Jim Harbaugh’s decision to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers continues an unfortunate trend for the University of Michigan. And it is likely to get even worse as players are allowed to enter the transfer portal over the next 30 days.
The Wolverines are set to lose the vast majority of their national championship team.
Although a return to the College Football Playoff four a fourth-straight year is not impossible with the expansion to a 12-team format, it seems unlikely. There is a significant uphill battle.
Not only is the head coach on his way out, as is most of its starting 22 from a year ago.
Each of the following starters from a year ago are guaranteed to leave:
- Quarterback J.J. McCarthy
- Leading rushing Blake Corum
- Leading receiver Roman Wilson
- No. 2 wide receiver Cornelius Johnson
- Left tackle LaDarius Henderson
- Left guard Trevor Keegan
- Center Drake Nugent
- Right guard Karsen Barnhart
- Right tackle Trente Jones
- Leading tackler, linebacker Junior Colson
- Second leading tackler, linebacker Michael Barrett
- Defensive tackle Kris Jenkins
- EDGE Rusher Braiden McGregor
- EDGE Rusher Jaylen Harrell
- Cornerback Mike Sainristil
- Defensive back Makari Paige
Yikes!
That list could grow now that Jim Harbaugh left. Players who declared their return for 2024 may choose to enter the NFL Draft now that their head coach is gone. Multiple players are also expected to enter the transfer portal.
Michigan is going to look very different.
The good news is that it is far easier to replace top talent in the modern era. The bad news is that there are a lot of players to replace and Michigan does not currently have a head coach to recruit.
And it gets even trickier when you consider the timing here.
Most of the best college football players who had previously entered the transfer portal have already found a new home. The next transfer portal window doesn’t open until April.
Whomever is tapped as the next head coach of the Wolverines — it sounds like it will be Sherrone Moore — is going to have slim pickings. Michigan is going to have to go through spring ball with the understanding that its roster will need significant overhaul before fall camp.
A path to a second-straight national championship is all-but out of the picture. A path back to the Playoff is equally as unclear.