3 Wolverines Named to ESPN’s Most Important Players for CFP Race

ESPN released its 2024 list of the 25 most important players in this season’s college football playoff race. There are a few familiar names on this list as three Wolverines were named in the top 25.

All three players were split into different categories based on their rankings.

Here’s each Michigan football player on the list:

No. 24, Mason Graham

Labeled “Pure Transcendance Potential” in the article, Mason Graham is one of U-M’s key returning players. The sophomore in 2023 was a star on the defensive line and played an integral role in Michigan football’s elite defense. Mason Graham has the potential to be a first round pick come the 2025 draft. With his size and skill, he is going to be a star yet again on Michigan’s defense in 2024.

2023 Stats

35 total tackles, 23 solo, 12 assisted.

7.5 tackles for a loss totaling 44 yards.

3 sacks, totaling 19 yards lost.

1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.

No. 9, Donovan Edwards

ESPN labeled Donovan Edwards as a “Potential Star in Need of a Breakthrough.” To be honest, I wouldn’t label him as a “Potential Star.” I think he IS a star. I mean his runs against Ohio State in 2022 still replay through my head on a daily basis.

Yes, he wasn’t as flashy in 2023 as we expected but he always also not getting as many snaps as Blake Corum. He is a dual-threat running back – expected to be one of Michigan’s leading receivers – and very well could be one of the best offensive skill players in the country this season. However, Donovan as well as Michigan’s offense with a heavy loss of production could use a breakout season!

2023 Stats

119 rushes for 497 yards and 5 touchdowns.

30 catches for 249 yards.

Longest run was for 46 yards, and longest catch was for 37 yards.

No. 2, Alex Orji

ESPN named Michigan’s potential QB as a “New Starting Quarterbacks for Potential Contenders.” And while the starting quarterback for Michigan football has not yet been named, it seems as though they believe it will be the current front-runner. Alex Orji has not shown too much but has proved himself as an extremely athletic quarterback who can run. Of his 25 career snaps at QB, 20 of them were rushes.

He has a lot to prove to fans and the media as he has huge shoes to fill following the departure of J.J. McCarthy. We have seen his talent and athleticism when he runs the ball, but we need to see a huge leap in his passing game. With that being said, he has immense potential on this Michigan football team.

2023 Stats

He appeared in 6 games in 2023.

In 15 QB rush attempts, he tallied 86 yards.

His longest rush was for 20 yards against Ohio State.

He had one rushing touchdown in 2023 against Michigan State.

Michigan has a lot to prove in 2024 as they are being viewed as underdogs to repeat as national champs But they sure do have some stars in the making. Let’s see if ESPN is right about their predictions in a year from now.