Michigan football's standing revealed in ESPN's future power rankings

Michigan football fought off plenty of demons during the 2021 season and set itself up for future success in the process. The Jim Harbaugh era was seemingly brought back from the dead, which has the Wolverines looking favorably in both the short and long term.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg put together a top 25 of future power rankings across college football, where Michigan ranked eighth in the country. The only programs in better shape are Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Clemson, Notre Dame and Oklahoma.

Michigan was not ranked during Rittenberg’s last edition of this series in 2021. He now has the Wolverines’ quarterback situation ranked 10th among college teams with the offense and defense coming in at eighth and 10th, respectively.

What Rittenberg said about the Wolverines

As expected, Michigan makes the biggest move in the team rankings after recording its first AP top-three finish since its last national championship season of 1997. The Wolverines might not be an annual CFP contender, but they seemingly have turned a corner under coach Jim Harbaugh, who recommitted to the program after flirting with the Minnesota Vikings’ job in February. The offense made major strides in 2021 and likely will remain on track despite coordinator Josh Gattis’ departure to Miami. Michigan returns starting quarterback Cade McNamara as well as dynamic sophomore J.J. McCarthy, who could be the unit’s long-term answer.

Although Michigan relied on the run game and controlling the line of scrimmage in 2021, its strength this coming season could be at wide receiver. Ronnie Bell returns from an ACL injury to join fellow senior Cornelius Johnson, junior Roman Wilson and sophomore Andrel Anthony. The Wolverines also regain All-Big Ten candidate Erick All at tight end. While Hassan Haskins will be missed at running back, Michigan’s 1-2 punch of junior Blake Corum and sophomore Donovan Edwards should propel the position through at least 2023. A veteran line returning Zak Zinter, Trevor Keegan and Ryan Hayes added center Olusegun Oluwatimi, a Virginia transfer and Rimington Trophy finalist in 2021.

Short-term questions for Michigan

The biggest short-term questions come on defense, as Michigan loses arguably the nation’s best tandem of ends in Aidan Hutchinson (No. 2 overall NFL draft pick) and David Ojabo, who would have been a first-round pick if not for a pre-draft injury. Also departing are safety Dax Hill, an NFL first-round pick, and coordinator Mike Macdonald. Linebacker looks like the unit’s immediate strength as Junior Colson and Nikhai Hill-Green both return, alongside Michael Barrett… Cornerbacks D.J. Turner and Gemon Green bring experience to the back end, alongside junior safety R.J. Moten.

Michigan’s recent recruiting run, which includes top-100 national prospects William Johnson and Keon Sabb, should help for 2023 and 2024. The interior line sets up well with Mazi Smith and Kris Jenkins, but Michigan needs more pass-rushing threats to emerge. Will Braiden McGregor, Michigan’s top 2020 recruit, blossom this fall? The Wolverines also added end Derrick Moore, ESPN’s No. 20 overall 2022 recruit.

Reacting to Michigan’s placement in the rankings

Rittenberg erroneously referred to 2023 linebacker Raylen Wilson in his article as a 2022 recruit that could get playing time this year. That part was edited out of his response for clarity. It remains unclear how that might affect his perception of the team. We will take the larger points he makes, though.

The case could be made that Michigan should be a few spots higher. Notre Dame is led by a first-time head coach in Marcus Freeman that has not proven anything yet. Oklahoma can say the same, plus it makes the jump to the SEC before too long. Clemson’s star faded last year and would be in trouble of burning out if not for a weak ACC.

Some will argue that the 2021 season was a Michigan anomaly. Time will tell on that front. However, the team has depth at almost every position and young players growing into roles. It now has players on the roster that have tasted championship-level football. All it takes is another down year to squander that momentum, but the arrow feels like it is pointing up for the program.

If Michigan can find a way to beat Ohio State again, there could be a true power shift in the Big Ten. A lot has to happen, but it is still on the table. There are very few Power 5 teams that would not trade spots with the Wolverines.