The Michigan Wolverines are busy preparing for their matchup against Alabama in the College Football Playoff. However, like every team in college football right now, they are also dealing with the transfer portal. After losing CJ Stokes a couple of weeks ago, another running back has also entered the portal. Walk-on running back Leon Franklin announced he is entering the transfer portal.
Franklin has been with the program since 2021 and has minimal stats in his career. In three years, Franklin only has 75 rushing yards in 29 games. Part of this has nothing to do with Franklin’s play and everything to do with being behind Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. With a couple of high-profile running backs coming in with the 2024 class, Franklin decided to try and find playing time elsewhere. It is an unfortunate reality for many walk-ons as they try to impress in their limited playing time.
Anything beyond this season is very murky for the Wolverines. There are two big things that have to be figured out. The first is the NCAA investigation into the sign-stealing scandal. Depending on what the NCAA decides as punishment will vastly affect the 2024 season. The other is what will happen to Jim Harbaugh. NFL teams are already calling to gauge a level of interest and if Harbaugh leaves, the program will also look very different. Michigan is hoping to avoid a huge punishment and keep Harbaugh so they can continue their streak of Big Ten titles.
Can the Michigan Wolverines win in 2023? They have to get past Alabama first which is no easy task.
