Michigan Wolverines news: Chris Partridge hired by Michigan football, combine invites and more

Michigan football announced a new hire to the coaching staff, as well as nine NFL combine invites, plus more in our Michigan Wolverines news roundup. 

Wednesday was a good day for the Michigan Wolverines for a couple of reasons. For one, the men’s basketball team got a solid win over Nebraska.

Michigan didn’t really bolster its resume but the Wolverines won their third straight and did so by 21 points. Jett Howard made six triples and the Wolverines are trending up in their quest for an NCAA tournament berth. A win over Indiana on Saturday would really help.

It was also a good day for the Michigan football program as the Wolverines finally announced the hire of Chris Partridge. The announcement was interesting because it didn’t say exactly what Partridge was going to coach but he’s going to be an on-field assistant.

Michigan football fans will remember what a weapon he was on the recruiting trail. Partridge was a big reason why the Wolverines were able to land Rashan Gary. It will immediately help with recruiting in New Jersey and beyond because the guy is just a really talented recruiter.

Partridge was also the co-DC last season at Ole Miss. So the guy can coach too and it’s a really nice addition for Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football team.

We still haven’t heard who will be leaving but it’s an open secret that it’s George Helow. At least that’s everybody’s guess. We should find out soon.

9 Michigan Wolverines invited to NFL combine

Michigan football also has nine former Wolveriners who have been invited to take part in the NFL combine, which is the third most of any college football program.

Ronnie Bell, Ryan Hayes, Jake Moody, Mike Morris, Olu Oluwatimi, Brad Robbins, Luke Schoonmaker, Mazi Smith, and DJ Turner were all invited. I kind of find it hard to believe that Gemon Green wasn’t given an invitation. He seems like a clear draft pick to me.

The other thing of note is that Michigan football is sending both a punter and kicker. I feel like there’s a strong chance that Jake Moody gets drafted. Robbins, probably won’t be, but you can bet he’ll be signed quickly as a rookie free agent.

NFL teams need quality punters and despite some struggles last season, Robbins was a really good one for the Michigan Wolverines. It’s also not out of the realm of possibility that 10 Michigan football players get drafted in 2023.

Michigan Wolverines open softball season Thursday

The Bonnie Tholl era will begin for the Michigan softball team down in Florida this weekend with a season-opening game against South Florida Thursday night at 6 PM EST (ESPN+).

Michigan lost its ace from last season in Alex Storako and pitching will be a question mark as the season begins but Michigan softball does return three All-Big Ten performers. That includes Lexi Blair who was the 2021 Big Ten Player of the Year. Blair is a career .375 hitter and is a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection.

The Wolverines will play a total of five games this weekend with South Florida on Thursday, Colgate (1:30 PM EST) on Friday, and a doubleheader against Western Kentucky on Saturday (11 M EST), as well as a matchup with Portland State on Sunday (9 AM EST).