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Ranking all eight of Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan football teams

Jim Harbaugh just finished his eighth season as the head coach of Michigan football. Here is how we ranked his teams thus far.

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Nov 13, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh points to the fans while walking off of the field following the competition of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan defeated Penn State 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
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7. 2017

Oct 21, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback John O’Korn (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh’s second-worst football team was his 2017 squad, which despite being one of the youngest teams ever assembled, still came into the season with a great deal of hype. The Wolverines were ranked No. 11 heading into the season, and with a Week 1 victory over No. 17 Florida (33-17), the Wolverines jumped as high as No. 7 in the polls before losing to Michigan State at home.

Michigan’s 4-0 start soon vanished — the Wolverines’ starting quarterback, Wilton Speight, went down with an injury, and Michigan would never recover. Michigan football lost to No. 2 Penn State (42-13) before stringing together a three-game winning streak. Michigan pulled itself to 8-2 on the season, though it could not overcome its final three opponents (No. 5 Wisconsin, No. 8 Ohio State, and South Carolina) and dropped to 8-5 on the season.

Still, an 8-4 season (plus a bowl loss) isn’t bad if that’s a “down year” in Ann Arbor.

FINAL RECORD: 8-5 (5-4 Big Ten), loss to South Carolina in Outback Bowl.

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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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