Mike Sainristil believes Michigan has three possible Heisman candidates

Only six programs have produced back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners. Michigan wide receiver Mike Sainristil believes the Wolverines have three worthy players on this year’s team.

“Donovan [Edwards], Blake [Corum], JJ [McCarthy], those are three guys that can potentially win a Heisman in my opinion. If that doesn’t drive them enough, what will?” Sainristil said at Big Ten Media Days.

Michigan’s offense is undoubtedly loaded. The Wolverines averaged 458.8 yards per game last season, ranking 24th in the country. Boasting McCarthy’s arm’s and an unstoppable running back room, the Wolverines were a balanced locomotive. The team averaged 238 rushing yards per contest, the fifth-most in the nation.

Fans expect even more from the Wolverines this season, and clearly, Sainristil doesn’t disagree. Let’s break down his Heisman candidate watchlist.

1. JJ McCarthy (QB)

McCarthy had a standout season in 2022, recording career highs with 208 completion for 2,719 yards and 22 touchdowns. For comparison, the 6-foot-3 QB threw just five interceptions. McCarthy was a semifinalist for the acclaimed Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award and was honored as Michigan’s Offensive Player of the Year.

After watching McCarthy all offseason, Sainristil has high hopes for McCarthy’s junior campaign.

“I know one thing JJ has been working on daily is his leadership skills. Just trying to continue pushing guys in the right direction. I think somebody like me can help him do that. Just continuing being around himm and leading him in the right direction,” Sainristil said.

2. Blake Corum (RB)

As fantastic as McCarthy was behind center, Corum stole the show on offense. In 2022, Corum ran for 1,463 yards on 247 attempts with 18 touchdowns, the third-most in a single season in Michigan history. He could have ran for more.

After injuring his left knee on Nov. 19 against Illinois, Corum missed the Big Ten championship game and the Wolverines’ College Football Playoff appearance. Nonetheless, Corum was still unanimomously named a First-Team All-American. He’s ready for his return.

“A couple weeks ago, that’s when I realized that most of my speed was coming back,” Corum said at Big Ten Media Days. “And then I started feeling the burst. There was definitely a point in time where I was like, ‘OK, I like where this is heading.’

3. Donovan Edwards (RB)

Edwards was the biggest surprise on Sainristil’s list but perhaps he shouldn’t be. With Corum out due to injury, Edwards exploded for 216 yards with two touchdowns on 22 carries at Ohio State. He followed up the breakout performance with 185 yards and a touchdown against Purdue in the Big Ten Championship.

With newfound confidence, Edwards could be a thorn in opposing defensive coordinators’ sides. Sainristil agrees.

“It’s like who do you prepare for? Do you prepare do for Blake, or do you prepare for Donovan? I just like it gives us so many options when we have people like that in our backfield,” Sainristil said.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see if Sainristil’s words hold true. Michigan will begin the upcoming season on Sept. 2 when it takes on East Carolina.