The Michigan Wolverines took a big step forward in 2015, winning 10 games in their first season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, and many expect they'll take another big step forward in 2016. Here's how they rank in the way-too-early top 25 polls published by major publications:
Chat Sports
Ranking: 7
Breakdown: "The Wolverines return nearly everyone from a 10-3 season. Jim Harbaugh will have the entire team playing even better next season and Michigan is going to be a dangerous squad. QB play will be critical and the Wolverines will need to pick a starter. Houston transfer John O’Korn is the tentative favorite to win the position battle."
USA Today
Ranking: 3
Breakdown: "Surprised? Don’t be. There’s no reason to think Michigan won’t be capable of making this climb in the follow-up to Harbaugh’s successful debut. Another season in his unique system will yield an even stronger, deeper, tougher and more physical team, and one that will be right in the mix for the national championship."
ESPN
Ranking: 4
Breakdown: "After a five-win improvement in Jim Harbaugh's first season at his alma mater, the Wolverines might be the team to beat in the Big Ten in 2016. Michigan will bring back almost everybody on offense, although losing quarterback Jake Rudock and center Graham Glasgow is significant. Houston transfer John O'Korn might be the top candidate to replace Rudock. Defensively, Michigan will have to replace its entire linebacker corps, but its defensive line figures to be one of the country's best. New defensive coordinator Don Brown led one of the stingiest defenses in the FBS at Boston College this past season. Michigan plays eight home games this coming season, but three of its road games -- at Michigan State, Iowa and Ohio State -- should be tough."
CBS
Ranking: 6
Breakdown: "How hard can this Big Ten/national championship thing be? Jim Harbaugh won 10 in a transition year. Never mind that he did some of it with Super Glue and twisty ties, Harbaugh has just about turned around this aircraft career. Houston transfer John O'Korn gives Michigan an immediate upgrade at quarterback."
FOX
Ranking: 4
Breakdown: "Jim Harbaugh exceeded the most optimistic predictions in Year 1; his Wolverines should be even better in Year 2. Key juniors DT Chris Wormley, CB Jourdan Lewis, TE Jake Butt, RB De’Veon Smith and WRs Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh return. So do four of five offensive-line starters. The big challenge will be replacing productive QB Jake Rudock, but former Houston starter John O’Korn is waiting in the wings."
Bleacher Report
Ranking: 9