Anthony Herron calls Michigan the favorite in Big Ten for 2023 season

Michigan could be the favorite to win the Big Ten for the third straight season going into 2023, even over Ohio State.

Big Ten analyst and former Iowa defensive end Anthony Herron said there’s no reason to think the Wolverines can’t “three-peat” in the conference. With top stars coming back and head coach Jim Harbaugh still at the helm, for now, Michigan should be loaded once again.

That was Herron’s argument on Sirius XM’s Big Ten Radio.

“It’s huge for the Wolverines and you look at J.J. McCarthy back again at quarterback, Donovan Edwards back again in the backfield and having Blake Corum, you have one of the most talented backfields in all of college football,” Herron said. “Now with that available to them and then you have a deep tight end position, there’s no reason to think the offensive line won’t be dominant yet again for the Wolverines. 

“We’ll see what the receiver core brings to the table and the continued development of the passing attack.” 

But based on that grouping, Herron said that stacks up against pretty much anyone in the country.

“But now you have a variety of offensive playmakers that you would look at and say, you know, after coming off of back to back Big Ten championship seasons and back to back victories over the Ohio State Buckeyes, you go into next season where we’re just we’re preconditioned to viewing Ohio State as the favorite going into every football season,” Herron said. “There is no reason to think that Michigan shouldn’t be the favorite going into next season. When you look at the recent success here. 

“The tangible evidence is that they are on par and even better when they match up with the Buckeyes and then also all the talented playmakers that return on each side of the football. So just sitting here on January 10, Michigan’s the favorite going into next fall.”

Harbaugh made it clear, at least as clear as he could, that he expected to coach in Ann Arbor for at least one more season.

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“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days,” Harbaugh said. “College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff, and I truly believe that is a testament to the strength of our University of Michigan football program. As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.

“I have spoken with President Santa Ono and Athletic Director Warde Manuel and appreciate their support of me and our program. Our mission as Wolverines continues, and we are preparing for the 2023 season with great passion and enthusiasm. As our legendary coach Bo Schembechler said … ‘Those who stay will be champions.’”