Michigan announced they’re positioned among college football’s elite programs capable of competing for future national championships, according to a new CBS Sports analysis.
CBS Sports ranked the Wolverines in their “elite” tier for programs set up to compete for future national titles. The ranking comes after Michigan’s recent championship run and strong finish to the 2024 season.
The Wolverines won their first national championship in decades with a 34-13 victory over Washington in the 2023 title game.
That championship season ended with significant changes. Head coach Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers. Key players J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum departed for the NFL.
Sherrone Moore took over as head coach for his first season leading the program.
The Wolverines struggled early under Moore, losing four of their first seven conference games. But Michigan finished strong with victories over Northwestern and a huge 13-10 upset win over Ohio State in “The Game.”
That marked their fourth straight victory over the Buckeyes.
Michigan capped the season with a bowl victory over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Elite Tier Ranking
CBS Sports placed Michigan just below their “diamond” tier programs. The top tier includes Texas, LSU, Ohio State, Georgia and Alabama.
The elite tier features Michigan alongside Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, Florida, Oklahoma, Penn State and Texas A&M.
“Michigan is in the diamond tier of college football jobs, but the verdict is still pending in their sign-stealing investigation, and the potential ramifications for Sherrone Moore and his staff over the coming years could be significant. Harbaugh’s national championship in 2023 set sky-high expectations for Moore, much like the almost unreachable bar Alabama fans have set for Kalen DeBoer after Nick Saban’s retirement.”
The analysis noted the pending NCAA investigation into Michigan’s sign-stealing allegations. Those potential sanctions could impact Moore and his staff in coming years.
Moore faces the challenge of following Harbaugh’s championship success. The comparison to Alabama’s situation with Kalen DeBoer replacing Nick Saban highlights the pressure.
Looking Ahead
Moore has a significant weapon for his second season as head coach. Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall ranked high school player in the 2025 class, will be Michigan’s quarterback.
Underwood’s arrival gives the Wolverines a potential game-changer at the most important position.
Michigan’s recent success against Ohio State provides additional momentum. The program has won four consecutive games in the rivalry, something that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
The Wolverines proved they can compete at the highest level even during a rebuilding year under a first-time head coach.
