We're taking a quick look at the state of each Big Ten program as less than a week remains until the start of spring practice in the league. We'll examine recent performance, trends, coaching and current and future personnel.
The Michigan Wolverines are under the microscope.
2014 record: 5-7 (3-5 Big Ten)
Three-year record: 20-18
Coaching situation: After a promising start, the Brady Hoke era went downhill in a hurry and Michigan dumped Hoke on Dec. 2. Interim athletic director Jim Hackett scored the coaching coup of the offseason in bringing Jim Harbaugh, a former Michigan quarterback, to Ann Arbor. Harbaugh brings instant credibility to Michigan after leading turnarounds at both Stanford and with the San Francisco 49ers. He hired assistants with a good mix of college and NFL experience, while wisely retaining Greg Mattison from Hoke's staff.
Roster situation: The Wolverines lose only 12 seniors and one underclassman departure to the NFL (wide receiver Devin Funchess), so they will have more of a veteran roster in 2015. Harbaugh's first season hinges on his ability to get more from the roster he inherits especially at spots like offensive line, running back, wide receiver and linebacker. Michigan loses its best player in linebacker Jake Ryan and a veteran quarterback in Devin Gardner. If the coaches can get more from the running backs, a group that will include USC transfer Ty Isaac, it will take pressure off of the quarterback spot.
Recruiting situation: Michigan signed the smallest recruiting class (14 players) of any Power 5 program -- second smallest nationally behind Colorado State (13) -- and lost several prospects during the coaching transition. This likely won't be a program-changing class but there are several intriguing pieces, especially quarterbacks Zach Gentry (a one-time Texas recruit) and Alex Malzone. Michigan also added perimeter speed with Brian Cole and bolstered a struggling offensive line with ESPN 300 tackle Grant Newsome. Former Houston quarterback John O'Korn transferred to Michigan but must sit out the 2015 season.
Trajectory: Up. Michigan hasn't won the Big Ten in more than a decade, owns just one win against Ohio State since 2003 -- it came against the worst Buckeyes team in a generation, mind you -- and turned in an immensely disappointing season last fall. But landing Harbaugh changes the trajectory because of his track record both at the college and NFL levels. He can achieve the man-ball offense Hoke preached about but never fully established. He has an excellent defensive staff that inherits a group with enough talent to take a step. Michigan likely won't contend for the East Division this fall -- Ohio State and Michigan State are simply too strong -- but Harbaugh has shown he doesn't need much time to get good results. He has everything he needs at Michigan to win relatively soon.