contender. Yet, On3’s J.D. PicKell warns of overlooking the maize and blue, stating that Michigan has a history of being a developmental program.
PicKell explains that Michigan may not always be in the top five when it comes to recruiting rankings, but head coach Jim Harbaugh has a talent for developing players and turning them into stars on game day. Despite the assumption that Michigan will not perform well in the upcoming season, the team’s track record in recent years suggests otherwise. Winning the Big Ten and making the College Football Playoff for three consecutive seasons, Michigan has also seen several players projected as first-round NFL draft picks next year, making them a strong contender for a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.
In conclusion, while Michigan may not have won a national championship last year, their consistent success in recent seasons and the talent development under Jim Harbaugh points to a strong upcoming season for the Wolverines. Despite being overlooked by some, Michigan has proven their ability to compete at a high level and should not be underestimated in the 2024 college football season.