A new staple in the postseason, the Michigan Wolverines playoff history is a story that is still unfolding in front of our eyes. In a testament to what stability at a program leads to, Michigan is a force to be reckoned with whenever they enter the College Football Playoff.
Michigan Playoff Appearances and Results by Year
- 2021-22
- Orange Bowl – Loss vs. Georgia, 34-11
- 2022-23
- Fiesta Bowl – Loss vs. TCU, 51-45
- 2023-24
- Rose Bowl – Win vs. Alabama, 27-20 (OT)
- National Championship – Win vs. Washington, 34-13
Wolverines fans had to wait a while to see the fruits of Jim Harbaugh’s labor finally pay off. But with three Big Ten Championships in hand following the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons, the Wolverines quickly turned into a fixture of postseason play.
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With their victory over Alabama in the 2023 Rose Bowl, the Wolverines appeared in their first National Championship Game of the College Football Playoff era. Michigan knocked off the Crimson Tide 27-20 in overtime to earn their first national title game through the playoffs.
In dominant fashion, the Wolverines won their 12th national title in school history with a 34-13 victory over Washington.
Michigan Playoff History FAQ
What’s Michigan’s Playoff Win/Loss Record?
The Wolverines’ first two appearances in the College Football Playoff certainly didn’t go as planned. With their victories against Alabama and Washington, Michigan is now 2-2 in the playoffs.
How Many Times Has Michigan Been to the College Football Playoff?
Making their first appearance in the College Football Playoff during the 2021-22 season, Michigan has now made the College Football Playoffs three times. Their appearance in 2023-24 marked the third year in a row that they not only won the Big Ten but also defeated rival Ohio State and clinched a berth in the College Football Playoff.
How Many National Championship Appearances Do the Wolverines Have?
As they’ve only been to the College Football Playoffs three times, the Wolverines have had fewer chances to win national championships through the postseason tournament play. Unfortunately for Wolverines fans, they were on the short end of a dominant Georgia team in 2021-22 and came up empty in the playoffs.
Michigan will make their first national championship appearance in the College Football Playoff format during the 2023-24 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
How Many National Championships Have the Wolverines Won?
Like many other programs, the Michigan football team can claim multiple titles. They now can claim 12 national titles and have five unclaimed titles that are up for debate prior to the BCS and College Football Playoff eras.
The Wolverines won the final four-team College Football Playoff National Championship and won their first title of the playoff era.
When Was the Last Time the Wolverines Made the National Championship Game?
The Rose Bowl holds a special place in the Michigan football program’s history, earning their last national title in the 1997 Rose Bowl and punching their ticket to the first national championship appearance of the College Football Playoff era by winning the 2023 Rose Bowl.
Michigan hadn’t been to a National Championship Game since that 1997 season.
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