Michigan football is set to make waves again, despite losing a record 13 players to the NFL draft this year. The Wolverines might have seen some of their top talents head to the pros, but don’t be fooled—the cupboards in Ann Arbor are far from empty. With several key players returning, Michigan is poised to defend its national title with vigor and determination. In fact, when ESPN released its rankings of the top 100 college football players for the 2024 season, five Wolverines made the cut, solidifying Michigan’s place among the elite teams in the nation.
Let's break it down: junior defensive tackle Kenneth Grant secured the No. 75 spot, senior running back Donovan Edwards landed at No. 72, junior tight end Colston Loveland ranked No. 26, junior cornerback Will Johnson was placed at No. 4, and junior defensive tackle Mason Graham took an impressive No. 2 spot. These rankings not only highlight the individual talents of these players but also underscore Michigan’s depth and the potential they bring to the field this season.
Now, let's talk about the Wolverines in the Big Ten. Michigan’s five players in the top 100 were second only to Ohio State in the conference, a fact that should send a message to the rest of the league. Interestingly, though, none of the Buckeyes made it into the top 10, whereas Michigan boasts two players in that elite tier. The rankings, determined by a panel of ESPN experts, placed Tennessee defensive end James Pierce Jr. at No. 1 overall, but the real story is Michigan’s dominance in the upper echelons of college football talent.
One of the most exciting aspects of Michigan’s lineup is the trio of Johnson, Graham, and Loveland. These three players are no strangers to the spotlight, and their rankings come as no surprise given their standout performances during their sophomore seasons. Each is widely projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, which speaks volumes about their abilities and the impact they have on the field.
Let’s dive into Mason Graham's contribution. Graham’s 2023 stats might not jump off the page—35 tackles and three sacks—but don’t let that fool you. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the heart of Michigan’s defense. As ESPN pointed out, "The 320-pound Graham is back to anchor the inside of a revamped but still talented Michigan defense that lost several players to the NFL draft." He was a second-team All-American last year and racked up 7.5 tackles for loss on a Michigan defense that led the nation in defensive EPA. He’s not just a player; he’s a cornerstone of the Wolverines' defensive strategy. Alongside Kenneth Grant, Graham has the potential to form the most formidable defensive tackle duo in college football this season.
Speaking of Kenneth Grant, let’s give this junior defensive tackle the spotlight he deserves. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 339 pounds, Grant isn’t just a big presence on the field; he’s a dominant force. He’s ranked No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s annual “freaks” list, a nod to his exceptional physical abilities. Grant clocked a sub-5.0 in the 40-yard dash, reached a top speed of 18.75 mph on the GPS, and can press a 115-pound dumbbell 34 times on his right arm and 27 times on his left. ESPN’s praise is glowing: “In his second season at Michigan, Grant quickly became not just one of the defensive stalwarts of a stout defense but one of the most physically imposing players in the country.” His 16 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks from last season, including a critical one in the national championship game, are just the beginning. As he heads into his third season, the sky’s the limit for Grant—he’s poised to showcase his talent and unique physicality on an even bigger stage.
Will Johnson, another standout, has lived up to his five-star recruit status out of Grosse Pointe South High. Johnson’s performance last season was nothing short of spectacular. He was a consensus All-Big Ten performer and recorded four interceptions, one of which came on the first play of the second half in Michigan’s national title victory over Washington. But here’s the kicker: opposing quarterbacks targeting Johnson had a QBR of just 4.3—a shockingly low number that’s the lowest for any Big Ten defensive back. ESPN summed it up well: “Opposing QBs had a QBR of just 4.3 (scale of 0-to-100) targeting Johnson last year, easily the lowest score for Big Ten DBs.” Johnson is not just a player; he’s a game-changer, and his presence on the field will be a nightmare for any offense that dares to challenge him.
Colston Loveland is another name to watch this season. As a junior tight end, Loveland is stepping into a more prominent role, especially with the team losing its top two receivers, Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson. Loveland, a former four-star recruit from Idaho, could very well become Michigan’s top target in the passing game. ESPN’s assessment is clear: “Now that Brock Bowers is playing in the NFL, Loveland takes his rightful place as the premier tight end in college football, especially with his skills as both a receiver and blocker.” Loveland’s stats from last season are impressive—45 catches, averaging 14.4 yards per catch, on a national championship team. His athleticism and ability to make plays will be crucial for Michigan’s offense, and with the spotlight on him, expect Loveland to rise to the occasion.
Then there’s Donovan Edwards, the senior running back who’s ready to break out in 2024. Last season, Edwards played a supplementary role behind Blake Corum, but don’t let that fool you—he’s got home-run potential. Whether as a receiver or a runner, Edwards can be a game-changer in the open field. ESPN highlighted this, stating, “After three years of playing behind standout backs Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, Edwards gets his chance to be Michigan’s lead back.” And the timing couldn’t be better; Edwards is on the cover of the College Football 25 video game. In the final three games of 2022, Edwards showcased his speed and potential by rushing for 520 yards on just 70 carries. Now, with the spotlight on him, Edwards is poised to be Michigan’s go-to back, ready to make his mark and lead the Wolverines' ground attack.
In summary, while Michigan may have lost a significant chunk of talent to the NFL, the Wolverines are far from a team in decline. With five players ranked among the top 100 in college football, including two in the top 10, Michigan is stacked with talent ready to defend their national title. From Graham and Grant anchoring the defense to Johnson locking down the secondary, Loveland emerging as a top target, and Edwards leading the ground game, Michigan is not just reloading—they’re ready to dominate. The Wolverines are set to make another strong push for glory in 2024, and with this roster, the future looks incredibly bright in Ann Arbor.
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