With weapons like JJ McCarthy, Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, Roman Wilson, Darrius Clemons, and Colston Loveland expected to return, Harbaugh’s offensive line could be among the best in the conference. Even though the offensive line still has players like Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter raising doubts, Sherrone Moore has consistently shown that he can maximize the performance of his lineup, as seen by his back-to-back Joe Moore award victories.
Guys like Will Johnson (DB), Mason Graham (DL), and Derrick Moore (EDGE), who all saw a lot of playing time in their freshman year in Ann Arbor, are among the young talent returning to Michigan’s defense. In addition, seasoned players like Rod Moore (DB), Mike Sainristil (DB), and Kris Jenkins (DL) will make a comeback to Michigan in 2023. The Wolverines should once again have one of the best defensive teams in the nation if they add seasoned edge rushers like Braiden McGregor and Eyabi Okie.
In addition to Harbaugh’s opportunity to win three straight conference titles—a feat last accomplished by Gary Moeller in 1990–92—the Wolverines also stand a good chance of becoming the first program in College Football history to achieve 1,000 program wins, with 989 currently held by the team. In addition, the Buckeyes will be seeking retribution for their humiliation in Columbus this season when they visit Ann Arbor again in 2023. For the first time since 1995–1997, the Wolverines can defeat Ohio State three times in a row.
Being a part of those achievements would be amazing, particularly for someone like Jim Harbaugh. His background with the team as a coach and player would add even more significance to the successes.
Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines have been within one victory of playing for College Football’s top reward for the past two seasons, but they have failed to advance. At this point, it seems like Harbaugh should have no trouble returning to Michigan because everything is going so well for him. A national title is still very much in the cards.
Naturally, none of the aforementioned potential achievements involve a chance to win a Super Bowl, something that remains a major component of Harbaugh’s mindset. When he was coaching the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, he was one victory away from accomplishing precisely that, but the game was lost in the closing seconds. To make matters worse, he lost to his brother John, and the Ravens won their second Super Bowl championship in team history.
It is unclear if Harbaugh’s unfinished business (and contract) at Michigan will be sufficient to keep him in Michigan given the rumors surrounding the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts, as well as the reported interview with the Denver Broncos this week.
