Michigan football may have won the national championship during the 2023 college football, but in terms of the calendar, 2024 was a damn good year for the Wolverines.
On January 1st, Michigan football won the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1997, beating Alabama in an overtime classic to clinch a spot in the national championship game.
After winning the Rose Bowl for the first time in 27 years, the Wolverines won their first national championship in 27 years with a win over Washington on January 8.
Then, in November, following a sluggish season of transition, Michigan football beat the Ohio State super team, the one that came back to beat Michigan and win a national title, I think in that order.
Of course, the Buckeyes failed in that goal, which would make their national title feel very hollow, even if they win. It won't be anywhere close to comparable to Michigan football's 2023 national title. That was a 15-0 season and included a win over Ohio State, as well as the Big Ten title.
The Buckeyes are going 1 for 3 at best in terms of their season goals. That win was the perfect Christmas present for Michigan football fans but here are three other things on the wishlist.
Some offensive lineman from the portal
Michigan football landed five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood as part of a top-10 recruiting class. U-M has also been active in the portal adding Justice Haynes, the former five-star Alabama running back. Damon Payne, a former five-star DT is also transferring from Alabama to Michigan.
So far though, the Wolverines haven't been able to land any offensive lineman. I'd love to see them get a tackle, and a center, or just another quality player on the interior. Michigan is among the top two contenders for Washington State right tackle Fa'alili Fa'amoe. Nebraska is the other team in the mix but Fa'amoe is the No. 2 offensive tackle and he'd be a great gift for the quarterback room.
A cornerback to replace Will Johnson
There is no replacing Will Johnson. He's one of the best players Michigan football has ever had at the cornerback position. He's definitely the best to do it since Charles Woodson.
Johnson wasn't just a shutdown corner either. He had a knack for making big plays such as his interception against Ohio State in 2023, or the interception in the national title game when Michigan needed some momentum.
This past season, Johnson had two interception returns for touchdowns before suffering an injury. Mason Graham will be tough to replace but Johnson will be equally hard. Arizona standout Emmanuel Karnley, who had 16 tackles and five pass breakups as a freshman last season, has Michigan football among his top teams.
Karnley is 6-foot-3, 184 pounds, and is ranked by 247 Sports as the No. 6 cornerback available in the transfer portal. He'd be easy to get in school as an underclassmen and has been receptive to the idea of filling the shoes of Johnson.
There is talk that a decision could come on Christmas Day, but whether it's Karnley or someone else, Michigan football needs an impact corner to replace Will Johnson in the lineup.
A return from Kenneth Grant
There have been rumors about a possible return for Michigan football defensive tackle Kenneth Grant. He's been projected as a first-round pick, but to be fair, it's been the lower end of the first round, not a top-10 like Mason Graham.
I'm sure it would take a massive NIL deal to get Grant back in the fold, but whatever it cost, it would easily be worth it.
First-round defensive tackles just aren't available in the portal. David Gusta of Washington State is talented, and he's in the portal (Michigan is interested) but he's not Kenneth Grant. Over the past two seasons, Grant has been credited with 61 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
Kenneth Grant has yet to announce his intentions regarding the NFL Draft.
— Josh Henschke (@JoshHenschke) December 24, 2024
Posted the latest on what we're hearing for our subscribers as Michigan would welcome him back with open arms for his senior season.https://t.co/8VmFr7gkJc
At this point, Grant hasn't declared for the NFL draft. That doesn't mean that he won't. Frankly, I'd be surprised if he didn't. However, some have suggested it's possible, or at least being considered and if Grant does decide to return, I can't think of a better Christmas gift for Michigan football fans.