This was always going to be a rough season in Ann Arbor. Gone was head coach Jim Harbaugh, as were 12 starters from last season’s National Championship team. Sharrone Moore did a solid job at times and took some lumps in his first full season on the Wolverines’ sidelines. So when will Michigan find its way back to the playoffs?
Michigan jumped into the NIL with the rest of the college football world. No.1 overall-rated QB Bryce Underwood was just the beginning for the Wolverines who have brought in a few high-end talents.
Michigan desperately needed another receiver and got one. In fact, the Wolverines not only filled needs but attacked them. Sharrone Moore also landed a top-five recruiting class and is 2-0 against Ohio State. This is big, but more on that in a moment.
With a bit of an easier schedule, Michigan could be in the mix for a playoff birth next season. That said, the Wolverines will be young in a lot of key areas. The offense needs to return from a down season and catch up to the defense, which will be better next season as well.
A better guess as to a post-season return is two years. This will give Underwood and co. a chance to learn the system and to catch up to the defense. Certainly, stranger things have happened and as was mentioned Michigan could show significant improvement offensively to earn a playoff spot.
Spring football practice will be one to keep an eye on as Michigan has reloaded and looks to become a consistent playoff program.
