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Breaking down Michigan’s offensive depth chart after spring

By Chad Fisher

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines gestures during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game against the TCU Horned Frogs at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The TCU Horned Frogs won 51-45. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines gestures during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game against the TCU Horned Frogs at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The TCU Horned Frogs won 51-45. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Does Michigan football have enough talent on the offensive side to win a national championship next season? 

Michigan football is coming off of back-to-back Big Ten Championships, College Football Playoff appearances, and double-digit beatdowns over hated rival Ohio State.

The last win over the Buckeyes came in Columbus by three touchdowns and left little doubt about who’s the new king of the Big Ten Conference. Now that the Wolverines sit atop the conference can they stay there? And can they win a national championship?

The short answer is yes. Jim Harbaugh said after Michigan’s spring game last Saturday that this is the most talented team he’s had in Ann Arbor.

"“This is the best version of a Michigan football team on April 1st, 2023 that we’ve ever had,” Harbaugh said. “This is the best version of football that I’ve seen since I’ve been here the last eight years.” Considering the success the Wolverines have had over the last two years, that’s an extremely bold statement."

Michigan football will return seven starters on offense and also added two transfer starters. But it’s who the Wolverines are returning that’s so important. So, let’s look at who’s coming back on the offensive side of the ball.

Quarterback

Former five-star quarterback JJ McCarthy will be back under center and should be much better after undergoing shoulder surgery following his freshman season, missing all of spring practice. A lot of fans forget that McCarthy didn’t have a full spring to prepare last year after the injury, but still won the starting job.

Another year to heal and build strength under already legendary strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert will prove to be invaluable for the junior signal caller. McCarthy was a first-year starter in 2022 and looks to be more confident and seasoned as a 2nd-year starter. He threw for 2,713 yards with 22 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions in his 2022 campaign. He accomplished this in a year when the Wolverines only threw the ball when absolutely necessary.

Next year the coaching staff will likely loosen the leash on McCarthy and allow him to show off his vaunted arm strength. His statline should look something closer to 3,400 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. If he can do that, Michigan football will add another dimension to their already powerful offense.

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