The University of Michigan Wolverines football team has a rich history of success, with numerous conference championships and national titles. The Wolverines have won the Big Ten Conference championship multiple times, with their most recent title coming in 2021. In addition to their conference success, Michigan has also claimed several national championships, with their last recognized title in 1997. In its third year, Michigan compiled a perfect 12-0 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and defeated Washington State in the 1998 Rose Bowl. The Wolverines finished second to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Coaches Poll resulting in a non-consensus national championship. On offense, the 1997 Michigan team had neither a 1000-yard rusher nor a 500-yard receiver. Tai Streets was the leading receiver with 476 receiving yards, and Chris Howard led the team in rushing with 938 rushing yards. Quarterback Brian Griese set Michigan single-season records with 193 pass completions and 307 pass attempts. The 1997 Michigan Wolverines football team is widely regarded as one of the best teams in college football history, and their undefeated season remains a proud moment in the program's storied history.
The 2023 Michigan Wolverines football team, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, won their third consecutive Big Ten championship with a perfect 15-0 record. They defeated No. 4 Alabama in the 2024 Rose Bowl and No. 2 Washington in the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, claiming their first College Football Playoff title and 12th national championship in program history. The Wolverines finished ranked No. 1 in the AP and Coaches Poll for the first time in program history. Their defense held opponents to 10.4 points per game, the fewest by a Big Ten team since 1997 and the 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide. The 2023 team was led by standout players such as quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and linebacker Jack Campbell, who all played pivotal roles in the team's success. The Wolverines' dominant performance throughout the season solidified their status as one of the elite programs in college football. The 2023 Michigan Wolverines football team will be remembered for their historic achievements and their place in college football history.