Can Michigan win a national title under Sherrone Moore? | Sporting News

The confetti has barely settled in Ann Arbor, the championship banners are still being unfurled, and yet the seismic shift in Michigan football has already begun. Just weeks after hoisting the national championship trophy, Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL, leaving a void at the helm of a program at its pinnacle. Stepping into that monumental role is Sherrone Moore, the former offensive coordinator and a beloved figure within the Wolverines' locker room. The question now looms large, casting a long shadow over the celebratory afterglow: Can Moore, in his first full season as head coach, truly lead Michigan to another national title?

Moore's ascent is not without merit or precedent. He served as the offensive line coach for the unit that twice won the Joe Moore Award, a testament to their dominance, and was the architect behind the Wolverines' physical, run-heavy offense that steamrolled opponents en route to the 2023 championship. Crucially, he also demonstrated his leadership acumen during Harbaugh's various suspensions last season, guiding Michigan to a perfect 4-0 record in those interim appearances, including pivotal wins over Penn State and Ohio State. His deep connection with the players, cultivated over years, and his intimate understanding of the "Michigan Way" culture are undeniable assets, promising a degree of continuity that few coaching transitions can boast.

However, the path to repeating as national champions is fraught with challenges, even for a program with Michigan's recent success. The Wolverines are facing significant personnel losses on both sides of the ball. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and a slew of veteran offensive linemen like Zak Zinter and Trevor Keegan are off to the NFL. Defensively, the departures of Kris Jenkins, Mike Sainristil, Junior Colson, and headlining coordinator Jesse Minter will test the depth and resilience of a unit that was arguably the nation's best. New defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, known for his aggressive NFL schemes, will have big shoes to fill as he looks to replicate Minter's success.

The immediate future hinges on several critical position battles and the seamless integration of new talent. The quarterback competition, likely between Alex Orji, Jayden Denegal, and Jadyn Davis, will define the offensive identity. Can one of them emerge as a capable successor to McCarthy, providing both arm talent and leadership? On the offensive line, Moore’s former unit, the challenge is maintaining the elite standard without the seasoned anchors. Recruiting, too, becomes paramount. While Harbaugh laid a strong foundation, Moore will need to elevate the Wolverines' recruiting efforts to consistently compete with SEC and Big Ten rivals for top-tier talent, ensuring long-term sustainability beyond the current roster.

The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff offers a wider path to contention, but also intensifies the regular season gauntlet. Michigan's 2024 schedule includes tough matchups against Texas, USC, Oregon, and Washington, alongside perennial rivalries. Navigating this slate, while integrating new starters and a new defensive scheme, will be a true test of Moore's leadership and the program's resilience. The margin for error remains thin, even with more playoff berths available.