Could Michigan Football be a playoff contender in 2022?

The offense looks ready to reload; however, the defense seems problematic

On defense, Michigan football will lose most of their starters, including both Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, the two biggest difference makers from U-M’s 2021 defense.

Michigan will also lose key players such as defensive tackle Chris Hinton, defensive back Dax Hill, and linebacker Josh Ross. All of these losses will be devastating to Michigan’s elite defense from this past season.

In the upcoming season, the Wolverines bring in a great recruiting class that is ranked 9th in the nation and 3rd in the Big Ten. There is plenty of talent that could be day-one starters for Michigan, though none will likely be able to fill the shoes of the talent Michigan is losing, at least not right away.

Second-year defensive coordinator Mike McDonald must once again prove that he is an elite play-caller, and if successful, could be destined for a return to the NFL or have his eyes on a college-level head coaching vacancy. McDonald’s first-year success has already turned some heads both in the NFL and at the college level.