While the Wolverines may remain just as competitive in the years to come, next year’s roster will look quite different, seeing as a number of top players are eligible for the NFL Draft after the 2023 season. That said, the elite Michigan football duo of AJ Barner and Colston Loveland — a pair of fantastic tight ends with contrasting skill sets — may still be together next fall.
This elite Michigan football duo could return in 2024
Why would Michigan football love to get AJ Barner and Colton Loveland back in 2024? Well, a quick look at the stat sheet and a few minutes of film make it pretty clear: this duo is something truly special. Barner is more of a blocking tight end, though he has made some incredible receiving plays this fall. Conversely, Loveland is more of a receiving threat than anything, though he has consistently proven himself to be a worthy blocker as well.
Colston Loveland will be back
First off, Michigan football will be getting Colston Loveland back next fall, assuming he does not transfer away for some reason. Loveland is in his second year of college ball, meaning he is not eligible for the NFL Draft despite being one of the top tight ends in the game right now.
Thus far, Colston Loveland has appeared in 27 games, catching 56 passes for over 800 yards and six touchdowns. He is one of JJ McCarthy’s favorite receiving targets and has proven time and time again that he is a major threat for the Wolverines’ offense — he is too big for most defensive backs and too fast for most linebackers.
AJ Barner could pass on the 2024 NFL Draft and make a return to Ann Arbor
AJ Barner played three years at Indiana — seeing tons of action for the Hoosiers across each season — before transferring to Michigan last winter. This year, he has become a force for the Wolverines, fitting right in with Michigan’s offensive scheme both as a blocker and as a pass-catcher.
For the Maize and Blue, keeping AJ Barner would be huge; due to the COVID-19 season, he has one more year of eligibility remaining, and he may decide that he wants another year of college football. His draft stock is not too high right now, and Michigan football has a shot at competing for a fourth straight Big Ten title next year, so a return to Ann Arbor could make a lot of sense for the ex-Indiana team captain.
This season, AJ Barner has appeared in all 13 games thus far, hauling in 22 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown during his inaugural year with the Maize and Blue. As I mentioned, his blocking has been an X-factor for Michigan as well.
For now, this elite Michigan football duo has a Rose Bowl (CFP) game to prepare for; however, in the months to come, decisions will be made, and 2024’s roster will become much clearer.
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