'We don't have anything to prove': Mason Graham pushes back on narratives surrounding Michigan

Many expect the Wolverines fall out of contention in 2024, but the All-American defensive tackle isn't buying it...

Michigan players include defensive lineman Mason Graham stretches and warms up during open practice at NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Michigan's three-year ascension to the top of college football reached its peak with last year's national championship, but after a plethora of players and most of its coaching staff departed this offseason, the national expectation is that the Wolverines will take a step back in 2024.

However, Michigan returns a talented crop of juniors and seniors who have played major roles in the program's rise and don't believe anything has changed under new head coach Sherrone Moore. One of those players is All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham, who pushed back on many of the narratives surrounding the Wolverines this offseason at a recent event for Wolverine Boots.

"I feel like we don't have anything to prove to anyone," Graham told members of the media. "It's just proving to ourselves we can do it again."

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) celebrates with the Leishman Trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

After having to watch Michigan succeed at the highest level over the past three years, rival fanbases are clinging to a hope that the Wolverines will drop off significantly under Moore's direction. However, those rooting against the program will be disappointed according to Graham.

"We're not gonna fall off, what everyone is saying," he said. "It's about the guys at Schembechler Hall coming together. Some people think with all the accolades and achievements, you just fall off. Coach Moore coming in, we have the same mindset. Get back to where we were at. Do all the same things."

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines interim head coach Sherrone Moore watches from the sideline during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports / Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY Sports

Graham's words closely aligned with what Donovan Edwards told former Michigan tight end Jake Butt on a recent podcast, and it speaks to what the leaders of the program are preaching. The Wolverines don't care about the narratives circling the program. Their focus is on competing for championships again this fall.

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