FOOTBALL

Michigan Wolverines football earns highest preseason ranking since 1991

Michigan Wolverines football is ranked towards the top to start the 2023 season.

Published

9 months ago

August 14, 2023

Nov 23, 1991; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; FILE PHOTO; Michigan receiver Desmond Howard (21) returns a punt against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports

Today, the official 2023 AP Poll was released ahead of the coming college football season. For Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan Wolverines football program, they enter the new year at No. 2 nationally, only behind the Georgia Bulldogs for the time being. Additionally, this is the highest that the Maize and Blue have been ranked ahead of the season since Gary Moeller was head coach — all the way back in 1991.

Michigan Wolverines football earns No. 2 ranking in first 2023 preseason AP Poll

This morning, with just 19 days until the 2023 Michigan Wolverines football season kicks off against East Carolina in Ann Arbor, MI, the 2023 AP Poll was released. Just like the coaches poll, which was released earlier this month, Michigan football comes in at No. 2 nationally, still trailing only the Georgia Bulldogs.

Over the past two seasons, Michigan Wolverines football has finished top-3 twice with a pair of Big Ten titles and matching College Football Playoff appearances. As impressive as that was, this year is Jim Harbaugh’s best roster yet, and appears poised to finally make a push for the National Championship.

On top of these massive expectations, Michigan football now has its highest preseason AP Poll ranking (No. 2) since the 1991 season when Gary Moeller led his Wolverines to a Big Ten title and more. Additionally, former star wide receiver Desmond Howard won the Heisman Trophy that year, and eventually, Michigan finished 6th in the season’s final AP Poll due to a crushing Rose Bowl loss.

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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.