Yes, Michigan football could have a Heisman Trophy winner in 2023

The 2023 Michigan football season is expected to be a big one for the Wolverines, who are looking to secure a third-straight Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth this fall. Ahead of the season, it appears that the Maize and Blue have a number of the nation’s top skill players, such as quarterback JJ McCarthy, running back Donovan Edwards, and many more. All of these top performers are considered Heisman Trophy contenders right now.

2023 Michigan football season could result in a Heisman Trophy winner

The last time Michigan football had a Heisman Trophy winner on its roster was in 1997 when former standout all-purpose player Charles Woodson led the Maize and Blue to a 12-0 record and an AP national title. Fast forward nearly three decades, and it appears that the Wolverines may be poised to do it all again this fall.

When talking about Michigan football and the Heisman Trophy in 2023, three names come to the forefront: JJ McCarthy (quarterback), Blake Corum (running back), and Donovan Edwards (running back). All three of these impressive Wolverines had breakout seasons last fall, leading their program to a 13-win season with a conference championship and a CFP appearance to show.

Right now, JJ McCarthy has the best odds of any Wolverines player to win this year’s Heisman, coming in with the 9th-best odds nationally (per Vegas Insider). Senior all-star running back Blake Corum is also in this conversation, coming in at No. 16, just behind former five-star quarterback Drew Allar of Penn State.

Donovan Edwards, a rising junior all-purpose offensive weapon, finds himself far lower on this list but is still a major threat for the award. A season ago, when Blake Corum was sidelined with an injury, Edwards stepped up in his place, rushing for over 200 yards against Ohio State and 185 yards in the Big Ten title game. He also had a stellar 160+ yard game against the Penn State Nittany Lions, further establishing himself as a top rusher in the conference.

These three incredible weapons are looking to bolster their program to even greater success this fall and will be lining up behind the nation’s top offensive line. As Michigan looks to secure a national title game berth for the first time in program history, keep an eye on this elite trio, which may even earn Heisman-caliber recognition by the end of the season. One thing is clear right now: the Wolverines have the potential to bring home the game’s most prestigious individual award this year.

*Editor’s note: This will be a two-part series, with the second article outlining why Michigan football will NOT have a Heisman Trophy winner in 2023.

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