Michigan Football 2024 Season Preview, Key Players, Schedule, and Predictions

Quick Answer

The 2024 Michigan Wolverines football season ended with an 8–5 record, a winning mark in Big Ten conference play at 5–4, and a postseason bowl victory. Sherrone Moore led the team in his first season as head coach following the departure of Jim Harbaugh.

While the season fell short of the national championship standards set in recent years, Michigan won all of its rivalry games and trophy matchups, providing a foundation for future success.

Key Facts

Final Record: 8–5 overall, 5–4 in Big Ten Conference play
Head Coach: Sherrone Moore (first season)
Offensive Coordinators: Kirk Campbell (fired December 3), Steve Casula (interim for bowl game)
Rivalry Games: Won all rivalry and trophy game matchups
Bowl Game: Secured a postseason bowl victory
Recruiting Class: 26 commitments in the 2024 class, including highly-touted recruits Jordan Marshall and Jadyn Davis
2025 Season Context: Michigan finished 9–4 in 2025 and missed the College Football Playoff for a second consecutive year, entering 2026 with playoff aspirations

Background and Context

The 2024 Michigan Wolverines football season represented a significant transition for one of college football's most storied programs. After winning the national championship in the 2023 season, the Wolverines entered a new era under head coach Sherrone Moore, who was elevated from offensive line coach and offensive coordinator to replace Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh departed for the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers after leading Michigan to its first national title since 1997. Michigan's 2024 campaign was always going to be measured against the impossibly high bar set by the previous season's championship run.

The Wolverines lost numerous key players to the NFL draft, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and several defensive standouts.

Additionally, the program faced NCAA investigations and off-field distractions that lingered from the previous season's sign-stealing controversy. The Big Ten Conference landscape also shifted dramatically in 2024 with the addition of former Pac-12 powers USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington.

This expansion created a more competitive conference schedule and altered the path to the College Football Playoff. Michigan's ability to navigate this new landscape while breaking in a first-time head coach and replacing significant talent would define the season.

The importance of the 2024 season extended beyond wins and losses. It served as a proving ground for Moore's leadership, a test of the program's recruiting momentum, and an indicator of whether Michigan could sustain elite performance after losing its championship architect.

The Wolverines' 8–5 record, while disappointing relative to recent heights, demonstrated resilience in maintaining rivalry dominance and securing a bowl victory amid substantial roster turnover and institutional uncertainty.

Detailed Explanation

The Sherrone Moore Era Begins

Sherrone Moore took over as head coach with a unique challenge. He had been a key architect of Michigan's offensive line success and served as interim head coach for several games during the 2023 season when Harbaugh was suspended by the Big Ten.

Moore had already proven his ability to lead the team in high-pressure situations, including a dramatic victory over Ohio State. However, being the full-time head coach brought new responsibilities.

Moore needed to assemble a coaching staff, manage roster construction through the transfer portal and recruiting, and establish his own culture separate from Harbaugh's. The 2024 season would reveal both the strengths and growing pains of this transition.

Offensive Struggles and Coordinator Changes

The Michigan offense in 2024 faced significant challenges. Losing a starting quarterback, top running backs, and multiple offensive linemen to the NFL created a steep learning curve.

Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell, in his first season calling plays, struggled to find consistency with a new signal-caller and a retooled offensive line. The offense's inability to generate explosive plays and sustain drives placed pressure on the defense.

Campbell was ultimately fired on December 3, 2024, after the regular season concluded. Steve Casula took over as interim offensive coordinator for the bowl game, which Michigan won.

This midseason coaching change highlighted the difficulties of maintaining offensive continuity during a transitional year.

Defensive Identity and Rivalry Dominance

Despite offensive struggles, Michigan's defense remained a hallmark of the program. The Wolverines maintained their physical, disciplined approach that had characterized the championship era.

This defensive foundation proved critical in securing wins against rival opponents. Michigan's ability to win all rivalry games and trophy matchups in 2024 cannot be overstated.

These games—particularly against Ohio State, Michigan State, and Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug—carry outsized importance in the program's culture and fan base expectations. Winning these contests provided validation that the program's core values remained intact even as the overall record fell short of championship standards.

The 8–5 Record in Context

An 8–5 record in a transitional season requires careful interpretation. On one hand, it represented a significant drop from the 15–0 national championship campaign.

Michigan lost five games, including multiple conference defeats, which prevented them from competing for a Big Ten title or College Football Playoff berth. On the other hand, the 2024 Wolverines faced one of the toughest schedules in program history.

The expanded Big Ten included new powerhouse programs, and Michigan's non-conference schedule also presented challenges. The team's ability to finish with a winning record and a bowl victory, while developing younger players and maintaining rivalry supremacy, provided a foundation for future improvement.

The 8–5 record also reflected the realities of roster turnover in modern college football. With the transfer portal and early NFL draft declarations, Michigan lost far more talent than it could immediately replace.

Many programs experience similar drops after a championship season, and Moore's ability to keep the team competitive through the transition showed strong leadership.

Recruiting Momentum Under Moore

Michigan's 2024 recruiting class, which Moore helped assemble, included 26 commitments. The class featured several high-profile recruits, including running back Jordan Marshall and quarterback Jadyn Davis.

Both players were considered among the top prospects at their positions nationally. The recruiting success demonstrated that Michigan's brand remained strong despite the coaching change.

Top high school players continued to view the Wolverines as a program capable of developing NFL talent and competing for championships. The 2024 class provided a pipeline of talent that would be essential for Michigan's future success.

Recruiting efforts continued into the 2025 and 2026 cycles. Michigan landed commitments from prospects like Christian Hanshaw, a three-star tight end in the 2027 class, and secured the nation's top-ranked kicker for the 2028 class.

These early commitments signaled that the program maintained its recruiting momentum even as on-field results fluctuated.

The 2025 Season and Looking Ahead

Michigan's 2025 season ended with a 9–4 record, improving on the 2024 mark but still falling short of College Football Playoff qualification. The Wolverines missed the playoff for a second consecutive year, creating urgency heading into the 2026 season.

The 2025 performance showed incremental progress under Moore. The offense showed more consistency in its second year under the new system, while the defense remained reliable.

However, the four losses indicated that Michigan still needed to close the gap with the Big Ten's elite programs, particularly Ohio State and Oregon, which had become perennial playoff contenders. As of June 2026, Michigan enters the 2026 season with clear aspirations of returning to the College Football Playoff.

The program has had two seasons to establish its identity under Moore, develop young talent from the 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes, and address weaknesses exposed in the previous campaigns. The 2026 season will be a critical test of whether Michigan can reclaim its place among college football's elite.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Was the 2024 season a failure for Michigan?

Many observers view the 2024 season as disappointing given that Michigan won the national championship the previous year. However, evaluating the season as a failure overlooks the context of a first-year head coach, massive roster turnover, and an expanded conference schedule.

Winning all rivalry games and a bowl game while finishing above .500 in Big Ten play represents a solid, if not spectacular, transitional season. The true measure of the 2024 season will be whether it provided the foundation for sustained success in subsequent years.

Did Sherrone Moore inherit a championship-ready roster?

This is a common misconception. While Michigan did return some players from the 2023 championship team, the roster turnover was substantial.

Key contributors at quarterback, running back, offensive line, and defense departed for the NFL or transferred. Moore inherited a program with championship culture and infrastructure, but the actual talent on the field was significantly less experienced and proven than the 2023 team.

The 2024 roster was more comparable to a rebuilding team than a defending champion.

Is Michigan's rivalry dominance sustainable?

Michigan's ability to win all rivalry games in 2024, despite overall struggles, suggests that the program's culture and preparation for these specific games remains strong. However, sustaining this dominance depends on continued recruiting success, player development, and coaching stability.

Rivalry games are often decided by small margins, and Michigan cannot assume perpetual success against Ohio State, Michigan State, or other opponents. The 2025 season's 9–4 record, while improved, still did not guarantee continued rivalry dominance.

Does Michigan need a different offensive philosophy?

The offensive struggles in 2024, which led to Kirk Campbell's firing, raised questions about Michigan's offensive identity. The program has historically emphasized a physical running game and play-action passing.

However, modern college football increasingly favors spread offenses and high-tempo attacks. Michigan's challenge is to adapt its offensive philosophy to modern trends while maintaining the physical identity that has been a hallmark of the program's success.

The hiring of Steve Casula as interim offensive coordinator for the bowl game and subsequent offensive staff changes suggest the program is actively addressing this balance.

Can Michigan return to the College Football Playoff in 2026?

Michigan's path back to the playoff requires several factors to align. First, the Wolverines need consistent quarterback play and offensive production.

Second, the defense must remain elite despite potential NFL departures. Third, Michigan must navigate the expanded Big Ten schedule, which includes games against conference powers like Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State.

Finally, the program needs to avoid the off-field distractions that have plagued recent seasons. While the 2026 roster has talent and experience, the margin for error in the new playoff format is thin.

What to Watch For

As Michigan enters the 2026 season, several key factors will determine whether the Wolverines can return to the College Football Playoff. Quarterback Development: Michigan must establish consistent quarterback play.

The 2024 and 2025 seasons featured offensive inconsistency largely due to quarterback struggles. Whether the Wolverines turn to a returning starter or a younger player like Jadyn Davis, development at this position will be critical.

Offensive Line Continuity: Michigan's offensive line has been the foundation of its success under both Harbaugh and Moore. Rebuilding this unit after NFL departures and maintaining its physical dominance will be essential for the running game and pass protection.

Defensive Leadership: The defense has been Michigan's strength during the transition. Retaining key defensive players and developing new leaders will determine whether the Wolverines can maintain their elite defensive standard.

Schedule Navigation: The expanded Big Ten creates a challenging path to the conference championship game. Michigan must avoid slip-ups against conference opponents while competing with Ohio State, Oregon, and other playoff contenders.

Recruiting Momentum: Continued success on the recruiting trail, particularly in the 2026 and 2027 cycles, will determine Michigan's long-term trajectory. The program's ability to compete with national powers for elite talent will influence its ceiling.

Institutional Stability: Michigan must resolve any remaining NCAA investigations and avoid off-field distractions that could impact recruiting, player availability, or coaching focus. A stable program environment will be essential for sustained success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Michigan's record in the 2024 season?

Michigan finished the 2024 season with an 8–5 overall record and a 5–4 mark in Big Ten Conference play. The Wolverines won a postseason bowl game and defeated all of their traditional rivals.

Who was Michigan's head coach in 2024?

Sherrone Moore served as Michigan's head coach in the 2024 season, his first season as the full-time head coach after replacing Jim Harbaugh. Moore had previously served as offensive line coach and offensive coordinator under Harbaugh.

Did Michigan win any rivalry games in 2024?

Yes, Michigan won all of its rivalry games and trophy matchups during the 2024 season. This included victories over Ohio State, Michigan State, and Minnesota, among others.

Why was offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell fired?

Kirk Campbell was fired on December 3, 2024, following the regular season. The offense struggled with consistency and production throughout the season, leading to the decision to make a change before the bowl game.

Steve Casula served as interim offensive coordinator for the bowl victory.

How did Michigan's 2024 recruiting class rank?

Michigan's 2024 recruiting class included 26 commitments and was ranked highly nationally. Key recruits included running back Jordan Marshall and quarterback Jadyn Davis, both considered top prospects at their positions.

What is Michigan's outlook for the 2026 season?

As of June 2026, Michigan enters the 2026 season with aspirations of returning to the College Football Playoff after missing the playoff in both 2024 and 2025. The Wolverines finished 9–4 in the 2025 season and will need consistent quarterback play, offensive development, and continued defensive excellence to compete for a playoff berth.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.