Key storylines for Michigan Football heading into Big Ten Media days

Big Ten Media Days kick off on Tuesday and here are some key storylines for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football.

It’s hard to believe that a year ago when Jim Harbaugh arrived at Big Ten Media Days, much of the talk was about his future after a 2-4 season.

Harbaugh offered his famous quote that Michigan football was going to beat Ohio State, and win the Big Ten championship — or die trying.

Well, the Wolverines did beat Ohio State. They also won the Big Ten championship and reached the College Football Playoff.

Now, we’ll see what Jim Harbaugh has to say but I don’t expect him to gloat. I’m sure he’ll be asked about the “third base” comments that we all know were in reference to Ryan Day, and you can also expect him to be asked about his quarterbacks.

But I don’t know that Harbaugh is going to offer any major soundbites. People mocked him more than anything for what he said last season, but who’s laughing now?

Michigan football is with its Big Ten championship trophy.

Storylines for Big Ten Media Days

Still, with Harbaugh and Michigan, there is always plenty to talk about and never a shortage of storylines.

One of the first, from a fan perspective and with the 2022 season in mind, is the QB position. Cade McNamara started all last season and is expected to start the opener against Colorado State.

But no starter has been named and Harbaugh has often referred to it as a competition. J.J. McCarthy was limited this spring, which didn’t help his cause but he’s expected to be ready for fall camp.

McNamara, who will also be attending Big Ten Media Days and the third-team All-Big Ten selection from last season is the unquestioned leader of the team.

McCarthy might have more talent but McNamara has something special and it led Michigan to 12 wins last season. The Wolverines might require a different formula to reach that mark again and McCarthy will play more, but either way, nothing is a given.

Harbaugh will surely be asked about NIL and the transfer portal and the state of college football as many big-name coaches have been, but many of the questions will likely center on how he’s going to sustain this success?

Can Michigan make this a true rivalry with Ohio State again, instead of winning once every decade? And what about Mel Tucker, can Harbaugh solve that riddle?

We’ll hear Harbaugh talk about way too many players and ramble a bit — that’s just what he does — he will also offer little meaningful information.

You can also expect a good soundbite or two, because more than anything, Harbaugh speaks his mind, and regardless, it will be fun to watch him take the stage as the head coach of the Big Ten champions, which will happen at 12:30 PM CST.