Jim Harbaugh steps down as honorary captain for Michigan's season opener

As the Michigan Wolverines prepare for the 2024 college football season, the team is expected to experience a significant decline following the departure of longtime head coach Jim Harbaugh. Oddsmakers have set Michigan's preseason win total at 8.5, a stark contrast to their perfect 13-0 record last season, which culminated in a national championship. The Wolverines now hold the 10th-best odds to repeat as champions and make the College Football Playoff, while their chances of winning the revamped Big Ten Conference are also diminished, sitting at fourth behind Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State. Sherrone Moore, who previously served as the offensive coordinator and led the team during Harbaugh's suspension last season, has taken over as head coach. The Wolverines will face challenges as they begin the season with significant roster changes, including the departure of star quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum, along with eight other offensive starters and key defensive players. Michigan's season opener against Fresno State is set for August 31, where they are favored by 21.5 points. In a notable turn of events, Harbaugh will not attend the season opener, opting to focus on his new role as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. His parents will serve as honorary captains in his absence. This decision follows a tumultuous week for Michigan, marked by NCAA investigations into recruiting violations and a show-cause order issued to Harbaugh. Moore is also under scrutiny due to his involvement in a separate NCAA investigation related to a sign-stealing operation. He faces potential penalties for allegedly deleting text messages linked to the scandal. Despite these challenges, Moore expressed confidence in Michigan's cooperation with the NCAA and looks forward to the resolution of the ongoing issues.