Michigan Leads The Big Ten In Returning Production For 2023

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off of one of the best seasons in program history, and they've got all of the pieces in place to repeat that success in 2023.

When it comes to returning production in 2023, the Michigan Wolverines are at the top of the list within the Big Ten conference - and near the top of the list in all of college football. In fact, the Wolverines are one of just two programs from the Big Ten to crack ESPN's Top 25 in returning production, and the only team from last year's College Football Playoff to make the list.

It starts up front where the Wolverines return four offensive lineman who were starters from last years Joe Moore award winning offensive line: Zak Zinter, Trevor Keegan, Karsen Barnhart, and Trente Jones. Michigan also returns starting quarterback JJ McCarthy, who is considered to be a Top 10 returning QB nationally by PFF. In the backfield, the Wolverines feature what is undeniably the top running back duo in the nation in Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. 

Defensively, the Wolverines feature arguably the top cornerback in the nation in Will Johnson, along with a secondary that is loaded with veteran experience - Mike Sainristil, Rod Moore, and RJ Moten to name a few. At linebacker, Michigan returns its leading tackler from 2022 in Junior Colson, along with graduate student Mike Barrett who's entering his sixth season in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines also return three key edge rushers from the 2022 season, including Jaylen Harrell, Braiden McGregor, and Derrick Moore. Up front, senior Kris Jenkins (who led all defensive linemen in 2022 with 54 tackles) will anchor a defensive line that should be one of the best in the nation.  

Here's a look at how Michigan stacks up nationally and within the Big Ten conference when it comes to returning production:

National Rankings

1. Florida State: 87%
2. Kansas: 85%
3. FAU: 83%
4. Wyoming: 83%
5. Michigan: 81%
6.  UConn: 80%
7. Texas A&M: 80%
8. Boston College: 78%
9. Missouri: 78%
10. Temple: 77%
11. Toledo: 77%
12. Northern Illinois: 77%
13. South Alabama: 77%
14. USC: 76%
15. UMass: 76%
16. Utah: 76%
17. Navy: 75%
18. FIU: 74%
19. Texas: 74%
20. North Texas: 74%
21. Rice: 73%
22. Washington: 73%
23. Rutgers: 73%
24. Syracuse: 73%
25. Coastal Carolina: 72%

Big Ten Rankings

1. Michigan: 81%
2. Rutgers: 73%
3. Wisconsin: 72%
4. Nebraska: 69%
5. Indiana: 69%
6. Michigan State: 68%
7. Ohio State: 67%
8. Penn State: 65%
9. Purdue: 65%
10. Maryland: 64%
11. Illinois: 63%
12. Minnesota: 58%
13. Iowa: 57%
14. Northwestern: 56%