TLDR: Despite the departure of nearly 20 crucial players from last year’s roster, the Michigan Wolverines are fielding a squad teeming with potential for the 2024 season. They’re banking on a defense expected to rank among the nation’s elite along with an attack highlighting top players like Donovan Edwards and Colston Loveland. With eyes set on a fourth consecutive Big Ten title and another run at the National Championship, Michigan faces some uncertainties at pivotal positions. Key roles, like quarterback, center, and offensive tackle, are still up for grabs with contenders bringing varying levels of experience and productivity. At quarterback, it’s a contest between seasoned player Jack Tuttle, junior runner Alex Orji, and senior Davis Warren. Jack’s experience contrasts with Orji’s fleeting playing history, while Warren struggles with both productivity and experience. On the line, homegrown player Greg Crippen is poised to take center, with Myles Hinton likely starting as left tackle amid competition on the right side. The cornerback role opposite Will Johnson is contested too, bringing in transfers like Amari Hall to reinforce its depth. Boasting a wealth of talent and potential on both sides of the ball, Michigan’s success hinges on addressing these gaps effectively during the summer.

The Michigan Wolverines are stepping into 2024 with high hopes, despite waving goodbye to nearly 20 vital players from last year’s impressive team. It’s not all somber, though. There’s still plenty of talent pacing the sidelines, ready to take the field. With a defense that’s shaping up to be formidable, if not one of the top in the nation, and an offense shining with stars like Donovan Edwards and Colston Loveland, it’s no stretch to imagine Michigan gunning for their fourth straight Big Ten Championhip. And let’s not forget that elusive national title they’re eyeing for a repeat. However, there are areas needing answers, particularly positions where new faces must rise to the occasion.

Now, let’s talk quarterbacks. This fall, the Wolverines find themselves wrangling with five hopefuls vying for the starting job, yet it’s really narrowing down to three: Jack Tuttle, the ever-lasting seventh-year candidate; senior Davis Warren; and the fleet-footed junior Alex Orji. While Tuttle boasts an impressive tenure, Orji seems to be outpacing the others—by foot at least—but with just a single pass attempt in his two-year stint at Ann Arbor, questions loom over his aerial prowess. As for Tuttle, reliability is there, with over 1,000 passing yards to his name, even if it’s productivity, not time, that’s the issue. Warren, meanwhile? Well, he’s neither got the miles nor dazzling numbers; just some ungainly stats after three seasons (5-of-14, 89 yards, 1 INT).

Michigan’s main game isn’t exactly heavy-lifting by air—it’s more finesse and balance. As long as the quarterback, whoever she or he is, manages to maintain composure and efficiency, things might just sway in Michigan’s favor for another Big Ten accolade. If not, well, let’s hope there’s plenty to distract us in the Midwest autumn.

Switching to the trench warriors—our centers—a Michigan recruit is pegged to snap the ball during games this year. Senior Greg Crippen seems to snag the star role after diligently honing his skills in nine games last season. With 15 appearances in three years, it’s clear he’s been waiting, playing second fiddle to incoming transfers. This year Michigan trusts him fully, seeing no need for a new transfer. This means Crippen gets a green light, proving what he’s got up his sleeves. Right behind him, Raheem Anderson adds depth, especially with a new appearance in every season so far, even if slightly limited last year.

Then there’s the offensive tackle dilemma. While Myles Hinton, in his fifth year, locks down left tackle after a solid number of appearances, the right tackle spot’s a smidge complicated. Junior Andrew Gentry and grad student Jeffrey Persi are locked in a performance duo, both sporting sizeable frames and ready to jostle for a starting position. Their collective 2023 experiences split over left and right suggest the coaches have a tough decision ahead, with this contest possibly key to Michigan’s offensive fortunes this year.

Defensively, Michigan zeroes in on a cornerback who’ll step up next to Will Johnson. With veterans returning and Sherrone Moore spearheading a determined search in the transfer market, the pool is deep. A notable catch from this year’s hunt is Amir Hall, an FCS All-American known for his spectacular play style. While some doubting thomases quibble about a former FCS player’s transitioning to the Big Ten, Hall’s 2023 record—57 tackles, five interceptions, 13 passes defended—speaks fluently of his knack for the game. Sharing Hall’s stage are Jyaire Hill, Ja’Den McBurrows, Ricky Johnson from UNLV, Kody Jones, and Keshaun Harris, all set for a shot at major roles come fall.

Currently, Michigan’s blessed with a buffet of choices at multiple positions, making for an enthralling summer camp dish as hopefuls battle for top spots. If the answers to these questions allow talent to thrive in sync with experience, then Michigan could very well be celebrating with confetti once again this year.