The first coaches poll has been released for the college football season. Many Michigan fans were wondering where Michigan would debut and we finally have the answer. Michigan debuts at no. 6 in the coaches poll.
Preseason Top 10 Team
The question marks on defense and the QB battle did not faze coaches when voting for Michigan. The panel of 65 coaches voted Michigan as a top 10 team despite the question marks. This is most likely due to the number of returning starters on offense and the projection of the offensive line. Michigan also has consistently been able to coach up defensive talent so the loss of Aiden Hutchinson and David Ojabo should hurt less. However, this says more of what coaches think about the offensive line and the running game more than anything. Michigan debuting at no. 6 speaks to what coaches think of this team.
Other Big Ten Teams in Top 25
Despite being at no. 6, Michigan is the second highest ranked Big Ten team. Archrival Ohio State opens up at no. 2 with Heisman hopeful CJ Stroud heading the offense. In state rival Michigan State came in at no. 14 after a strong year under head coach Mel Tucker. The only other Big Ten team to crack the top 25 was the Wisconsin Badgers coming in at no. 20. The Big Ten looks to be very top heavy this year with these four teams being the cream of the crop in the conference.
College Football Playoff Return?
This ranking will help Michigan. Michigan’s schedule is fairly easy. A couple of tough games here and there but ultimately, the final game against the season at Ohio State is the big one. If the Wolverines can put themselves in a position to be in the top 5 going into that matchup with Ohio State, it will put them in great shape to return to the College Football Playoff.
Michigan debuting at no. 6 is great news for the Wolverines. It should help build confidence in the team but also it puts a target on their back. The Wolverines will have to fend off teams coming in hoping to pull off a massive upset. With so many people being down on Michigan this year, it is great to see the Wolverines get the recognition they deserve for the team they have built.