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Michigan football continues to build toward a national title

Michigan football continues to build towards a national championship season.

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Michigan football, transfer portal, Josh Wallace, Jim Harbaugh
Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh throws prior to the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s Michigan football roster is the best that Jim Harbaugh has ever had. After winning the Big Ten twice and appearing in the College Football Playoff both times, it seems as if the Wolverines have a shot at winning it all this year. Yet, talent is not all that Michigan has on its side, as the Wolverines also lay claim to some of the best team culture in America — something that will be just as important in Jim Harbaugh’s pursuit of a national title this fall.

Michigan football is bolstered by elite talent

The 2023 season will kick off in just three weeks for Michigan football, which has been prepping hard throughout fall camp in order to finally get over the hump and push for a national title. The talent on this year’s roster is through the roof — according to new transfer portal linebacker Ernest Hausmann, the talent he sees on defense alone is “very special.”

“Talent here on defense is something very special,” Hausmann explained yesterday afternoon. “Defense is such a unique side of the ball because you need each individual doing their job for you to be successful. Being able to play off each other is something that I think gets overlooked, and so us linebackers, we have a great D-lineman/Edge rusher team.

“To give them the freedom to do what they need to do to be successful on their rushes and be able to cause havoc in the run game, we need to be able to play off that and be able to make the right situations because we know that they can make plays at a high rate. Giving them the freedom allows them to do that. In the backend as well, everything just works hand in hand. I just feel like with the talent we have in this whole defensive room, we just do a great job of making sure that we are where we’re supposed to be.”

Team culture arguably more important in Ann Arbor

Towards the start of fall camp, second-year Michigan football defensive coordinator Jesse Minter broke down the Wolverines’ elite team culture and explained how it is leading the way for Michigan’s overall success. Yesterday, Hausmann confirmed that Michigan football has elite culture and went in-depth on why it matters so much for the Maize and Blue.

“The culture here at Michigan is something very special,” Hausmann said. “When I came in here in January, it was something that right away I noticed. … It’s been so special. Just the camaraderie that this team holds, it’s one of the things that makes me feel special. Now coming to fall camp, I’m gonna be with the guys and practicing after spring session with them, you can really see how and why we’re so successful with the team environment we have here.”

If Michigan football is to finally climb the ladder and reach the national title game, potentially bringing a championship back to Ann Arbor for the first time in nearly three decades, the talent of this year’s roster is essential, but talent alone simply won’t cut it. The fact that the Wolverines’ culture is top tier as well is a massive step for the program and is arguably the most important aspect of Jim Harbaugh’s team this year.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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