Joel Klatt explains why he ranked Michigan No. 7, above Alabama in preseason

Joel Klatt listed Michigan at No. 7 overall in his preseason top 25 rankings, even above Alabama going into the 2024 season.

While on paper, some might favor Alabama in that scenario, Klatt is still high on the Wolverines despite the roster turnover. Not only that, Sherrone Moore takes over as head coach.

Now while that might seem like a massive change, Klatt went the other way in regards to the coaches.

“So why do I have Michigan ahead of Alabama,” Klatt began on his podcast. “Well, actually, I think it’s actually pretty easy. They’re both changing head coaches, and yet one went from within and is not changing their culture. You see, when you go to Alabama, you have this understanding that everything is different … Names, culture, (it’s) going to be a little bit different. They are going to operate a little bit differently. 

“At Michigan, you go to Michigan, and you walk in and you’re like, oh man … Nothing’s changed. Everyone is different, but nothing has changed. That’s a difference from Alabama, plus Michigan just beat Alabama. That’s why I’ve got Michigan at number seven.” 

The biggest question mark is Michigan’s quarterback depth chart. The Wolverines have to replace JJ McCarthy, who was drafted No. 10 overall by the Minnesota Vikings.

“They’re going to have to figure out the quarterback position, and I think that’s the biggest question mark,” Klatt said. “There’s no doubt, but I will say this for whoever takes the snaps, they’re going to be able to run the football really well, especially under Sherrone Moore, and he proved that in his job as acting head coach late last season.

“(The) defense is going to be outstanding. (It’s) going to be one of the top two or three defenses in all of college football. Their interior defensive line is the top interior defensive line in the country, hands down. So that will give them a lot of runway to bring along a quarterback.” 

Michigan might have to figure out the most important position, but a lot of guys are back in key areas. When you talk about a dominant defense and running game, it’s a recipe that can take Michigan far.

“They’ve got to face Texas in week two. they’re going to have USC coming in September, so they’re going to have to be good right away,” Klatt said. “But I’m just going to throw this out there … I don’t think anybody is expecting it, except for them. What happens if they beat Texas? Could happen. What if they run it 50 times? We’ve seen them do that. I think they’ll lean on that run game.”