The reigning national champions, Michigan, received a significant boost on both ends of the field with the announcements from running back Donovan Edwards and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, expressing their intentions to return for the 2024 season.
Taking to social media, Edwards and Stewart shared their decisions following a weekend that saw notable Michigan players declare for the NFL draft, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and defensive linemen Kris Jenkins and Jaylen Harrell.
Josaiah Stewart, who joined Michigan from Coastal Carolina in December 2022, played a pivotal role, finishing second on the team in sacks (5.5) and tying for third in tackles for loss (8.5). His standout performance earned him honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from the league’s coaches. Stewart showcased his prowess during his freshman season at Coastal Carolina in 2021, recording 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Donovan Edwards, often in the shadow of Corum, experienced a resurgence in the national championship game, making crucial touchdown runs of 41 and 46 yards to propel Michigan to a 14-3 lead over Washington. Despite limited opportunities, Edwards showcased his prowess with 104 yards on only six carries in the championship game, concluding the season with 497 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His impactful late-season performances in 2022, especially after Corum’s injury, included a stellar upset at Ohio State with 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns, followed by impressive showings in the Big Ten championship game and the CFP semifinal.
With 1,662 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, Edwards enters the fall season poised to contribute significantly, having also displayed versatility with 200 or more receiving yards in each of his first three seasons with the Wolverines.
In addition to Edwards and Stewart, safety Rod Moore declared his decision to return for the 2024 season. Moore, who played a crucial role with the game-clinching interception against Ohio State, accumulated two interceptions and 38 tackles, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors. The return of these key players fortifies Michigan’s roster for the upcoming season, setting the stage for another exciting chapter in Wolverines football.