Jake Butt Criticizes Michigan Amid Roster Performance Concerns

Former Michigan tight end Jake Butt criticized the Wolverines' current performance after the program's highly funded roster struggled under coach Kyle Whittingham, with Michigan sitting at 3-2 and facing renewed scrutiny over its decline since Jim Harbaugh's departure.

Butt, a Michigan alumnus and Big Ten Network analyst, said on Buckeye Scoop that the team's current level has disappointed him despite the program's recent championship success. He referenced the expectations surrounding a roster valued at tens of millions of dollars.

"Two decades for Jim to get them back-to-back Big Ten champs and a national title. But even that has an asterisk on it. And then pretty much immediately, Michigan is back to being a punching bag.

And I think it's very disappointing for people. It's certainly disappointing for me as I talk about my alma mater here, because no way should a fifty-million-dollar roster look like this on the field." said Jake Butt, former Michigan tight end.

Butt later clarified his remarks after criticism of his comments about the 2023 championship. He said the discussion reflected public perception while maintaining that he viewed the titles as earned.

"is how other teams discuss those years," said Jake Butt, former Michigan tight end.

"never wavered that those championships were genuine and earned" said Jake Butt, former Michigan tight end.

Michigan won three consecutive Big Ten championships from 2021 through 2023 under Harbaugh and finished the 2023 season 15-0 with a national championship, according to records cited by the reports. The program later faced fallout from the sign-stealing investigation involving Connor Stalions.

The NCAA investigation found "overwhelming evidence" of an impermissible scouting scheme, according to the report. The NCAA did not vacate Michigan's national championship or wins from the 2021-23 period.

Harbaugh left Michigan after the championship season to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. The Wolverines went 17-9 during Sherrone Moore's two seasons before Moore was fired, and Whittingham's first season began with a 3-2 record.

Whittingham said Michigan's struggles have been difficult to diagnose after a loss to Minnesota, which was Michigan's first loss to the opponent since 1977. He said the team would continue working toward improvement.

"I'm still trying to figure it out," said Kyle Whittingham, Michigan coach.

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood has recorded 881 passing yards and five touchdowns while throwing four interceptions, according to the reports. In the loss to Minnesota, Underwood completed 10 of 21 passes.