2024 Michigan Wolverines Football Team

The 2024 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the Big Ten Conference during the 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season. In the Wolverines' first year under head coach Sherrone Moore, they compiled an 8–5 record (5–4 in conference games), outscored opponents by a total of 286 to 259, and finished in a tie for seventh place in the Big Ten standings.

After starting the season 4–1, with a loss to No. 3 Texas, Michigan fell to 5–5, despite a rivalry win against Michigan State. Michigan won its final two regular season games, including a 13–10 upset victory against rival No. 2 Ohio State at Ohio Stadium, despite entering the game as 20.5 point underdogs. It marked the fourth consecutive win against the Buckeyes, the longest streak for the Wolverines since 1988 to 1991, and the largest upset in the series history.

The Wolverines concluded their season with a 19–13 upset victory over No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Michigan became the only program in college football history to beat Alabama twice in the same calendar year, and the first team since 1978 to win back-to-back games as double digit underdogs.

The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Davis Warren with 1,199 passing yards, running back Kalel Mullings with 948 rushing yards, tight end Colston Loveland with 56 receptions for 582 yards, placekicker Dominic Zvada with 89 points scored (21 field goals, 26 extra points), defensive end Josaiah Stewart with 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss, and linebacker Ernest Hausmann with 89 total tackles. Defensive tackle Mason Graham was a unanimous first-team selection on the 2024 All-America college football team. Zvada was selected as a first-team All-American and was also honored as the Big Ten Kicker of the Year.

Schedule

Rankings

Game summaries

vs Fresno State

Michigan opened the season at home against the Fresno State Bulldogs. Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a three-yard touchdown pass from Alex Orji to Donovan Edwards. The teams exchanged field goals in the second quarter, first a 41-yard field goal by Dylan Lynch for Fresno State, then a 45-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada for Michigan. Michigan led, 10–3, at halftime. Michigan scored the only points of the third quarter via a 53-yard field goal by Zvada. Michigan extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 55-yard field goal by Zvada. The teams then exchanged touchdowns, first a 16-yard touchdown pass from Mikey Keene to Raylen Sharpe for Fresno State, then an 18-yard touchdown pass from Davis Warren to Colston Loveland for Michigan. Michigan scored the final points of the game via an 86-yard interception return by Will Johnson.

This was the first ever meeting between the two teams. Senior quarterback Davis Warren made his first start of his career, and completed 15 of 25 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. Dominic Zvada's 55-yard field goal in the fourth quarter was the sixth-longest in program history. Defensively, Michigan held Fresno State to nine rushing yards, including -16 rushing yards in the second-half.

vs No. 3 Texas

In week 2, Michigan hosted the Texas Longhorns. Texas opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 21-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers to Gunnar Helm. Michigan finally got on the board in the second quarter via a 37-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. Texas scored 17 points in the quarter via a seven-yard touchdown run by Jerrick Gibson, a 26-yard field goal by Bert Auburn, and a five-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Matthew Golden. Texas led, 24–3, at halftime. In the third quarter, Michigan scored a 52-yard field goal by Zvada. Texas responded with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Jaydon Blue. Michigan scored the only points of the fourth quarter via a 31-yard touchdown pass from Davis Warren to Semaj Morgan.

The loss ended Michigan's streak of 29 consecutive regular season wins. The 28 wins tied a Big Ten Conference record. Quarterback Davis Warren completed 22 passes for a career-high 204 yards. Tight end Colston Loveland recorded eight receptions for 70 yards.

vs Arkansas State

On September 14, Michigan defeated Arkansas State, 28–18, before a crowd of 110,250 at Michigan Stadium.

Arkansas State opened the game with a 13-play, 51-yard drive to Michigan's 24-yard line, but Clune Van Andel's field goal attempt missed the mark. Michigan then drove 76 yards on 11 plays, ending with a 30-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings. Late in the first quarter, Davis Warren threw an interception that Charles Willekes returned 30 yards to the Michigan 15-yard line. On the third play of the second quarter, Arkansas State capitalized on the turnover, as Van Andel kicked a 27-yard field goal. Michigan responded with a 75-yard, 13-play, seven-and-a-half minute drive that featured seven runs by Donovan Edwards, including a seven-yard touchdown run. On Michigan's next possession, Michigan drove 55 yards on four plays, including a 30-yard run by Mullings to the Arkansas State five-yard line, followed by a five-yard touchdown run by Mullings. Warren was intercepted for a second time with 1:15 remaining in the half. In the final minute of the half, Arkansas State drove 58 yards to Michigan's 21-yard line, but Van Andel missed a 38-yard field goal in the final seconds of the half. Michigan led, 21–3, at halftime.

On Michigan's second possession of the second half, Davis Warren threw his third interception. Davis was replaced at quarterback by Alex Orji. Late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, Mullings and Orji led Michigan on an 80-yard drive capped by a nine-yard touchdown pass from Orji to Hogan Hansen. Midway through the fourth quarter, Arkansas State drove 64 yards, scoring on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain to Reginald Harden Jr. After holding Michigan to a three-and-out, Arkansas State mounted another long drive, covering 75 yards and ending with a 22-yard touchdown pass from McClain to Harden with eight seconds remaining in the game.

Davis Warren threw 14 passes, all of which were caught -- 11 by Michigan receivers and three by Arkansas State defenders. Following the game, Michigan announced that Alex Orji would take over from Warren as Michigan's starting quarterback.

Michigan tallied 301 rushing yards in the game, led by Kalel Mullings (153 yards, 15 carries, two touchdowns) and Donovan Edwards (82 yards, 17 carries, one touchdown). Tight end Marlin Klein made his first career start, recording three receptions for 43 yards.

Michigan's defense held Arkansas State to 58 rushing yards, including -6 rushing yards in the first half. However, Arkansas State quarterbacks completed 26 of 44 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

vs No. 11 USC

On September 21, Michigan defeated USC, 27–24, before a crowd of 110,702 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. It was USC's first conference game as a member of the Big Ten.

The teams exchanged punts on the first four drives. On Michigan's third drive, Kalel Mullings ran 53 yards for a touchdown with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter. The team's then exchanged punts on the next three drives. On Michigan's fifth drive of the game, the Wolverines drove 80 yards in six plays, ending with a 41-yard touchdown run by Donovan Edwards. USC then drove 64 yards, including passes from Miller Moss to Zachariah Branch of 24 and 42 yards, the latter moving the ball to Michigan's 10-yard line. Michigan's defense held, and USC's Michael Lantz kicked a 29-yard field goal. Michigan led, 14–3, at halftime.

On the opening drive of the second half, USC drove 75 yards on 12 plays, ending with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Moss to Duce Robinson. Michigan was held to a three-and-out on its first drive of the second half. On USC's second drive of the second half, Will Johnson intercepted a Moss pass and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown. Dominic Zvada's extra point kick was blocked, and Michigan led, 20–10. On USC's next possession, Woody Marks ran for a 65-yard gain to the Michigan two-yard line. Moss was sacked and fumbled at the nine-yard line; Kenneth Grant recovered the fumble and returned it to the USC 18-yard line where USC's Woody Marks ripped the ball from Grant's arms for a fumble recovery. USC scored on a 16-yard pass from Moss to Jay Fair, and Michigan's lead was narrowed to 20–17 at the end of the third quarter.

With 8:35 remaining in the game, Donovan Edwards fumbled as USC linebacker Eric Gentry punched the ball from Edwards' hands and recovered the ball at Michigan's 18-yard line. USC then took the lead on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Moss to Ja'Kobi Lane. After an exchange of punts, Michigan took over at its own 11-yard line with 3:25 remaining. Mullings ran for 63 yards to the 17-yard line with 2:21 remaining and ultimately scored the winning touchdown on a one-yard run with 37 seconds remaining.

Quarterback Alex Orji made his first career start, completing seven of 12 passes for 32 yards, "the lowest output by a Michigan quarterback since 1987." Kalel Mullings rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Donovan Edwards also tallied 74 rushing yards as Michigan backs combined for 290 rushing ayrds.

Michigan's defense held USC to -16 rushing yards in the first half. Michigan had four sacks, including two by Josaiah Stewart. Will Johnson became the first player in program history with more than two career interceptions returned for touchdowns.

vs Minnesota

On September 28, Michigan defeated Minnesota, 27–24, before a crowd of 110,340 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, to retain the Little Brown Jug. Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 27-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings. Michigan scored 14 points in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown run by Mullings and an 11-yard touchdown pass from Alex Orji to Tyler Morris. Minnesota finally got on the board via a 20-yard field goal as time expired in the first half. Michigan led, 21–3, at halftime. Michigan scored the only points of the third quarter via a 53-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. Michigan extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 35-yard field goal by Zvada. Minnesota scored 21 points in the fourth quarter via two touchdown runs by Darius Taylor, from three-yards, and four-yards, respectively, and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Max Brosmer to Daniel Jackson.

Michigan's defense recorded four sacks and eight tackles for loss in the first half of the game for the first time since a game against Penn State on November 15, 2021. With four receptions for 41 yards, tight end Colston Loveland's 1,112 career receiving yards ranks fifth all-time among tight ends, while his 84 career receptions ranks tied for sixth in program history.

at Washington

On October 5, Michigan lost to Washington 17–27. Washington opened the scoring in the first quarter via a three-yard touchdown pass from Will Rogers to Denzel Boston. Washington extended their lead in the second quarter via a 16-yard touchdown pass from Rogers to Giles Jackson. Michigan scored ten points in the quarter via a 39-yard touchdown run by Donovan Edwards, and a 45-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. Washington led, 14–10, at halftime. Michigan took their first lead of the game in the third quarter via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Jack Tuttle to Colston Loveland. Tuttle committed two turnovers in the final ten minutes of the game, and Washington capitalized. Washington scored 13 points in the fourth quarter via a 28-yard field goal by Grady Gross, a one-yard touchdown run by Jonah Coleman, and a 32-yard field goal by Gross.

The loss ended an 11-game streak of consecutive wins on the road for the Wolverines, which tied a program record. The loss also ended a program record streak of 27 consecutive Big Ten wins.

at No. 22 Illinois

On October 19, following its first bye week, Michigan lost to Illinois, 21–7, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois wore 1924 throwback uniforms to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Red Grange's six-touchdown game against Michigan on the day Memorial Stadium was dedicated.

On the opening drive of the game, Illinois drove 46 yards on seven plays, including a 29-yard run by Aidan Laughery, and took the lead on a 47-yard field goal by David Olano. Michigan punted on its first two possessions. On its third possession, quarterback Jack Tuttle fumbled at Michigan's 25-yard line, setting up a 32-yard field goal by Olano. On Michigan's next possession, Donovan Edwards fumbled and Illinois recovered the ball at midfield. The Illini then drove 51 yards on seven plays, scoring on a two-yard touchdown pass from Luke Altmyer to Tanner Arkin. Trailing, 13-0, Michigan then drove 72 yards on 12 plays, including eight runs by Kalel Mullings, ending with a one-yard touchdown run by Mullings. Illinois drove 49 yards in the closing two minutes of the first half, but Olano's field-goal attempt from 44 yards was blocked by Makari Paige. Illinois led 13–7 at halftime.

On the opening drive of the second half, Michigan was held to a three-and-out. Illinois then drove 55 yards in eight plays, including a 36-yard run by Tanner Arkin on a fake punt, and ending with a one-yard touchdown run by Altmyer and a two-point conversion pass from Donovan Leary to Zakhari Franklin. Michigan's next two drives combined for 14:13 of game time, however, they failed to score any points due to a blocked 28-yard field goal try by Dominic Zvada and an interception thrown by Tuttle at the Illinois two-yard line. Michigan's offense was held scoreless by the Fighting Illini for the final 31:40 of the game. This was Illinois' first victory against Michigan since 2009.

Michigan scored only seven points against an Illinois defense that gave up 49 points to Purdue one week earlier. It was Michigan's lowest point total since a 31-0 loss to Notre Dame in September 2014. Quarterback Jack Tuttle made his first start of the season for Michigan and completed 20 of 32 passes for 208 yards (129 in the fourth quarter) with one interception and a fumble. Tuttle was also sacked five times. After the game, CBS broadcaster Brian Jones described Michigan's offense as "pathetic" and "embarrassing" and noted that Tuttle "couldn't hit the side of a building."

vs Michigan State

On October 26, Michigan faced their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, in the annual battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan defeated Michigan State 24–17. Michigan State opened the scoring in the first quarter via a two-yard touchdown run by Nate Carter. Michigan scored nine points in the second quarter via a ten-yard touchdown pass from Davis Warren to Colston Loveland and a 37-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. Michigan led, 9–7, at halftime. Michigan extended their lead in the third quarter via a two-yard touchdown run by Alex Orji. Michigan State responded with a 46-yard field goal by Jonathan Kim. Michigan extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 23-yard touchdown pass from Donovan Edwards to Loveland and a successful two-point conversion attempt. Michigan State scored the final points of the game via a 20-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Chiles to Nick Marsh. Michigan State's attempted comeback failed after Quinten Johnson recorded a pass breakup on a fourth-down play with two minutes remaining in the game to secure Michigan's victory.

With six receptions for 67 yards, tight end Colston Loveland ranks third all-time with 103 career receptions. With two touchdown receptions in the game, Loveland ranks third all-time in career receiving touchdowns with ten. With two receptions for 17 yards, running back Donovan Edwards tied B. J. Askew for the second-most receiving yards by a running back in program history with 777 yards.

With this win, Sherrone Moore is the first Michigan head coach since Bennie Oosterbaan in 1948 to defeat Michigan State in his first year.

vs No. 1 Oregon

On November 2, Michigan lost to No. 1 Oregon 38–17. Oregon opened the scoring in the first quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel to Evan Stewart. Michigan responded with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Davis Warren to Tyler Morris to tie the game. Oregon scored 21 points in the second quarter via two touchdown runs by Noah Whittington, from one-yard, and six-yards, respectively, and a 23-yard touchdown run by Gabriel. Michigan's only points in the quarter were scored via a 38-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. Oregon led, 28–10 at halftime. In the third quarter, Michigan scored via a six-yard touchdown pass from Warren to Peyton O'Leary. Oregon responded with a 26-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington. Oregon scored the only points of the fourth quarter via a two-yard touchdown run by Jordan James. Michigan played the game without their top defensive player Will Johnson.

Quarterback Davis Warren completed 12 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, his first multi-touchdown game of his career. With one reception during the game, running back Donovan Edwards passed B. J. Askew for the second-most receiving yards by a running back in program history.

at No. 8 Indiana

On November 9, Michigan lost to No. 8 Indiana 20–15. Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 39-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. Indiana repsonded with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Kurtis Rourke to Omar Cooper Jr. Indiana scored ten points in the second via a 36-yard touchdown pass from Rourke to Elijah Sarratt and a 40-yard field goal by Nicolas Radicic. Indiana led, 17–3, at halftime. Michigan scored the only points of the third quarter via two field goals by Zvada, from 22-yards, and 56-yards, respectively. Michigan scored in the fourth quarter via a one-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings, and a failed two-point conversion attempt. Indiana scored the final points of the game via a 41-yard field goal by Radicic.

With four receptions during the game, tight end Colston Loveland tied Bennie Joppru for the most receptions by a tight end in single season program history with 53. With a pass breakup in the first quarter, Kenneth Grant passed Ryan Van Bergen for the most career pass breakups among defensive linemen in program history with 12.

vs Northwestern

On November 23, following their bye week, Michigan defeated Northwestern, 50–6, before a crowd of 109,830 at Michigan Stadium.

On the opening drive of the game, Michigan defensive back Aamir Hall intercepted a Northwestern pass, and the Wolverines took over near midfield. They drove 53 yards and scored on a two-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings. After holding Northwestern to a three-and-out and a short punt, the Wolverines again took over near midfield. After advancing to the Northwestern 38-yard line, Dominic Zvada kicked a 56-yard field goal.

In the second quarter, Michigan quarterback Davis Warren threw an interception that was returned 25 yards to the Michigan 20-yard line, and Luke Akers kicked a 28-yard field goal for Northwestern. On its next possession, Northwestern drove 46 yards, including a 39-yard pass completion from Jack Lausch to Bryce Kirtz and a 26-yard field goal by Akers. In the final two minutes of the half, Michigan drove 65 yards on 11 plays and scored on a three-yard touchdown pass from Warren to Colston Loveland. Michigan led, 17–6, at halftime.

On the opening drive of the second half, Michigan drove 75 yards on five plays, including a 47-yard run by Mullings and ending with a 10-yard touchdown run by Mullings. On its next possession, Michigan drove 45 yards on 10 plays, scoring on a one-yard run by Mullings.

Late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, the Wolverines drove 58 yards on five plays, including a 24-yard run by Donovan Edwards followed by a 20-yard touchdown run by Edwards. After holding Northwestern to a three-and-out, the Wolverines again drove 53 yards, including a 28-yard pass from Warren to Tyler Morris and a 28-yard field goal by Zvada. On Northwestern's net possession, quarterback Ryan Hilinski was penalized for intentional grounding in the end zone, resulting in a safety. On the ensuing kickoff, freshman Jordan Marshall returned the kick 63 yards to the Northwestern 20-yard line. Tavierre Dunlap ran 20 yards for a touchdown to conclude the scoring.

Michigan tallied 396 yards of total offense in the game. Warren led the way with 195 passing yards, and Mullings tallied 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Colston Loveland caught three passes to break Michigan's single-season record for the most receptions by a tight end with 56.

Michigan's defense held Northwestern to 10 rushing yards and 117 passing yards. with two interceptions, six sacks, eight tackles for loss. Northwestern tallied only 43 yards in the second half.

at No. 2 Ohio State

On November 30, Michigan upset No. 2 Ohio State 13–10. Ohio State opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 29-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding. Michigan scored ten points in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings and a 54-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. Ohio State scored the final points of the quarter via a ten-yard touchdown pass from Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith. The score was tied, 10–10, at halftime. Ohio State was held scoreless in the second-half. After a scoreless third quarter, Michigan scored the final points on a game-winning 21-yard field goal by Zvada with 45 seconds remaining.

The win marked the fourth consecutive against the Buckeyes, the longest streak for the Wolverines since 1988–91, Michigan's first victory over Ohio State while unranked since 1993, Michigan's first victory over Ohio State in Columbus while unranked since 1966, and the largest upset in the series history.
With his 54-yard field goal in the second quarter, Dominic Zvada extended his program record of 50-plus yard field goals to seven on the season.

Following the conclusion of the game, a fight broke out between members of the two teams after members of the Wolverines attempted to plant a flag at midfield. The skirmish ended with a few players and coaches bloodied and several players having been pepper sprayed by members of law enforcement. Both teams were later fined $100,000 by the conference.

vs No. 11 Alabama—ReliaQuest Bowl

On December 31, Michigan upset No. 11 Alabama, 19–13, in the ReliaQuest Bowl before a crowd of 51,439 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Michigan's defense forced turnovers on Alabama's first four possessions, resulting in a 16-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
* The Crimson Tide received the opening kickoff and drove nine yards on six plays. On fourth down with four yards to go from the Michigan 45-yard line, Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore sacked Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Michigan drove 17 yards to the Alabama 27-yard line, and Dominic Zvada kicked a 45-yard field goal at the 8:15 mark.
* On Alabama's next play from scrimmage, as hard rain fell, Milroe fumbled, and Derrick Moore recovered the ball at Alabama's 25-yard line. Michigan advanced the ball seven yards, and Zvada kicked a 30-yard field goal at the 5:52 mark.
* On Alabama's third possession, Milroe was intercepted by Wesley Walker, and Michigan took over at Alabama's 16-yard line. Michigan quarterback Davis Warren completed a 13-yard touchdown pass to Fredrick Moore at the 4:15 mark.
* On Alabama's next play from scrimmage, Milroe was sacked for a loss of 14 yards and fumbled with Michigan's Cameron Brandt recovering the ball and returning it to Alabama's five-yard line. Michigan advanced the ball only three yards, and Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal.

Michigan and Alabama exchanged punts on the next four possessions. Late in the second quarter, Alabama drove 71 yards on four plays, scoring on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Milroe to tight end Robbie Ouzts with 4:06 remaining in the half. Alabama got the ball back at its own five-yard line with 58 seconds remaining in the half and drove 90 yards, scoring on a 24-yard field goal by Graham Nicholson. Michigan led, 16–10, at halftime.

In the third quarter, Michigan and Alabama exchanged punts on four drives. Davis Warren was sacked by James Smith early in the third quarter, sustained a torn ACL in his right knee, and missed the remainder of the game. With 23 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Michigan quarterback Alex Orji was intercepted at midfield, and Alabama drove to the Michigan 34-yard line, but the defense held on fourth and seven, as Milroe's pass was incomplete. Michigan then drove 47 yards, led by a 24-yard run by Jordan Marshall, and Zvada kicked a 37-yard field goal -- his fourth of the game. Alabama responded with a 42-yard drive and 51-yard field goal by Nicholson. On its final drive, Alabama started at midfield after a 38-yard punt return by wide receiver Ryan Williams. The Crimson Tide then drove to the Michigan 15-yard line, but Milroe threw four incomplete passes, and Michigan took over on downs.

On offense, Michigan tallied 190 yards (115 rushing, 75 passing). Freshman running back Jordan Marshall, having previously rushed for only 20 yards in the regular season, got his first start for Michigan, accounted for more than half of Michigan's total offense (100 rushing yards on 23 carries), and was chosen as the game's most valuable player.

On defense, the Wolverines held Alabama to 68 rushing yards and 192 passing yards. Michigan's defense also tallied five sacks and six tackles for loss, including two sacks by Derrick Moore.

Personnel

Roster

2024 recruiting class

Incoming transfers

Awards and honors

Statistics

Offensive statistics

Defensive statistics

Special teams statistics

2025 NFL draft

Michigan had three players selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, tying the NFL drafts in 2001 and 1995 for the program record.

References

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ReliaQuest Bowl champion seasons
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