Current Season Performance
The University of Michigan football team has faced significant challenges in the early stages of the 2024 season compared to their dominant performance in 2023. Some key points to consider:
- The team has shown less discipline, with 7 turnovers in 3 games compared to only 8 in 15 games last season 3.
- Michigan is committing more penalties, averaging 5.33 per game, which ranks 46th in the country 3.
- The offense has struggled with its running game and passing efficiency 3.
- The defense has had difficulties defending against the pass and stopping opponents on third down 3.
Leadership Transition
A major factor affecting the team’s performance is the transition in leadership:
- Sherrone Moore, the new head coach, was promoted from offensive coordinator to maintain continuity 3.
- However, the program lost nearly all of its leaders from the previous three seasons, including key players and coaches 3.
- Only four players remain from the 2020 team that experienced losing, while the rest have only known success 3.
Areas for Improvement
To demonstrate improvement, the team needs to focus on several areas:
- Discipline: Reduce turnovers and penalties to match last season’s standards 3.
- Consistency: Maintain high levels of performance throughout games, similar to their dominance in 2023 2.
- Leadership: Players need to step up and fill the void left by departed leaders 3.
- Execution: Improve in areas such as running game efficiency and defensive performance 3.
Upcoming Challenges
The team faces a critical test in their upcoming game against USC:
- This matchup provides an opportunity for Michigan to prove they still belong among the top teams 3.
- The game against USC could serve as a turning point for the season, demonstrating whether the team can regain some of its championship mettle 3.
Summary
While the University of Michigan football team has not shown significant improvement yet in the 2024 season, they have the potential to turn their performance around. The upcoming game against USC presents a crucial challenge that could define the trajectory of their season. To truly improve, the team needs to address issues related to discipline, consistency, and leadership, drawing upon the lessons learned from their successful 2023 campaign.
Notable Transfers
- Jaishawn Barham – Linebacker
- Transferred from Maryland
- Was a freshman All-American in 2022
- Had impressive stats in his first two seasons at Maryland
- Expected to fill a big need at linebacker 2
- Wesley Walker – Safety
- Transferred from Tennessee
- Ranked 78 overall in the College Football 25 video game 3
- Could potentially start or contribute significantly to the secondary
- Aamir Hall – Cornerback
- Transfer details not specified in the search results
- Ranked 79 overall in the College Football 25 video game 3
- Likely to compete for playing time in the secondary
Notable Freshmen
- Jadyn Davis – Quarterback
- Ranked 94 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings
- Ranked 9th nationally among quarterbacks
- Rated 75 overall in the College Football 25 video game 3
- Could potentially compete for the starting quarterback role
- Jordan Marshall – Running Back
- Ranked 93 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings
- Ranked 12th nationally among running backs
- Rated 76 overall in the College Football 25 video game 3
- Has a chance to become the team’s RB3 and potentially more
- Jo’Ziah Edmond – Cornerback
- Ranked 95 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings
- Ranked 10th nationally among cornerbacks
- Could potentially contribute to the secondary
- Lugard Edokpayi – Edge Rusher
- Ranked 93 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings
- Ranked 14th nationally among edge rushers
- Could potentially contribute to the defensive line rotation
These newcomers, especially Barham and the highly-rated freshmen, have the potential to make significant contributions to the team as the season progresses. Their integration into the lineup could help address some of the issues Michigan has faced early in the season, such as discipline and consistency. As they gain more experience and adjust to college football, they may play increasingly important roles in the second half of the season.
Running Game
Jordan Marshall, the highly-rated freshman running back, could potentially contribute to improving Michigan’s struggling running game. His ability to push for the RB3 spot despite not enrolling early suggests he may be ready to make an immediate impact 1.
Wide Receiver Depth
Freshman wide receivers Channing Goodwin and I’Marion Stewart may help address the thinness at the wide receiver position. They could start out on special teams and gradually increase their playing time at wide receiver 1.
Linebacker Play
Cole Sullivan, a freshman linebacker, has received positive mentions from Coach Sherrone Moore and linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary. He may be able to contribute to the two-deep depth chart early in the season 1.
Defensive Line Rotation
Dominic Nichols, a freshman edge rusher, has earned praise from Coach Moore. He could potentially add depth and talent to the defensive line rotation 1.
Secondary Depth
Jo’Ziah Edmond, a freshman cornerback, and Jacob Oden, a freshman safety, may provide additional options for the secondary as the season progresses 1.
Overall Team Speed and Talent
The influx of highly-rated freshmen across various positions could generally increase the team’s speed and overall talent level, potentially leading to improvements in multiple aspects of the game.
Potential Future Starter at QB
Jadyn Davis, although likely to preserve his redshirt this season, represents a promising future option at quarterback, which could lead to long-term improvement at the position 1.
It’s important to note that while these newcomers show promise, their actual impact may vary depending on factors such as their development, team needs, and competition within the roster. The coaching staff will likely continue to evaluate and integrate these players throughout the season to maximize their contribution to the team’s improvement.
While Michigan football has faced some challenges in 2024, there are still signs of improvement and reasons for optimism:
Offensive Development
Despite a slow start, the offense has shown flashes of potential:
Quarterback Davis Warren has displayed promise, completing 22 of 33 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown against Texas. With more experience, he could develop into a solid starter.
Young receivers like Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris may be poised for breakout seasons as they gain more playing time.
Defensive Talent
The defense retains some elite players and has added talent:
Returning stars like Will Johnson, Kenneth Grant, and Mason Graham provide a strong foundation.
Transfers Josh Priebe and Jon Gaines II should bolster the defensive line.
The secondary added depth with Wesley Walker from Tennessee.
Coaching and Culture
New head coach Sherrone Moore is working to maintain Michigan’s winning culture:
Moore emphasizes continued growth and improvement rather than dwelling on past success.
He’s focused on fixing fundamentals like tackling to address early-season issues.
Recruiting Success
Michigan’s recruiting has improved:
The 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked 12th nationally, higher than most recent years.
This indicates the program is still attracting top talent despite coaching changes.
Playoff Potential
While there have been setbacks, Michigan’s postseason hopes remain alive:
The expanded 12-team playoff format gives Michigan more margin for error.
Players like Josaiah Stewart remain confident, noting “one loss doesn’t kick us out of the playoff like it probably would last year”.
While Michigan has faced early challenges, particularly against Texas, the team retains talented players, an improving recruiting outlook, and a culture focused on growth. If they can address turnover issues and continue developing young players, there’s still potential for significant improvement as the season progresses.
Key Differences
Last year’s team was historically dominant, winning the national championship and setting a very high bar.
There have been some significant changes, including a new head coach in Sherrone Moore replacing Jim Harbaugh.
Returning Talent
Several key players return, providing a strong foundation:
Will Johnson, Kenneth Grant, and Mason Graham anchor the defense.
The offense retains some promising young receivers like Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris.
Areas of Development
Quarterback Davis Warren has shown potential, completing 22 of 33 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown against Texas.
The defense has added talent through transfers like Josh Priebe and Jon Gaines II.
Challenges
The team has faced some early setbacks, particularly in their performance against Texas.
There are turnover issues that need to be addressed.
Reasons for Optimism
Michigan’s recruiting has improved, with the 2025 class currently ranked 12th nationally.
The expanded 12-team playoff format gives Michigan more margin for error in reaching the postseason.
Coach Moore is focusing on fundamentals and maintaining the winning culture established under Harbaugh.
While this year’s team may not be at the same level as last year’s championship squad yet, they retain talented players and have the potential for significant improvement as the season progresses. The program’s culture of success and focus on development suggest they could still be a formidable team in 2024.