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Michigan football defensive backfield getting major national respect ahead of 2023 season

The Michigan football defensive backfield recently earned some major national praise, breaking the top-5 nationally and more.

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Michigan football defensive backfield
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Rod Moore (19) celebrates after making an interception in the second quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2023 college football season, this year’s team seems to boast Jim Harbaugh’s strongest roster since he assumed the role of head coach for the Wolverines in late 2014. However, there is a prevailing belief that one critical flaw remains in Ann Arbor: the Michigan football defensive backfield. To be more precise, the Wolverines face depth concerns at cornerback, although they are actively addressing these issues.

Depth concerns for the Michigan football defensive backfield

On the surface, standout players like Will Johnson and Rod Moore will spearhead the defensive efforts, both possessing valuable experience and regarded as top talents on the defensive side of the ball nationwide heading into the season. However, the Wolverines do face depth concerns, particularly behind Will Johnson, as there are few proven impact players. Amorion Walker, a newly-converted wide receiver turned cornerback, has received considerable praise during the offseason due to his physical attributes. Nonetheless, his performance in Michigan’s spring game last month raised doubts about his readiness and raised concerns about the overall depth of the Michigan football cornerback room heading into the season.

Nevertheless, the Wolverines possess an abundance of talent on both sides of the ball, and the national media still holds a positive outlook on the Michigan football defensive backfield. In a recent release by On3, ranking the top 10 defensive back rooms ahead of the 2023 season, Michigan football secured a spot on the list. Impressively, the Wolverines even managed to break into the top five nationally and claimed the second spot in the Big Ten.

Wolverines break the top-5 nationally, top-2 in the Big Ten

Despite the prevailing concerns surrounding the Michigan football defensive backfield, including the uncertainty surrounding the health of Will Johnson, Michigan’s DB room earned an impressive No. 4 ranking in the most recent 2023 defensive back rankings by On3. Georgia, Alabama, and Iowa were ranked ahead of the Wolverines, but it is noteworthy that Michigan’s seemingly weakest position group managed to secure a spot in the top five, surpassing other talented rooms like those of Penn State and Notre Dame.

These rankings present a significant challenge for the Wolverines, given their relatively young defensive backfield. However, it serves as an added source of motivation for the upcoming season, as they are determined to prove themselves and meet the high expectations set before them.

On3’s take: Why rank Michigan football at No. 4?

Here is On3’s explanation for ranking Michigan football at the 4th-ranked spot in their preseason defensive backfield rankings:

“Former 5-star recruit Will Johnson made an immediate impact as a freshman on the Wolverines’ defense in 2022, showcasing some of the stickiest coverage skills in the country. Johnson, who had three INTs, led all Power 5 corners in man-coverage grade, per PFF. With DJ Turner off to the NFL, Johnson is paired with sophomore Amorion Walker. For now, at least. Walker struggled some in UM’s spring game, but the sophomore is an athletic talent DC Jesse Minter really wants on the field. The Wolverines do have one of the more reliable nickel backs in the country in veteran Mike Sainristil, a fifth-year senior who had 58 tackles, seven PBUs, a couple of sacks and 6.5 TFLs in 2022.”



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2 new Michigan football transfer portal commits earn high praise from CBS Sports

Today, two Michigan football transfer portal pick ups were named Big Ten impact players.

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Michigan football transfer portal, Ernest Hausmann, Josaiah Stewart
Nov 18, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; An Michigan Wolverines helmet during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

This week, a list of the most impactful Big Ten transfers was released. On this prestigious list are two new Michigan football transfer portal commits — Ernest Hausmann and Josaiah Stewart — both of whom are expected to come in and boost the Wolverines’ chances of winning a national championship in their first year with the Maize and Blue. Alongside these two new Wolverines is an old one: Cade McNamara, who transferred to Iowa after losing the starting job to JJ McCarthy in 2022.

Michigan football transfer portal additions turning heads nationally

Since joining the Maize and Blue, two names have garnered significant attention: Josaiah Stewart and Ernest Hausmann. Both of these young men have shown immense talent and are expected to make a substantial impact on the Michigan football team this fall.

If they live up to expectations, they have a good chance of earning spots among the All-Big Ten selections and beyond. This week, a new CBS Sports report named both young men ‘impact’ Big Ten transfers, adding to the hype surrounding the Wolverines’ 2023 transfer portal class.

Ernest Hausmann named a Big Ten impact transfer portal commit

Ernest Hausmann has been one of the most talked about players in recent Michigan football history. The Wolverines needed a new linebacker, and at the time, Hausmann was the No. 1 player in the transfer portal. With that, Jim Harbaugh aimed high, and locked down the former Nebraska Cornhuskers for himself.

Since becoming a new Michigan football transfer portal commit, Hausmann has been turning heads in Ann Arbor, and is earning tons of respect among his peers in the Maize and Blue.

“His natural athletic ability. He’s smart, fast, can move,” said senior linebacker Michael Barrett earlier this year. “How fast he’s learning the defense, coming along with our guys, blending in, meshing together well with everyone. He’s gonna be a great player. I like his enthusiasm, the way he flies around at practice. He always has a smile on his face. He’s going to bring something to this team.”

Josaiah Stewart is hungry and ready to prove himself

Another significant addition to the Michigan football team via the transfer portal this offseason was Josaiah Stewart, a former standout pass rusher from Coastal Carolina. Despite being considered undersized for an edge rusher, Stewart has showcased his skills throughout his young college football career and is generating a great deal of excitement as he prepares for his first season with a Power Five school.

Despite concerns about his size, experience, and talent, Stewart remains focused and determined to prove himself on a national stage with one of the top programs in the nation. According to Stewart himself, he is fully committed to helping the Maize and Blue pursue a national championship in his very first year in Ann Arbor this upcoming fall.

“You can tell [Michigan football] is a winning environment,” Stewart said. “You can tell how seriously they take winning here, and we all know what the goal is — it’s not just the Big Ten Championship, it’s a national championship. And you can feel that as soon as you walk in the building.”



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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BREAKING: Full 2024 and 2025 Michigan football Big Ten schedules released

Here is the full 2024 and 2025 Big Ten schedule for Michigan football.

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Michigan football schedule, Big Ten

The 2024 and 2025 Michigan football Big Ten schedules have just been announced. With the addition of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten conference, the Maize and Blue’s schedules have undergone some changes. However, these adjustments have resulted in intriguing matchups for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines. Let’s take a look at who Michigan will be facing now that UCLA and USC are members of the Big Ten:

2024 Michigan football schedule

Following this season, the Michigan football schedule for 2024 gets pretty exciting, including a road trip to LA to face USC, and a home game against the UCLA Bruins. Here is the full 2024 schedule as of right now (no order).

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  • Maryland
  • Michigan State
  • Minnesota
  • UCLA
  • Wisconsin

AWAY

2025 Michigan football schedule

For year two of the new-look Big Ten conference slate, here is who is on the 2025 Michigan football schedule (no order).

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FLEX opponents

Under the new Big Ten scheduling rules, each program will have three opponents that they must face at home and on the road, as well as two protected games. Here is who the Wolverines have as flex opponents in 2024 and 2025.

FLEX: Maryland

PROTECTED RIVALRY: Michigan State, Ohio State



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FOOTBALL

JUST IN: Michigan football will play USC and UCLA in 2024

New reports show that Michigan football will face both USC and UCLA in 2024.

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Michigan football, USC, UCLA, Big Ten
Jan 1, 2007; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback (7) Chad Henne is pressured by Southern California Trojans defensive end (96) Lawrence Jackson and defensive end (84) Kyle Moore in the third quarter of the Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Mark J. Rebilas

Exciting news has emerged regarding the 2024 Big Ten football schedule, as some details have been revealed, highlighting two highly anticipated matchups for Michigan football. The latest information, leaked by Brett Murphey, discloses that the Maize and Blue will be taking on two of the conference’s newest additions — USC and UCLA — next season, with one game scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and the other in the iconic football town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Although specific dates and times are yet to be announced, these games already hold great significance for both Michigan and their West Coast opponents.

New Michigan football opponents for the 2024 season

The Wolverines will embark on a journey to face the USC Trojans in the grand city of Los Angeles. This meeting between the two storied programs promises to be a historic matchup, reminiscent of their legendary battles in the revered Rose Bowl game.

As the Maize and Blue make their way to the West Coast, they will undoubtedly bring with them a rich football tradition, while also encountering the vibrant atmosphere and passionate Trojan fanbase. The clash between these two titans of the gridiron will captivate football enthusiasts nationwide, evoking memories of classic contests and igniting new rivalries.

On the other hand, the UCLA Bruins will venture into the heart of Big Ten country, stepping foot in the illustrious Big House in Ann Arbor for the very first time. This encounter carries special significance, as PAC-12 programs rarely venture into the traditional domain of the Big Ten.

The Bruins’ visit to Ann Arbor will not only test their mettle against a formidable Michigan squad but also expose them to the elements of a potential October or November game.

Cold weather may pose a threat to LA-based teams

With colder temperatures prevailing during those months, the Bruins, hailing from the sunny city of Los Angeles, will face an additional challenge adapting to the unforgiving climate of the Midwest. Consequently, this contest will be watched closely by fans across the nation, eager to witness how the LA-based program fares against a formidable opponent in a different environment.

As anticipation builds for the 2024 season, these matchups between the Michigan Wolverines and the newly added West Coast teams, USC and UCLA, have generated tremendous excitement.

Football enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of specific dates and times, eagerly marking their calendars for these highly anticipated clashes. Whether it’s the clash between two historic powerhouses in Los Angeles or the Bruins’ inaugural visit to the Big House, these games will undoubtedly serve as major highlights of the upcoming season, showcasing the rich tapestry of college football and the enthralling competition that lies ahead.



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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