Michigan football defense projected to be college football’s best

There are a couple of common denominators between the 2023 Michigan football team that won the national championship and the 2024 squad that will try to repeat.

An elite defense will be one. A dominant running game will be another. Donovan Edwards, Kalel Mullings, Alex Orji, and the offensive line will handle the running game. It might even be more productive than last season with a true running threat at quarterback.

However, the Michigan football defense was a huge catalyst for the natty. It’s been one of the main reasons why the Wolverines have won three Big Ten titles in a row.

Will Michigan football defense be the best again in 2024?

There are questions to answer for the 2024 defense, especially with a new defensive coordinator in Wink Martindale. But NFL defensive coordinators are the way to go. The Wolverines learned that the past three seasons and there’s a reason Wink is one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in college football.

It’s going to look different than it did under Jesse Minter. There will likely be more blitzing, although it might not be needed but Wink is going to be aggressive and the Michigan football defense will be elite.

I’m even more confident in that after some recent transfer portal additions to fortify the secondary. Michigan added some talented veterans with experience. They aren’t all big names, but they are good football players and will provide what U-M needed — quality depth.

Recently, 247 Sports ranked college football defenses ahead of the 2024 season, and Michigan football was ranked No. 1 ahead of Ohio State and Iowa. The teams will be elite on defense too, no question. But I’d argue that Michigan has a better D-line, a better DC, and a better overall defense.

That’s been the case the past three seasons and we’ll see if it remains true in 2024.