Each opponent has something to offer when taking on the Wolverines this season.
The Michigan Wolverines are set to take on a much tougher schedule this fall than in 2023. With teams like Texas, USC, Oregon and Ohio State on the docket, there will be plenty of talented players on each opposing roster who will be looking to topple the defending national champions.
Today, we take a look at the best opposing player for each team Michigan will face in 2024.
Fresno State: QB Mikey Keene
Leading up to the 2023 season, Fresno State had six quarterbacks vying for the starting role before Keene eventually earned it. Last year, Keene passed for 2,976 yards and 24 touchdowns, and now he looks to build on his confidence as a junior and take his passing game to the next level.
Texas: OL Kelvin Banks Jr.
Banks is coming off an impressive sophomore campaign that earned him an All-Big 12 First Team selection. In what will likely be his final season before entering the NFL draft , Banks will be essential to Texas’ offense and fueling its run game.
Arkansas State: QB Jaylen Raynor
As a freshman last season, Raynor impressed and cemented himself as Arkansas State’s quarterback for the coming years. In addition to the 2,543 passing yards and 17 touchdowns he scored, he also showcased his mobility, running for 380 yards and scoring five additional touchdowns himself. In his second season, Raynor has the potential to make a leap in his passing game.
USC: WR Zachariah Branch
Branch shined last season for USC, becoming the program’s first true freshman First Team All-American. Where Branch impressed the most was on special teams as a returner; between kick and punt returns, he ran for 774 yards while scoring two touchdowns.
Minnesota: OL Aireontae Ersery
Ersery is not only Minnesota’s best player but also one of the best offensive linemen in all of college football. In his redshirt junior season, he started all 13 games and helped block for a Gophers offense that rushed for 2,048 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, sixth-best in the Big Ten.
Washington: QB Will Rogers
Washington had a tough offseason, losing 29 of its players including last year’s star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Rogers, who transferred from Mississippi State, will be the most important piece for the Huskies. Coming off a 1,626-yard season, Rogers will serve as the core of Washington’s offense this upcoming season.
Illinois: LB Dylan Rosiek
The Fighting Illini lost its star player from last season with All-Big Ten First Team honoree Isaiah Williams going to the NFL. Simply put, with Williams’ departure, Illinois doesn’t have much star power on its 2024 roster. Rosiek is a bright spot in the Fighting Illini’s defense and will look to take the next step following his 82-tackle sophomore season.
Michigan State: DB Malik Spencer
Spencer has emerged as a critical piece in the Spartans defense, performing as one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Last season Spencer had 72 tackles and broke up six passes. In his junior season, he will look to make strides as Michigan State’s leader on the defensive end.
Oregon: QB Dillon Gabriel
Oregon had a strong showing in the transfer portal, ranking second in the country. The biggest piece the Ducks acquired was former Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who will take over as Oregon’s leader. Last season Gabriel had 3,660 passing yards, the ninth-most nationally. Now with the Ducks, Gabriel should be one of the premier quarterbacks in college football.
Indiana: WR Elijah Sarratt
Last November, Indiana brought Curt Cignetti in as its head coach from James Madison, and this offseason Cignetti brought his former player, Elijah Sarratt, to Bloomington. Sarratt had 1,191 receiving yards and eight touchdowns with James Madison — now with the Hoosiers, Sarratt will be a key leader in the receiver room.
Northwestern: LB Xander Mueller
Mueller served as Northwestern’s defensive anchor last season with 102 tackles and three interceptions. Returning for his fifth year, Mueller will once again be the Wildcats’ lifeline on the defensive end.
Ohio State: RB Quinshon Judkins
The Buckeyes already had a strong rushing game headlined by TreVeyon Henderson, and they upgraded further by bringing in Ole Miss transfer Judkins. Judkins, a top prospect for the 2025 NFL draft, rushed for 1,567 yards and scored 16 touchdowns last year. He will be a critical piece of Ohio State’s dangerous offense this season.