Michigan Football: Statistical Leaders From 2023 Regular Season
Once again, it has been a total team effort for the Michigan Wolverines in 2023 - and the result has been another perfect 13-0 regular season record with a third straight Big Ten Championship. Earlier this season, head coach Jim Harbaugh coined the term "we-fense" when describing the way his guys play selfless football, putting the success of the team over individual accolades.
As a result, there is no shortage of Wolverines who have made a big impact on Michigan's success this season. Whether offensively or defensively, the depth on this roster has allowed Harbaugh to field a deep rotation with guys who are more than capable of making big time plays.
With that being said, here are the guys who have led the way statistically for Michigan through the regular season.
JJ McCarthy, QB
Photo: Christopher Breiler
Although he hasn't put up gaudy numbers in 2023, the junior quarterback has once again been extremely efficient through the air. In fact, McCarthy ranks No. 2 nationally in completion percentage at .742, and No. 1 in the Big Ten Conference in efficiency (170.3). He's also thrown 19 touchdowns on the season (good for No. 4 in the conference), compared to just four interceptions.
McCarthy was unquestionably the best quarterback in the conference this season, which is why he was recently voted first-team All-Big Ten by both coaches and media, along with being named Big Ten Quarterback of the Year.
Blake Corum, RB
Photo: Christopher Breiler
- Leads Michigan in: Attempts (218), rushing yards (1,028), rushing TDs (24)
Once again, Blake Corum has been one of the top performing running backs in the Big Ten this season. He's currently No. 2 in the conference in rushing yards with 1,028, and his 24 rushing touchdowns (a new single-season record for the Wolverines) lead the nation. What's even more impressive is that Corum is the only player in FBS to have scored a touchdown in every single game during the 2023 season.
The two-time Big Ten Running Back of the Year is now just one score away from passing former U-M running back Anthony "A-Train" Thomas for No. 1 all-time in career rushing touchdowns.
Cornelius Johnson, WR
Photo: Christopher Breiler
- Leads Michigan in: Receptions (42)
As a fifth-year senior, Cornelius Johnson has developed a habit of making big-time plays when Michigan needs it most. He set a new career-high for receptions (9) against Iowa in this year's Big Ten Championship game, along with career high's against Ohio State last year in both yards (160) and touchdowns (2).
Although Michigan's offense doesn't necessarily allow for wideouts to put up big-time numbers, Johnson has certainly made the most of his opportunities in 2023.
Roman Wilson, WR
Photo: Christopher Breiler
- Leads Michigan in: Receiving yards (662), Receiving TDs (11)
Roman Wilson got off to a hot start for the Wolverines in 2023. At one point, the senior wideout led all receivers nationally in touchdowns, and it looked like he could be headed toward a record setting season at Michigan. Wilson's production has cooled down quite a bit as of late, accounting for 73 yards and one touchdown on five receptions over the last four games. That lack of production, however, is more the result of Michigan's style of play offensively than it is about anything Wilson is (or isn't) doing.
After the win over Ohio State, Wilson indicated that he still hasn't made up his mind about potentially declaring for the NFL after this season. Given all of the problems he can pose for an opposing secondary, I'm sure all Michigan fans would be glad to see No. 1 spend another season in Ann Arbor.
Junior Colson, LB
Photo: Christopher Breiler
- Leads Michigan in: Tackles (79)
Junior Colson doesn't get a lot of recognition on a national level, but he's now Michigan's leading tackler for the second-straight season. Colson was also recently named to the All-Big Ten defensive team (2nd team coaches and media), and he's definitely someone that the Wolverines can count on each week to do their job - and do it well.
Mike Barrett, LB
Photo: Christopher Breiler
- Leads Michigan in: Forced fumbles (3)
Mike Barrett has now one more football games than any other Wolverine in program history. The veteran linebacker is second on the team in tackles (52), and he leads the Wolverines in forced fumbles (3). As a two-way player in High School, Barrett's athleticism has allowed him to become a versatile defender at the collegiate level, one that is capable of causing big problems for an opposing offense.
Jaylen Harrell, EDGE
Photo: Christopher Breiler
- Leads Michigan in: Sacks (6.5), tackles for loss (8.0)
It was expected that Jaylen Harrell would take a big step forward as a senior, and he's certainly done just that. The 6-4, 242 pound edge rusher has gotten to the quarterback more than any other Wolverine this season, leading the team in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (8.0).
Harrell was also responsible for putting the hit on Buckeye QB Kyle McCord that ultimately led to a bad throw and a Rod Moore interception to seal the game.
His consistent play over the 2023 season led to an honorable mention from both the coaches and media on the All-Big Ten defensive team.
Mike Sainristil, DB
Christopher Breiler
- Leads Michigan in: Interceptions (5), pick six (2), pass breakups (6)
What can be said about Mike Sainristil that hasn't already been said? The former wide receiver turned defensive star (and team captain) has developed a habit of always being in the right place at the right time. That's why he currently leads the Wolverines in interceptions (6) and has accounted for two pick six plays. He's also tied for No. 2 on the team (with Jaylen Harrell) in forced fumbles (2).
