WolverineTV: Balas & Skene on Michigan football offseason, O-line & more

We’re only a few weeks from the end of the college football season, and already there’s plenty of Michigan football offseason news. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is exploring his NFL possibilities. Several Wolverines have hit the transfer portal, and others could follow.

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TheWolverine.com’s Chris Balas and former Michigan offensive lineman Doug Skene break down several talking points. Among them:

• Virginia center transfer Olu Oluwatimi and his potential fit. The Rimington Award finalist as the nation’s best center will join the Wolverines next season. His presence should bolster and offensive line with three returning starters and a lot of promise.

On paper, Oluwatimi looks like an upgrade over Andrew Vastardis, who had an outstanding sixth season. But chemistry, etc., are huge, and it could take some time for the new unit to jell. Michigan linemen Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter return, though, as the nucleus, and Oluwatimi appears to be a great fit.

• The changing landscape of college football, and how Michigan needs to adapt or die on the NIL front.

Programs are now looking to smaller ones to fill rosters, and it’s not going to stop. Michigan is limited when it comes to transfers, due in large part to academic restrictions. It’s largely going to be freshmen or grad transfers who get a look.

That puts the Wolverines and the coaches at a competitive disadvantage, but it’s not going to change.

As for NIL …

Texas schools are at the forefront when it comes to pay for play, and that’s no surprise to Skene. The former Michigan lineman lived there for eight years. He knows the passion well, having played for one of the state’s biggest programs.

That and more …