Michigan
Survey: Was the 2023 Michigan National Championship team better than the 1997 squad?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Michigan Wolverines fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2023 Michigan Wolverines join the 1997 squad as the two teams in the modern era that have been crowned national champions. Two legendary coaches – Jim Harbaugh and Lloyd Carr – led the way to perfect seasons, Big Ten Championships, and a Rose Bowl win. Harbaugh took it a step further, however, winning two more games, including the National Championship.
Looking back, the 1997 squad probably had some bigger names, most notably, Charles Woodson who won the Heisman Trophy that season. College Football Hall of Famer Steve Hutchinson also manned an impressive offensive line that protected quarterback Brian Griese. Running back Anthony Thomas was also named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
This 2023 team also has quite a few names that will be remembered forever at Michigan. At the top of the list is Blake Corum who never won the Heisman, but was a Top-10 candidate in consecutive seasons. This defense may also have been better led by Mike Sainristil, Will Johnson, Mason Graham, and Kenneth Grant. Three of them have still yet to have their legacy finished as they have at least a year to go.
When observing these two teams, which do you believe was the better squad: 1997 or 2023?
In the history of college football, only four teams have gone 15-0 and won a national championship to go with it – Michigan this season, 2022 Georgia, 2019 LSU, and 2018 Clemson.
2019 LSU probably had the most explosive offense with Joe Burrow, Ja’Maar Chase, Justin Jefferson, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Terrance Marshall Jr. leading the way. They scored 48.4 points per game and Burrow won the Heisman with probably the best collegiate season in the history of the sport.
Clemson’s team from 2018 would like a word though as they were led by Trevor Lawrence, Travis Ettiene, Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, Hunter Renfrow, and more scoring 44.3 points a contest. Their defense also allowed only 13.1 points per game, which was the best in college football that year.
Georgia’s 2022 team became the next to go undefeated in the College Football Playoff era led by a defense that allowed 14.3 points a game with a defensive line that had guys like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith leading the way. Stetson Bennett was a Heisman finalist and brought home his second championship in as many seasons, they put up 41.1 points a game.
Then comes this Michigan team led by maybe the best defense of the bunch allowing just 10.4 points per game. They relied on that to the National Championship, crushing Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington offense. Their offense is also maybe the worst-performing reaching 35.9 points a contest.
Which of these four teams do you believe is the best of the four-team CFP era?
Drop your votes in and comment below!
In the middle of what’s been an incredible season for the Michigan men’s basketball team, Dusty May and the program are now confirmed to be bringing back a big contributor for next season. According to a report from Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press, freshman guard Trey McKenney is set to be back with the Wolverines next year.
“We’re going to have a really talented team next year,” McKenney told Garcia. “I came in with a role this year and I think my role would definitely expand next year, so I’m definitely looking forward to coming back.”
McKenney joined the program this offseason as a prized five-star recruit in the Wolverines’ 2025 recruiting class. So far he’s lived up to the billing, coming off the bench to average 9.7 points per game, but shooting an impressive 38.5 percent from three-point range this year. He has already asserted himself as one of the team’s best shooters.
In addition to his offensive game, he’s gotten after it on the defensive end as well and has been regularly on the floor to close games this season. We’ve seen McKenney’s role slowly grow, especially in the absence of fellow guard L.J. Cason, who has missed the last month and is set to miss all of next season with an ACL tear.
By cementing his status with the program, McKenney is a great foundation for what the team hopes to build next season. He’ll likely step into a starting role as the Michigan’s shooting guard, while May and company also look to get players like Elliot Cadeau, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara back in the fold.
Michigan will get a shot to fill out the rest of its roster when the transfer portal opens up on April 7, just one day after the National Championship.
For now though, McKenney and the Wolverines will focus on punching their ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2018 by defeating Tennessee on Sunday afternoon.
When the Sweet 16 continues on Saturday during the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament, Michigan women’s basketball (27-6) will continue its climb to reach the Final Four for the first time.
The Wolverines, who earned the No. 2 seed in the Fort Worth 3 Region, are playing in the program’s third Sweet 16 under head coach Kim Barnes Arico.
“We committed to Michigan to do this, and we committed to Coach Arico to do it for her and for each other,” Michigan guard Olivia Olson said. “We’re accomplishing the goals we set out to, and we’re not done yet. So we’re going to keep having fun with it and keep preparing.”
Michigan will take on No. 3 Louisville Cardinals (29-7) at 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This is my first time going to the Sweet 16, all of our first times, so I think the feeling of, we’re still dancing, we’re still playing basketball, it’s a great feeling,” Louisville guard Taj Roberts said.
The winner from Saturday’s matchup will play in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday, March 30, for the right to advance to the Final Four.
What time is Michigan vs. Louisville?
- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Dickies Arena (Fort Worth, Texas)
The Michigan Wolverines will play the Louisville Cardinals in the Sweet 16 round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 28, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Michigan vs. Louisville: TV, streaming
The 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we’ll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it’s one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year’s draft class comes into focus.
The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the big man’s draft night will play out.
Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.
Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, Los Angeles Lakers
Kalbrosky’s Analysis:
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.
See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here
Morez Johnson Jr. player profile
(all stats as of March 15)
- Position: Forward-Center
- Current Team: Michigan
- 13.1 points per game
- 7.2 rebounds per game
- 1.1 assists per game
- 62.8% field goal percentage
- 37.9% three-point field goal percentage
Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks
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