The Michigan Wolverines aim to maintain their position atop the collegiate football world in 2024 following a historic 2023 campaign that resulted in the program’s first collegiate Football Playoff title and 12th all-time national championship.
The Wolverines start 2024 as a squad that looks to build on its previous success while gaining experience in important positions. This is due to the departure of many notable players for the NFL and the departure of former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who brought much of the coaching staff to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Michigan Wolverines, led by Sherrone Moore, will undoubtedly face a number of championship-contending teams this season that have the ability to upset the reigning champions.
Blake Corum
University of Michigan running back Blake Corum
Sports by Kiyoshi Mio/USA TODAY
It is noteworthy that Moore, who filled in for Harbaugh during his two different suspensions in the 2023 season, has a 4-0 record as a head coach.
The Wolverines have the eighth-best odds to win the 2024 College Football Playoff and National Championship at +2000 as of May 20, per the online sportsbook BetMGM.
The following five teams could prevent the Michigan Wolverines from winning the College Football Playoffs once more this season:
Longhorns of Texas
One of the best non-conference games of the 2024 regular season may take place when the Longhorns visit Ann Arbor early in the season.
The Longhorns will be the first significant test for recently acquired defensive coordinator Don Martindale as he looks to carry over the Wolverines’ pro-style defensive strategy. Texas will welcome back quarterback Quinn Ewers to an already strong attack.
On September 7 at 12:00 (EST), the Longhorns and Wolverines will play on Fox from Michigan Stadium.
Huskies of Washington
This game, which takes occur in Washington’s Husky Stadium, will be a rematch of the 2023 College Football Playoff title game between the Huskies and other teams.
After losing some of its best players from the previous season to the NFL and hiring head coach Jedd Fisch to replace departing coach Kalen DeBoer, who left to take a coaching position with the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Huskies will be a different squad.
Will Rogers, a transfer quarterback, will challenge Michigan’s secondary. The Huskies are hoping that his ability to pass will help them maintain their strong offensive approach.
The start time of the game between the two programs is still to be confirmed, however it will take place on October 5 at Seattle, Washington’s Husky Stadium.
Ducks of Oregon
In the program’s first season in the conference, the Ducks present a challenge to the Wolverines this season as they bring their highly regarded talent to the Big Ten.
In order to compliment its explosive receiving group, Oregon’s offense employs a hitch/seam throwing scheme in addition to a robust running game. The Wolverines’ defense may have difficulties if they let the Ducks establish an attacking rhythm.
The Ducks strengthened their defensive line by adding a gifted transfer portal haul, who might put pressure on Michigan’s offensive line as well.
The time of the Ducks vs. Wolverines game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Nov. 2 is not yet known.
The Ohio State Buckeyes
Due to its immense importance, this year’s game between the Buckeyes and Wolverines could rank among the largest of the 2024 college football season.
Ohio State set out throughout the offseason to create one of the most talented teams in the country in hopes of defeating Michigan and eventually bringing back a national title to Columbus, as the Wolverines had defeated the Buckeyes each of the previous three seasons.
The greatest obstacle for the Wolverines will be the Buckeyes’ highly skilled offense at nearly every position and their talented defense, as they usually provide every year.
The game will be crucial for Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day as well. Despite having an abundance of talent at his disposal, Day has been severely criticized by some Ohio State supporters for his 1-3 record versus the Wolverines and his failure to win a national championship in his time as head coach.
On November 30, “The Game” will premiere on Fox from Ohio Stadium at 12:00 (EST).
The possibility of both teams playing each other again in the Big Ten Championship, which currently matches the top two teams from the regular season against each other, is also something to consider. Also, there is a possibility
