Michigan Football is expected to return to the College Football Playoffs

You can tell that the start of the 2024 season is getting closer and closer, because now we are getting the first bowl and playoff predictions.

Michigan football is the defending national champion, but many overlook the Wolverines. They aren’t really mentioned as a contender for the national title, even though Michigan football has been recognized by the Blue Chip Ratio as one of the 16 teams talented enough to win the College Football Playoff.

But first, you have to make it. With the expansion to 12 teams, it will be much easier for Michigan football to make it after three consecutive four-team playoff appearances.

The schedule is huge, though. An early home game against Texas, additional home games against USC and Oregon, and away games against Ohio State and Washington make for a challenging fixture list.

UM will likely need to win one of three big games against Oregon, Ohio State or Texas. If Michigan football can do that and win nine games, the Wolverines have a good chance of making the playoffs, although a 10-win season would secure them.

Athlon Sports just released its bowl predictions for the 2024 college football season and the Wolverines are projected as the No. 9 seed in the 2024 College Football Playoff.

Ohio State is seeded No. 1. Michigan would play Alabama, seeded No. 8 in this scenario, in a rematch of last year’s Rose Bowl Classic in the CFP. The winner would face Ohio State in a bowl game.

Athlon predicted an Alabama win and an eventual matchup between Georgia and Ohio State for the national title.