Sports Illustrated commemorates the 2024 National Champions - The Michigan Wolverines
A TRUE BLUE LEADER • It’s fitting that Michigan won its first championship since 1997 behind a coach who embodies what it means to be a Wolverine
THE SEASON IN PICTURES • THE WOLVERINES, BEHIND EXPERIENCED STARS ON OFFENSE AND A DEEP, SMOTHERING DEFENSE, ROLLED THROUGH A SECOND CONSECUTIVE UNDEFEATED REGULAR SEASON
RIGHT ON THE MONEY • The NIL era and its promise of riches for top stars seemed like it could tear teams apart, but at Michigan, thanks to the attitude of its players, the bonds have only grown stronger
OWNING THE GAME • Michigan has now beaten Ohio State three years in a row, thanks in large part to changes in coaching philosophy made with an eye toward Columbus
SHINING STARS • Winning a championship requires individuals to come together as a team, and these are among the many who made 2023 such a year to remember
THE PLAYOFF • MICHIGAN CAME THROUGH AGAINST ALABAMA AND WASHINGTON TO FINALLY CONQUER THE CFP AND WIN THE 10TH CHAMPIONSHIP IN PROGRAM HISTORY
COMING UP ROSES • The Wolverines shucked off the disappointments of the past two seasons as they rallied to win in Pasadena and advance to the championship game
VICTORS At Last • The offense soared, the defense stymied and Michigan overwhelmed Washington to win its first championship in 26 years
THE HISTORY • MICHIGAN’S FIRST TITLE OF THE CFP ERA ADDS A NEW CHAPTER TO THE RICH PAST OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S WINNINGEST PROGRAM EVER
HOW THE ’97 TITLE WAS WON • A lightly regarded quarterback and a coach who had been under fire rose up to lead the Wolverines to a Rose Bowl win and a national championship
ALL-TIME TEAM • The greatest Wolverines include battle-tested tough guys, athletes of historic versatility and the only defensive player ever to win the Heisman Trophy
FIERCE FRONTMEN • From Ron Kramer and Tom Maentz to Jim Harbaugh and Blake Corum, the maize and blue have made a splash on SI’s covers
HAT IN HAND • Blake Corum, who ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns against Washington, enjoyed his championship spoils.