Michigan football update: Wolverines looking to add flash to their offense in 2023?

A year ago, Michigan football saw one of its best seasons in program history, going 13-1 all said and done, as well as claiming a Big Ten title, CFP berth, and more. Heading into a new season this fall, the Wolverines look as dangerous as ever. However, it has become clear that if Michigan wants to take the next step and compete for a national title, the offense needs to be able to adapt more than it did in 2021 and 2022. That could start with Colston Loveland, JJ McCarthy, and others.

A new chapter for the Michigan football offense in 2023?

According to Michigan football tight end Colston Loveland, a rising sophomore star in the Maize and Blue, the Wolverines are well on their way to establishing a flashier offense behind second-year starting quarterback JJ McCarthy, a potential Heisman Trophy candidate this year.

Colston Loveland shined in year one with Michigan football last year, truly coming into his own as the season went on. With injuries to starting tight ends Luke Schoonmaker and Erick All, Loveland was a freshman playing the role of an upperclassman and turned heads while doing so. This year, the sophomore Wolverine is looking for a bigger role alongside transfer addition AJ Barner from Indiana.

Colston Loveland, JJ McCarthy looking to take the next step throughout a new season

As a deep threat tight end, Colston Loveland could be a perfect target for JJ McCarthy this fall as the Wolverines attempt to modernize their offense in pursuit of a third-straight Big Ten title and more. A national championship is not off the table for Michigan football right now. However, as history has proven, Michigan needs more offensive diversity and a stronger defensive push in playoff games.

“I think we’re definitely going to spark a little more in the pass game this year,” Colston Loveland explained to ON3. “especially building the chemistry. We got J.J. all offseason. I think we’re going to sling it around the yard a little more.”

Smashmouth football has worked well for the Wolverines in Big Ten play, boasting an impressive 19-1 conference record over the past two seasons with consecutive Big Ten titles and wins over Ohio State. Still, the national championship has eluded Jim Harbaugh’s grasp, largely due to offensive breakdowns in 2021 and mistakes in 2022.

As former five-star quarterback JJ McCarthy progresses throughout his junior season in Ann Arbor, Michigan football may have all the tools it needs to take things to the next level, perhaps claiming its first national title since the late 1990s.

This newfound offensive firepower is a reason for excitement in Ann Arbor and a great sign of things to come for the Michigan football offense in 2023.

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