Where Michigan football ranks in the Big Ten Media Poll

Big Ten Media members don't see Michigan football repeating as Big Ten champions.
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson defends Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson defends Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Michigan football will be back at Big Ten Media Days this week and it's hard not to think of Big Ten Media Days in 2021 when Jim Harbaugh said the Wolverines would "beat Ohio or die trying."

That mindset helped turn around a Michigan football program fresh off a 2-4 season. The Wolverines also hadn't beaten Ohio State in a decade. It was time. But now, there's a new head coach for Michigan football and Sherrone Moore will be a big storyline this week.

Another is the preseason Big Ten Media Poll. One poll was put out Monday by the Kings of North YouTube Channel. It surveyed Big Ten Media members from across the Big Ten conference.

Michigan football wasn't picked by the media to repeat as Big Ten champions. Ohio State took the title of preseason favorite with Oregon picked second. Penn State was chosen third followed by Michigan football.

Iowa, USC, Wisconsin, and Nebraska followed by Rutgers and Washington rounding out the top 10. Michigan State was picked 15th.

Big Ten Media also projects playoff odds

The Big Ten Media poll also projected which teams would make the expanded 12-team playoff. Or they at least offered up odds on which teams would make the playoff.

Oregon and Ohio State were each unanimous selections by Big Ten media members to make the College Football Playoff. 64 percent of voters predicted Penn State will make the playoff, while 52 percent think Michigan football make the playoff for the fourth consecutive season. Will Johnson was also picked as the preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

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The good news is that on Aug. 31, all the predictions won't matter. We will have actual football. For now, let people keep underestimating the Wolverines.