Trey Quinn #18 of the Michigan Panthers runs the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Brahmas at Alamodome on April 20, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/UFL/Getty Images)
This is part five of what will be an eight-part look at each UFL team’s 2024 season.
Michigan overcame injuries and a carousel of quarterbacks to make the playoffs in the USFL Conference. Head coach Mike Nolan earned UFL Coach of the Year honors for his work. A suffocating defense, run by 34 year-old Collin Bauer, and a strong run game carried the day for the Panthers in 2024. They ran for a league-high 19 touchdowns, finishing second in the UFL in total rushing. Defensively, they paced the league in tackles for loss and DE Breeland Speaks won the UFL Defensive Player of the Year Award by registering the most sacks and tackles for loss. Michigan also had the biggest leg in the league at kicker, attached to the torso of one Jake Bates, that bailed out a moribund offense at critical moments.
What went wrong
Injuries and ineffectiveness at the quarterback position forced Michigan to start four different QBs during the season. Perhaps their best option, Bryce Perkins, was hurt in week 10 and unavailable for the playoff rematch with the Birmingham Stallions. On the strength of its ground game, Michigan was a team built to take the lead and salt it away; when they got behind against strong teams, it was then difficult for them to come back. They were one of the most penalized teams in the league and gave up the third-most sacks, showing some deficiencies in offensive line play. The Panthers lost four games this season; three of them were against Birmingham. There will be a ceiling to their success until they can figure out that puzzle.
Matthew Colburn II #26 of the Michigan Panthers runs with the ball during the second quarter against the DC Defenders at Audi Field on May 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/UFL/Getty Images)
Offensive MVP
After beginning the season as the backup to Wes Hills, RB Matthew Colburn II eventually broke out to be the lead back in Michigan. He averaged 4.5 yards per rush (compared to Hills’ 3.8), scored four touchdowns, and finished fourth among running backs in rushing across the UFL. His hard-charging style enthralled fans and teammates alike, giving a mental and emotional boost to the team when needed. Colburn is a veteran of alternative football, having been part of the XFL in 2020 as well as The Spring League, CFL, and USFL in between NFL stints. Success tastes a little sweeter for those types of players.
Defensive MVP
It’s hard to argue giving the team defensive MVP award to anyone but the league Defensive Player of the Year, which was won by DE Breeland Speaks. Four more tackles for loss than the next closest player; two-and-a-half more sacks than any other player; Speaks was a pass-rush machine that feasted on weak offensive tackles, of which there were many in this league. He used his rare combination of size, power, and speed to get linemen off balance and finish in the backfield. It seemed like fait accompli that Speaks would be named DPOY, he was that dominant.
Jake Bates #38 of the Michigan Panthers huddles with teammates after defeating the ar 28-27 at Ford Field on May 05, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/UFL/Getty Images)
Special Teams MVP
Perhaps more than any other position, specialists in these spring leagues have used their time as a launching pad into the NFL. The two most celebrated USFL players currently in the NFL are a kicker and returner. That could continue in 2024, as K Jake Bates provided the UFL its first viral moment when he hit a 64-yard game-winning field goal to beat the St. Louis Battlehawks in week one. Bates continued to connect from deep, making six field goals from beyond 50 yards in total. Though his accuracy waned a bit down the stretch, Bates has a real chance to make an NFL roster this fall.
Most likely to succeed (in getting NFL opportunities)
Bates will compete with incumbent Michael Badgley for the Detroit Lions’ kicking job when camp kicks off at the end of next month. It’s been reported that teams have been in contact with Speaks, though he has yet to sign anywhere. On offense, WR Marcus Simms was a standout, and if QB Bryce Perkins heals up in time, he could be an emergency call for a team. A few interior offensive linemen like Jacob Burton, Noah Johnson, and Cohl Cabral could Garner interest. A host of players on defense shouldn’t be waiting long for a phone call. S Kai Nacua, DE Kenny Willekes, DT Daniel Wise and DT Walter Palmore would be atop that list.
QB concern level for 2025 (1-5)
Michigan has a few options here: They can bring back their four quarterbacks (or some combination thereof) and let them duke it out in training camp; or they can completely revamp the position, upgrading from outside the organization in the offseason. None of the quarterbacks from 2024 distinguished themselves enough over a long enough period of time to where you can see them walking in day one as the starter next year. EJ Perry, Danny Etling, and Bryce Perkins all showed glimpses of what it takes to lead a team, though they have their drawbacks as well. The self-scouting Michigan needs to do in preparation for next season starts here. I’ll say a 3.5 with the current crop.
Head coach Mike Nolan of the Michigan Panthers looks on before the USFL Conference Championship game against the Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium on June 08, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/UFL/Getty Images)
Head coach hot seat rating (1-5)
The 65 year-old Nolan led Michigan to the playoffs for the second straight season, though this year came with a three-win improvement over 2023. The fact that the Panthers made that leap with the quarterback mess they faced, in addition to losing defensive leader LB Frank Ginda midway through the season, made Nolan a logical choice for UFL Coach of the Year. Nolan’s NFL days are likely behind him, no matter how well he does here. He’s not flashy or bombastic, but he gets the job done. Nolan also surrounded himself with strong assistant coaches. A COY award earns you a 1 in the hot seat rating.
Offseason needs for 2025
Michigan needs to figure out its QB situation first and foremost. If they’re happy with the collection they have, they can focus on more pressing needs. If not, QB shoots to the top of the list. Michigan has adequate starters and depth at wide receiver and running back. They could perhaps invest in another tight end. The bottom three-rated offensive players for the Panthers per Pro Football Focus, and four of the bottom six, were offensive tackles. Jarrett Horst struggled mightily at left tackle in particular. Improving both tackle spots is imperative. Defensively, if Michigan gets picked over by NFL teams, they’ll need to find replacements wherever that occurs. The Panthers are currently without a kicker now that Jake Bates is a Detroit Lion; coaches will likely need to keep a close eye on players participating in the Specialist Showcases coming up this fall.
