The moment the Michigan Wolverines WON the

National Championship 2024

Michigan Completes Historic Undefeated Season with Dominant National Title Win Over Washington

The University of Michigan Wolverines etched their names in the history books on Monday night, defeating the Washington Huskies 34-13 to capture the school’s first national championship in 26 years. In front of a raucous crowd at NRG Stadium in Houston, Michigan capped off a perfect 15-0 season by dismantling the Pac-12 champions in convincing fashion.

Led by Heisman Trophy finalist Blake Corum’s two rushing touchdowns, Michigan’s offense efficiently moved the ball against Washington’s highly-touted defense. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was accurate and poised in the biggest game of his career, while the offensive line dominated up front. But it was Michigan’s own defense that changed the game, forcing two interceptions and holding Washington to just 13 points.

Washington vs Michigan

“This is unbelievable. To finish off this journey with a national title, I’m just so proud of this team,” said Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh after the game. “We set our sights on this goal years ago when this group came in as recruits. They put in the work and made the sacrifices necessary to achieve it. This is a championship team in every sense of the word.”

The Wolverines were determined to exorcise the demons from the last time they made the College Football Playoff in 2021. After blowing a late lead to Georgia in the Orange Bowl semifinal last season, Michigan would not be denied this time around. They powered past Alabama in a shootout in the semifinals, setting up a match-up with 13-0 Washington with a championship on the line.

national championship game

Faced with the biggest test of their careers, Michigan’s veteran-laden roster rose to the occasion. Washington struck first with a field goal on the opening drive, but Michigan responded immediately. Corum burst through the line for a 60-yard touchdown, using his electrifying speed to reach the end zone untouched. It was a sign of things to come for the Wolverines offense, which racked up over 400 total yards.

Leading 14-3 in the second quarter, McCarthy delivered the dagger with a perfect deep ball to wide receiver Ronnie Bell for a 52-yard score. It was a career-defining throw for McCarthy, who out-dueled Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. on the big stage. Michigan took a 21-6 lead into halftime and never looked back.

After Washington closed the gap to 21-13 in the 3rd quarter, Michigan put the clamps down defensively. They forced Penix into an interception on a desperation 4th down play, as cornerback Mike Sainristil came up with the acrobatic pick. Three plays later, Corum was in the end zone again to put the game on ice at 28-13. Late in the 4th quarter, DJ Turner grabbed Michigan’s second interception of the night to set off the championship celebrations on the Michigan sideline.

When the final whistle blew, years of patience and persistence finally paid off for Michigan. Head coach Jim Harbaugh ended his NCAA-record 42-game drought without a championship across college and the NFL. After years of playoff disappointments, the Wolverines channeled their heartbreak into an unstoppable motivational force all season long.

“This one is for the Michigan fans who stuck with us through everything,” said defensive end Kris Jenkins, one of the senior leaders of the 2022 Wolverines. “We knew the talent was always there, we just had to put all the pieces together at once. There was no way we were letting this opportunity slip through our fingers.”

For a senior class that experienced a coaching change, the advent of NIL deals, the transfer portal, COVID disruptions, and unfounded accusations of cheating, this national title was the culmination of one of the most unique football journeys in recent memory. Michigan will lose Corum, McCarthy, Bell, Jenkins and several other key contributors next season, but they will always be bonded by achieving the ultimate in their final year together.

By winning their last 10 games over ranked opponents dating back to last year’s Ohio State game, Michigan proved they could overcome any obstacle. The cynics claiming they couldn’t win the big one were proven wrong emphatically. In the end, the team that coined the “Those Who Stay” mantra got to celebrate the sweetest reward.

For the Michigan faithful who endured nearly two decades of misfortune against their hated rival, three straight losses in major bowl games, and 15 long years since their last national title, Monday night’s triumph was cathartic. The Wolverines exorcised every burden of disappointment and heartbreak in program history with an overwhelming complete performance.

Michigan-Washington in CFP national championship: Game recap

Against an undefeated Pac-12 champion with a Heisman finalist quarterback, Michigan’s physicality and execution prevailed. In the end, the Big Ten champions hoisted the ultimate prize to begin a new era of success for the Maize and Blue. For the players, coaches, and fans who stayed through thick and thin, this perfect 15-0 national championship season will be cherished forever in Ann Arbor.

This national championship journey began years ago when Jim Harbaugh was hired in 2015 to restore glory to Michigan football. After heartbreaking losses in big games under the lights against rivals Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Ohio State, Harbaugh was under immense pressure to deliver a title.

There were calls for his job from frustrated fans after blowing double-digit leads to Ohio State in 2018 and 2019. The outside noise only got louder when the Wolverines went a disappointing 2-4 in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

But athletic director Warde Manuel stayed patient and kept the faith in Harbaugh. That loyalty was rewarded in 2021 when Michigan finally broke through for a long-awaited win over Ohio State to advance to the playoff. Though that season ended bitterly in defeat to Georgia, it laid the foundation for this year’s championship run.

Equipped with invaluable experience, Michigan left no doubt in 2022. After dominating early cupcakes Hawaii and UConn, they faced their first major test against Pac-12 foe UCLA. In a primetime showdown at the Rose Bowl, Michigan flexed its muscles, dominating UCLA in a 51-31 blowout. McCarthy announced his arrival with a breakout performance, throwing for over 300 yards.

The following week, Big Ten play opened with a conference clash under the lights against Maryland. In Harbaugh’s absence due to an illness, the Wolverines rallied around interim head coach Sherrone Moore to deliver a 34-27 win. Corum took over down the stretch, scoring the game-winning touchdown with just over 3 minutes left.

The shorthanded Wolverines passed their toughest gut check of the year the next week in Columbus. With their coach away and several key starters injured, Michigan went into the Horseshoe against arch-rival Ohio State as touchdown underdogs. But the defense stood tall against Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud, while McCarthy made clutch throws late to pull off the stunning 45-42 upset.

By the time Harbaugh returned for the Big Ten Championship Game against Purdue, Michigan was firing on all cylinders. They trounced the Boilermakers 43-22 behind 4 touchdowns from Corum to claim their second straight conference title. The decisive win earned Michigan a playoff spot against Alabama and a chance for revenge from last year’s disappointment.

This time, Michigan would not let victory slip away. In a back-and-forth shootout, the Wolverines traded blows with Alabama and Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young. But McCarthy was up to the task, throwing for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan stopped Alabama on 4th and goal to preserve a 34-30 lead and finally snap their playoff losing streak.

The thrilling win set up one final showdown with Washington and Penix Jr., a dynamic quarterback who transferred home to lead an explosive Husky offense. But Michigan’s defense was well-prepared, limiting big plays and forcing key turnovers. While Penix put up big stats in garbage time, the outcome was never in doubt for Michigan.

For a senior class that could have turned pro or transferred elsewhere, this national title made all those years of perseverance worthwhile. McCarthy will be back next season to defend the crown, armed with a season’s worth of experience leading big moments.

After years of being on the wrong side of instant classics, Michigan now looks poised to maintain elite status for years to come. The monkey is off their back, the recruiting trails are buzzing, and the program culture has completely transformed. This perfect season proved that through smart recruiting, player development, and an unwavering vision, dreams can indeed come true – even for one of college football’s most storied programs.