TLDR: Michigan Football has seen quite the transformation in recent years, shifting from a rough 2-4 season in 2020 to player-led success stories in 2021, 2022, and 2023. This shift was largely due to the renewed focus on player leadership initiated by Coach Harbaugh. By starting a player leadership council in fall 2021, Harbaugh empowered players to take ownership. Stars like Cade McNamara and Aidan Hutchinson played pivotal roles in leading the charge. However, 2024 poses challenges as much of that veteran leadership has moved on, leaving the team with emerging talents like Donovan Edwards and Myles Hinton. While these players have potential, experience is lacking. Sherrone Moore, navigating this shift, must focus on getting young players time on the field in the remaining games to prepare for future seasons. The tenet of ‘process over prize’ must guide Moore as he strives to cultivate a strong leadership foundation for continued success.

Oh, Michigan Football, how I love thee. Watching you rise from the ashes of a disappointing 2020 season has been nothing short of exhilarating. The spring game victory was just a taste of what this player-driven dynasty could accomplish. Hats off to Sherrone Moore, who, when asked about the victory, humbly credited the players. Harbaugh might be known for his antics, but it’s this collegial spirit that truly defines the new era of Michigan Football.

The turnaround wasn’t all about coaching overhauls; no, it was the athletes themselves who took charge. Under Harbaugh, a player leadership council emerged, bridging the gap between players and coaches. The heartbreaking 2020 season forced playmakers like Cade McNamara and Aidan Hutchinson to step up and steer the Wolverines to subsequent success. Enabling players to lead shifted the entire team’s energy and injected much-needed vitality into the Wolverine spirit.

Yet here we are, in 2024, and many of these leaders have moved on, taking their experience with them. We can’t overlook how Sherrone Moore has to navigate these waters with grace and replicate the past few seasons’ success. With familiar faces gone, fresh talent must take the torch: Donovan Edwards and Myles Hinton come to mind. They’re promising, sure, but can they fill the veteran shoes they’ve been thrust into? That’s the question that looms over Ann Arbor like a mischievous squirrel waiting for a tailgate feast.

For Michigan to continue its upward trajectory, Moore must shift his focus on engaging these younger players. Give them room to shine in the last games of the season; they need on-field experience like nobody’s business. Before my next cup of coffee, I’d argue Cade McNamara’s early exposure in 2020 paved his way to greatness. Invest in those who put hard work first and foremost to ensure today’s risks turn into tomorrow’s rewards.

Ultimately, all the tangible discussions on talent and strategy boil down to culture. It’s a slippery fish to catch but essential for Moore to wrangle as he leans on the philosophy of ‘process over prize.’ Times will get tough, yet it’s fundamental that the Wolverines stick to evaluating and nurturing leadership as legacy darts down the tunnel of future seasons.