When tight end Colston Loveland steps onto the field at the Big House to play for defending national champions Michigan football against Fresno State on August 31st, he will be surrounded by many new teammates. Regardless of where he looks—left, right, or behind him—not a single player who started alongside him in the previous season will be there.
Michigan bid farewell to key players from their historic team, including starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, wide receivers Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, the entire offensive line, and their in-line tight end AJ Barner. Additionally, there were changes in coaching staff roles, with offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore becoming head coach, quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell taking over as offensive coordinator, and Grant Newsome transitioning from coaching tight ends to the offensive line.
This turnover starkly contrasts with the previous offseason when the Wolverines only had to replace one coach. Loveland acknowledged the changes, expressing excitement about the fresh opportunities for new players and the team’s new offensive identity.
The team’s quest for a new identity begins with finding a starting quarterback, as McCarthy’s departure leaves a significant void. The competition for this position includes seventh-year grad transfer Jack Tuttle, sophomores Alex Orji and Jayden Denegal, junior Davis Warren, and true freshman Jadyn Davis. Loveland emphasized the unique strengths each candidate brings, highlighting Orji’s mobility and the throwing abilities of Denegal and Warren. However, the competition is expected to intensify as the season approaches, with chemistry among the players being crucial for the offense to perform well.
The varying playing styles among the quarterbacks present a challenge for the coaching staff in deciding the team’s offensive strategy. Campbell stressed the importance of tailoring the offense to the strengths of the starting quarterback to maximize the team’s success.
