The Michigan Insider team has its finger on the pulse on all the news and what to watch for at the 2024 Maize vs. Blue Game, the first under head coach Sherrone Moore.
College football is known for its rapid roster turnover, but few programs have as much talent to replace as the Michigan Wolverines heading into 2024.
The revamping of the national champions is left in the hands of new head coach Sherrone Moore after Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL. Fans will get their first chance to see some of the progress on Saturday when the 2024 Maize vs. Blue Game kicks off in Ann Arbor at noon ET.
The Wolverines could have a record number of players picked in the 2024 NFL Draft, and replacing them all is the challenge.
All eyes, in particular, will be on the quarterback battle as five players are vying to be the replacement for J.J. McCarthy. If you want to see the latest Michigan football news, you should join The Michigan Insider, the 247Sports affiliate that covers the Michigan Wolverines, before the 2024 Michigan football spring game kicks off.
The team at The Michigan Insider is proved on-the-ground updates on every development in the coaching moves this offseason, including insights from Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, Zach Shaw and Alejandro Zuniga.
The unrivaled insider team has decades of experience and their finger on the pulse of everything Michigan football.
The team at The Michigan Insider has extensive coverage of the 2024 Michigan football spring game, including injury information and potential depth chart changes.
Head to The Michigan Insider and join now to see the latest updates regarding spring practice and the 2024 Maize and Blue Game.
Insight on the Michigan quarterback battle
McCarthy will likely be picked early in the 2024 NFL Draft and replacing his efficiency will be tough after he completed 72.3% of his passes for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions as a junior in 2023.
Michigan has a potentially dynamic option to replace him, however, in Alex Orji. The Wolverines used him as a runner in some of their biggest moments last season as he took multiple carries against Ohio State, in the Big Ten Championship Game and both playoff matchups.
That part of his game is strong, but with just one career pass attempt, the Maize vs. Blue Game will be a chance for him to show off his arm.
The job is far from guaranteed for him though. Jayden Denegal, Jack Tuttle, Davis Warren and true freshman Jadyn Davis are all in the mix as well.
Tuttle has the most experience, while Davis, the No. 9 QB in the 2024 class according to 247Sports, might have the most long-term upside. Get the latest on the Michigan quarterback battle by joining The Michigan Insider.
Michigan’s defense looks to remain elite under new staff
The defensive side will feature a lot of staff change under new coordinator Wink Martindale. Martindale replaces Jesse Minter, who followed Harbaugh to the NFL. Martindale’s three key assistants — defensive line coach Greg Scruggs (Wisconsin), linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary (Tennessee) and defensive back coach LaMar Morgan (Louisiana) — all coached elsewhere last year.
Michigan ranked first in total defense last season and sixth in 2022, so keeping that dominance rolling will be key, especially with massive personnel changes on offense.
Though there are some losses to overcome on this side of the ball as well, Michigan returns future NFL prospects such as cornerback Will Johnson and defensive linemen Will Graham and Kenneth Grant, so there’s a foundation on this side that could carry the team in 2024. Get the latest defensive depth chart notes and analysis by joining The Michigan Insider.
How to get insider information on Michigan football
The staff at The Michigan Insider also has updates on the rebuilt offensive line, scheme changes and an emerging safety who “has really stepped up” this spring. See who it is, and get all the VIP spring updates, by joining The Michigan Insider.
