Wolverine Digest

ESPN College GameDay crew predicts the winner of the Big Ten Conference

Trent Knoop|
Nov. 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Mi., USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) is tackled by University of Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) during the first half of SaturdayÕs NCAA Division I football game at Michigan Stadium.
Nov. 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Mi., USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) is tackled by University of Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) during the first half of SaturdayÕs NCAA Division I football game at Michigan Stadium. | Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Week 0 is underway with a highly anticipated matchup between Florida State and Georgia Tech in Dublin. One week from today, Week 1 will be fully engaged and Michigan fans will get to see their Wolverines face Fresno State under the lights.

Michigan has a daunting schedule this season if its going to defend its Big Ten crown for the fourth straight season, the Wolverines will have to defeat three of the new Big Ten teams, and try to take down Ohio State for the fourth year in a row. With the Big Ten taking a new shape this season, it's important to note there are no more divisions within the conference. The top two teams in the Big Ten will square off for the Big Ten Championship Game.

With College GameDay in Dublin, the crew was tasked to name the champion of each Power Conference, along with giving their national champion for the '24 season.

There were two teams picked to win the conference. Desmond Howard believes Oregon will take home the Big Ten championship, while Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, Sheamus (guest), and Kirk Herbstreit all believe Ohio State will win the conference. Both Howard and Herbstreit have Oregon winning the national title this season.

Howard, Herbstreit, and McAfee all believe Michigan is going to be better than expected this season, but they all think there is at least one team better than the Wolverines in the Big Ten. All three of the college football experts have Michigan in their playoff bracket -- coach Nick Saban does not.

Michigan will get Oregon in the Big House and the Wolverines will head to The 'Shoe to face the Buckeyes in 2024.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

ESPN's Pete Thamel updates Michigan football's quarterback battle on College GameDay

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One Michigan football player who will determine the Wolverines' CFP fate

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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