In addition was Zinter, Sainristil, Johnson, center Drake Nugent, offensive tackle LaDarius Henderson, tight end Colston Loveland and defensive lineman Mason Graham.
On August 23, Michigan announced that it was self-imposing a three-game suspension on head coach Jim Harbaugh related to recruiting violations.
A planned court hearing to challenge the suspension was cancelled as Harbaugh agreed to accept it, with the Big Ten also closing its investigation the same day.
On the Wolverines fourth possession, they drove 76 yards on seven plays and scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Wilson and James Turner missed the extra point.
[39] As he completed the 47-yards pass to Wilson, McCarthy wore the number 47 on his hand in tribute to high-school teammate and former UNLV player Ryan Keeler who died of a heart arrhythmia in February 2023.
[44] It was the final game of Jim Harbaugh's three-game suspension with offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore serving as acting head coach.
On Michigan's second possession, the Wolverines drove 38 yards to Bowling Green's five-yard line, but the Falcons intercepted a J. J. McCarthy pass in the end zone.
[46][45][47] Following McCarthy's interception, Bowling Green drove 62 yards on 12 plays, ending early in the second quarter with a 36-yard field goal by Alan Anaya.
The Wolverines got the ball back with 6:51 remaining in the half and drove 62 yards on five plays, culminating with a 33-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Roman Wilson.
[53][54][55] Nebraska began the third quarter driving to Michigan's 16-yard line, but a quarterback sack pushed the ball backwards and Tristan Alvano missed a 40-yard field goal attempt.
Michigan then drove 78 yards on 11 plays, including a 19-yard pass from McCarthy to Darrius Clemons and ending with a one-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Wolverines drove 63 yards on 13 plays with Jack Tuttle at quarterback and scored on a 30-yard field goal by James Turner at the start of the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Michigan forced three punts by Minnesota and extended their lead with a 70-yard drive led by Jack Tuttle and ending with a two-yard touchdown run by Leon Franklin.
On the opening possession of the second quarter, Michigan drove 77 yards on 11 plays, culminating with a one-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum.
Jack Tuttle took over at quarterback for Michigan and led the team on a 51-yard drive ending with a two-yard touchdown run by Donovan Edwards.
Later in the fourth quarter, Michigan drove 57 yards on six plays, including a 35-yard pass from McCarthy to Wilson and a one-yard touchdown run by Edwards.
Facing a first-and-goal from the three-yard line, Michigan's defense stopped the Nittany Lions who settled for a 20-yard field goal by Alex Felkins.
Late in the second quarter, Penn State drove 75 yards and scored on an 11-yard touchdown run by Drew Allar, though its attempt at a two-point conversion failed.
In the closing minutes, Penn State drove 75 yards on eight plays, scoring on an eight-yard touchdown pass from Allar to Theo Johnson.
[82] Michigan filed an application for temporary restraining order (TRO), challenging the Big Ten's suspension of Jim Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season.
Michigan responded with 16 points in the quarter via a two-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum, a four-yard fumble return by Derrick Moore and a Christian Boivin blocked punt for a safety.
[89][90] After forcing Ohio State to punt, Michigan drove 44 yards, including a 34-yard pass from Donovan Edwards to Colston Loveland, and ending with a 38-yard field goal by James Turner to give them a 10 point lead.
Ohio State's final drive ended with Michigan defensive back Rod Moore intercepting a McCord pass.
On December 2, Michigan defeated Iowa, 26–0, in the Big Ten Football Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
[97][98] After holding Iowa to a three-and-out on the opening drive, Michigan drove 52 yards and took the lead on a 35-yard field goal by James Turner.
The play was initially ruled an incomplete pass, but after review it was determined that Hill's arm had not begun its forward motion when the ball came loose.
After Iowa failed to convert on a fourth down, Turner kicked a 46-yard field goal, and Michigan led, 20–0, at the end of the third quarter.
[99][100] Early in the fourth quarter, Braiden McGregor forced another fumble by Deacon Hill with Kenneth Grant recovering the ball at Iowa's 15-yard line.
Michigan scored the final points of the quarter via a four-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Roman Wilson to tie the game and force overtime.
Michigan finished as undefeated College Football Playoff champions, and won their 12th national title in program history, and first since the 1997 season.