Michigan’s victory in the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship was more than just a win on the scoreboard—it represented a turning point in modern college football. The Wolverines’ triumph offered numerous lessons about perseverance, program building, team culture, and the evolving landscape of college football. From head coach Jim Harbaugh’s long and winding journey to national glory to the role of defense and old-school football in an era dominated by high-octane offenses, Michigan’s championship season was a masterclass in resilience, discipline, and execution. Here’s a detailed look at what was learned from Michigan winning the CFP national championship.
—
1. Persistence Pays Off: The Jim Harbaugh Story
One of the most powerful narratives of Michigan’s national title was the redemption arc of head coach Jim Harbaugh. After returning to his alma mater in 2015 with sky-high expectations, Harbaugh faced years of criticism for failing to beat archrival Ohio State and not delivering championships. Many questioned whether he was the right man for the job, with speculation swirling about his potential return to the NFL or an early dismissal from Michigan. However, Harbaugh stayed the course, adapted his approach, and ultimately built a team capable of competing at the highest level.
His persistence sent a strong message to programs across the country: long-term investment in a coach and culture can yield results, even if the road is bumpy. Harbaugh’s success was not overnight—it was the product of nearly a decade of recruiting, restructuring, and recalibrating. In an era where college football programs often expect instant success, Michigan proved the value of patience and program continuity.
—
2. Defense Still Wins Championships
While college football has increasingly become known for its explosive offenses and high-scoring games, Michigan’s national championship run reinforced a timeless truth: defense still wins championships. The Wolverines featured one of the nation’s most dominant defensive units, suffocating opponents and consistently winning the line of scrimmage.
Their performance in the CFP, especially against high-powered offenses, underscored the importance of a strong, disciplined defense. Michigan’s ability to control the pace of the game, get off the field on third downs, and limit big plays made the difference. The win demonstrated that, even in a pass-happy, fast-paced era, a stout defense is not only relevant but essential.
—
3. Balanced Football Beats Flashy Football
Michigan didn’t rely on a single star or a gimmick-heavy offense. Instead, they executed a balanced, team-first game plan that included a physical rushing attack, efficient quarterback play, and suffocating defense. The Wolverines’ success highlighted the importance of balance over flash. While other programs lean heavily on elite quarterbacks or fast-tempo offenses, Michigan showed that a well-rounded team with discipline and fundamentals can outlast more “modern” strategies.
Their approach to football was rooted in physicality and fundamentals—running the ball effectively, winning the battle in the trenches, limiting turnovers, and controlling time of possession. This blueprint stood in stark contrast to the increasingly common spread offenses seen across the country and proved that smash-mouth football still has a place at the championship level.
—
4. Player Development Matters
Michigan’s national title was also a victory for player development. Unlike teams that dominate the recruiting rankings year after year, Michigan built its roster through a mix of four-star and three-star recruits who were developed into elite players over time. The Wolverines maximized the potential of their athletes through strength training, film study, and an emphasis on football IQ.
This success speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s ability to identify talent that fits their system and then mold it into championship-level performance. The emphasis on player development over instant stardom sent a powerful message: you don’t need a roster full of five-star recruits to win it all—you need the right players who buy into the system and grow over time.
—
5. The Importance of Culture and Leadership
Michigan’s championship run was marked by an evident sense of unity, leadership, and cultural buy-in. Players consistently spoke about their love for the team, their trust in the coaching staff, and their commitment to the mission. Senior leadership was instrumental in keeping the locker room focused amid external distractions.
Harbaugh and his staff cultivated a culture of accountability, physical toughness, and mental resilience. This cohesive environment helped them navigate tough moments and high-pressure games. In a sport where locker room dysfunction can derail even the most talented teams, Michigan’s unity became one of its biggest strengths.
—
6. Midwestern Football is Back
For years, the national spotlight in college football has been dominated by Southern powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Michigan’s win was a resurgence for the Big Ten and a reassertion of Midwestern football on the national stage. The victory rebalanced the geographic center of power in college football and offered a sense of pride to a region that had long waited for a national title.
Their triumph also proved that Big Ten football, with its cold-weather games, trench battles, and physicality, could compete with and beat the speed and flash of SEC programs. It may inspire other Big Ten teams to double down on their identity rather than imitate southern or western models of play.
—
7. Adapting to the New Era Without Losing Identity
While Michigan maintained its old-school physical identity, it also showed the ability to adapt to the modern era of college football. The Wolverines embraced analytics, incorporated elements of spread offense when necessary, and effectively navigated the transfer portal and NIL era. They did not sacrifice tradition, but rather modernized it.
Their ability to blend tradition with innovation offers a roadmap for other legacy programs looking to compete in today’s changing landscape. It’s not about abandoning what made a program great—it’s about enhancing it with the tools available in today’s game.
—
Conclusion
Michigan’s College Football Playoff national championship was a landmark moment not just for the program, but for college football as a whole. It taught valuable lessons about resilience, defense, leadership, and the value of tradition in a changing world. In an environment often dominated by glitz, recruiting hype, and rapid turnover, Michigan’s win was a reminder of what long-term vision, disciplined execution, and cultural cohesion can achieve. It wasn’t just a victory on the field—it was a statement about what championship football can look like in the 21st century.