Joel Klatt still has optimism for Michigan despite 'demoralizing' loss to Ohio State

Joel Klatt didn’t sugarcoat how damaging Michigan’s 27-9 loss to Ohio State was. However, he also made it clear that the setback doesn’t have to define the Wolverines. 

On The Joel Klatt Show, he called the performance “demoralizing,” noting how starkly it contrasted with what has defined Michigan’s recent rise: “They have been built on physicality and toughness,” Klatt said. 

“They have won that game because they have been the tougher team at the line of scrimmage, and that was not the case on Saturday.” After six straight wins in the rivalry, Michigan tasted defeat again, and Klatt acknowledged the soul-searching that must now follow.

But from that same disappointment, Klatt sees possibility. He drew a parallel to Ohio State’s path two years ago, arguing that the Buckeyes’ loss to the 2023 Michigan team fueled their national championship run the following season. 

“Because of their youth, it’s an opportunity to say, that’s the measuring stick, that’s the standard,” Klatt said of Michigan. “Now they know what it takes.” 

With the Wolverines out of the Playoff and preparing for a bowl that “feels like an exhibition,” Klatt believes the offseason becomes a crucial developmental window for Sherrone Moore and company.

He pointed to Michigan’s shockingly young lineup as the reason optimism should outweigh frustration: “They had six freshmen starting on offense,” he emphasized, noting three redshirt freshmen on the offensive line, plus a true freshman quarterback and true freshman wide receiver. 

The secondary is also anchored by young contributors, while injuries and depth issues at linebacker should naturally resolve as those units mature. In Klatt’s eyes, the foundation is already built. It now needs to be retained and reinforced.

He also highlighted key absences at times, like Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, as context for Michigan’s struggles: “There is reason for optimism even though it hurts,” Klatt said. “You use this as a springboard.” 

For the Wolverines’ young core, the challenge now is personal. We’ll see if they can identify what it takes to reach the level Ohio State showed on Saturday, and work toward it with intent.

Despite the sting of a rivalry loss and missed Playoff berth, Klatt insists the trajectory of the program remains firmly upward: “All that youth,” he concluded, “if they can retain it on that roster, this could be as good a team as any in the Big Ten next year.”