College football: Preseason AP Top 25 projections for 2023
![Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9985bfa51981e0311adb52d3b0d01a348e4b3bac1326535e17ffecbd75be7a23.jpg)
For years, people were saying that Jim Harbaugh just couldn’t take Michigan to that next level and the ceiling was Big Ten East runner-up. However, a switch has flipped since the COVID-19 season as the Wolverines have won two straight Big Ten titles and made back-to-back playoff appearances.
JJ McCarthy emerged as the new starting quarterback last season after beating out Cade McNamara and forcing him into a transfer to Iowa. Fans have high hopes for their gunslinger and the term ‘Heisman’ has been thrown around a bit.
But the top Heisman threat on the team, at least in my opinion, has to be Blake Corum. He was in the hunt last year before suffering an injury and giving way to electric backup Donovan Edwards. They make up the best backfield in the country and both will be playing on Sundays soon.
Once again, the defense will be elite and the only real question mark on this roster is the receiver position.
Michigan will be a playoff threat yet again.