Jim Harbaugh, Michigan student-athletes to appear at spring game NIL pep rally
Valiant Management and the Champions Circle Collective are putting together a pep rally at Crisler Center ahead of the Michigan Wolverines football spring game April 1, from noon-3 ET. The intrasquad scrimmage in front of fans at The Big House will take place at 3.
Head football coach Jim Harbaugh and 180 Michigan student-athletes across 10 teams on campus are slated to make appearances. Representatives from the following teams will in attendance: football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s golf, men’s tennis, track and field, wrestling and more.
Former Michigan All-American offensive lineman Jon Jansen, a member of the 1997 national championship winning team, and two-time All-American tight end Jake Butt will host a “chalk talk” session. Other attractions include autographs, face painting, tailgate games, a photobooth and more.
Tickets cost $30 for adults, and kids under 12 will receive free admission. They can be bought on The M Den website.
Admissions profits result in direct compensation to all members present at the event. In addition, all 180 student-athletes will be compensated by Valiant Management and Champions Circle.
More on Michigan football spring game
Fans will get a glimpse of the 2023 version of Michigan football April 1 at The Big House. The team will be split into two squads, coached by assistants and compete.
“Plan on a game, a game similar to what we did last year and have done in years past when there wasn’t a pandemic — we would have a spring game,” Harbaugh said in late February. “You have a draft, split up the teams, split the coaches and guys that haven’t played a lot in games. Get that game opportunity in The Big House.”
Michigan is coming off two straight Big Ten championships and appearances in the College Football Playoff. The Wolverines beat Ohio State two meetings in a row for the first time since 1999-2000, winning by a combined 37 points over the last two seasons.
A big reason for fans’ optimism heading into 2023 is due to Michigan returning 81 percent of its overall production, per ESPN.com, the fifth-most in college football.
In part, NIL helped keep around star running back Blake Corum, offensive linemen Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson, defensive lineman Kris Jenkins and more.
“For me, you support either way, when you’re in that situation that somebody has a chance to go to the NFL, or participate, use another year of their college eligibility,” Harbaugh explalined. “I’m in full support mode, whatever they decide to do, whatever I can do to help.
“Happy for guys who choose to submit their name for the draft and get invited to the combine and getting training for pro day. Just all behind them and excited. And guys feel that it’s in their best interest to return to Michigan, super, super happy and excited about that as well. Selfishly, really happy.”
