Can Michigan make the College Football Playoff? Looking at Wolverines' postseason eligibility 

The Michigan Wolverines entered the 2024 college football season as defending national champions after a perfect 15-0 season. It marked their first national title since 1997. They were ranked just No. 9 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, however, which marked the lowest ranking of any defending national champion since Auburn began the 2011 season ranked No. 23.

The Wolverines' expectations were lowered as head coach Jim Harbaugh left for the NFL, taking much of his collegiate staff with him. They also had 13 players selected in the 2024 NFL draft – the fourth-most by one program in a single season since the draft was reduced to seven rounds in 1994.

Despite having lowered expectations, Michigan's 2024 season has still been largely considered a disappointment. They improved to just 6-5, and 4-4 in Big Ten play, after their 50-6 blowout victory against the Northwestern Wildcats in Week 13.

Here's a closer look at whether or not the Wolverines can still reach the College Football Playoff to defend their title.

Can Michigan make the College Football Playoff? Looking at Wolverines' postseason eligibility

The Wolverines do not have a path to reach the College Football Playoff after suffering five losses in the season. The defending national champions did, however, ensure they will have a postseason game following the regular season as they improved to 6-5 with their Week 13 victory.

FBS teams must finish with at least six wins and a winning percentage of at least .500 to earn bowl eligibility, with only one win against an FCS opponent counting towards those numbers. Michigan began their season with a victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs before suffering a 19-point home loss to the Texas Longhorns.

They bounced back by winning three straight games against the Arkansas State Red Wolves, USC Trojans and Minnesota Golden Gophers. The winning streak was short-lived, however, as the Wolverines suffered back-to-back losses to the Washington Huskies and Illinois Fighting Illini.

While they beat their rivals Michigan State Spartans in Week 9, Michigan once again suffered two consecutive losses, falling to the Oregon Ducks and Indiana Hoosiers. They were able to pick up their biggest win of the season in Week 13 as they defeated the Northwestern Wildcats by 44 points. It marked both their most points scored and the fewest points allowed in a game.

The victory also prevented the Wolverines from entering their Week 14 rivalry matchup with the Ohio State Buckeyes needing a win to earn a berth to a bowl game.