Joel Klatt says Michigan will be back in mix for national title in 2023

As of right now, pencil in Michigan on the short list of contenders for the national championship in 2023, according to FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt.

With young talent developed and stars like J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum due back in Ann Arbor next fall, it’s safe to put Michigan on the short list of favorites for the Big Ten title. As far as a national title is concerned, Klatt says so due to seeing similar teams going into next year.

Albeit an early look ahead, Klatt broke down the Wolverines’ chances.

“I do think that you have to include Michigan because remember, even with the loss in the semi final, they do have the second best record in college football over those last 18 months that I was just talking about Georgia running the sport,” Klatt said on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. “And they’re gonna be pretty loaded. They did a great job in the transfer portal at the line of scrimmage. They’ve got young talent that was probably their best talent on their team. Blake Corum is coming back.”

The biggest question is if Jim Harbaugh will be back as head coach. Considering he interviewed for the Denver Broncos job, after interviewing with the Minnesota Vikings last season, Harbaugh could be back in the pros.

But, Michigan will have success in 2023 since Klatt thinks the head coach will stay at his alma mater.

“I think Jim Harbaugh is going to be back at Michigan personally,” Klatt said. “I think that that’s above a 50% proposition. I think that he will be the Michigan coach next season. So having said that, I do think that they’re going to start in that mix. Now whether they can pull off another Ohio State when, get back to the playoff remains to be seen. Your point about those three remains, and I believe it’s true. 

“I think that for the majority of the season up until that Saturday in Columbus, all of us would say the three best and most talented teams were Georgia, Ohio State and Alabama. Even with Alabama’s losses because they didn’t play to their standards during the course of the year. And we saw that in the Ohio State-Georgia game. I will tell you this, next year will feel similar.”

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Now through eight seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh is 74-25 with two Big Ten titles and two playoff appearances, but is 1-6 in bowl games.