Greg McElroy goes in-depth on Michigan, why he loves the Wolverines in 2023

Right now, there’s a lot to love about Michigan and ESPN’s Greg McElroy is no exception. He has the Wolverines as his No. 2 team going into the 2023 season.

“I love Michigan this year,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “I’ve been very outspoken about Michigan dating back to last year. They’re phenomenal. I expect them to be really good again this year. Do have concerns, I know they’ve gone out to the portal. They’ve been a very attractive portal destination for offensive line talent in the past. 

“But will they be able to replace what they had last year? We’ll find out. I think that group will be very good …We all know what they have at running back … between Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, they’re going to be in great shape. at that position.”

McElroy highlighted the tight ends as well, a position that could be very underrated this season.

“I think Colston Loveland has a lot to like at the tight end spot,” McElroy said. “He’ll be a featured player. You also get AJ Barner via the transfer portal. I think the one question that you might have is at wide receiver but even that might be a bit of a stretch knowing the identity of this offense is going to be ground and pound until it’s not.

“Cornelius Johnson is a difference maker expecting to get as many touches as humanly possible within that offensive scheme.”

However, the bulk of Michigan’s success this season will rely upon quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

“A lot of my excitement about Michigan centers around the improvement of JJ McCarthy,” McElroy said. “I think he’s really on the cusp of becoming a superstar in the world of college football. I think he’s the best quarterback in the Big Ten right now. I want the upside potentially of JJ McCarthy.

“I believe he has it in him and I think his best football is in front of them. I really believe that and I would be surprised if he doesn’t take a significant step this year in 2023.”

Michigan’s defense has a lot of depth, as highlighted by McElroy. Maybe the Wolverines can take a page out of Georgia’s book with a dominant force.

“I love the depth of this defense,” McElroy said. “I love the edge this defense plays with and it seems like every year it’s like man, I wonder what Michigan is going to roll out Week 1 with what they have on the edge? It’s like one year after another it’s like every year, here comes another all American defensive end. Take your pick this year, there’s plenty of options to choose from. I love this Michigan group from top to bottom, this should be one of the nation’s very best.”