While Rivals Reload, Michigan Football Will Rely on Returning Starters for 2016

As eligibility expires for key players at Michigan State and the NFL beckons for Ohio State's studs, Michigan football's roster will remain largely intact for 2016.

The Wolverines will compose the veteran unit of the Big Ten, and college football followers saw in 2015 how dangerous depth of experience can be when watching Iowa run the table during the regular season.

Next year, Michigan will discover if continuity under head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff translates to defeating raw talent with similarly elite coaching.

Although the Maize and Blue must replace a handful of team leaders—most notably quarterback Jake Rudock, center Graham Glasgow as well as linebackers Joe Bolden and Desmond Morgan—a strong majority of Michigan's standouts will return.

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Second-team AP All-American tight end Jake Butt and cornerback Jourdan Lewis have announced their intentions to come back for another season. First-team All-Big Ten receiver Jehu Chesson is sticking around, and defensive back Jabrill Peppers cannot bolt for the pros quite yet.

Six more offensive starters—including versatile lineman Mason Cole and leading pass-catcher Amara Darboh—and 10 notable defensive contributors are also eligible to return.

Compare that to the program's two biggest rivals, and Michigan has a significant advantage.

Ohio State is losing a stunning nine underclassmen to the professional ranks, which is a testament to the stellar player development in Columbus. Combined with the handful of NFL-bound seniors, though, the Buckeyes are set to undergo a major transitional period.

Now, this isn't the death of Urban Meyer's Ohio State. It would be foolish to suggest otherwise. MLive.com's Nick Baumgardner shares that sentiment:

As long as quarterback J.T. Barrett is healthy, the offense can thrive. Additionally, the program is working on its sixth straight 247Sports composite top-10 recruiting class. The Buckeyes will remain a formidable opponent.

Nevertheless, will Ohio State excel right away and sustain a high level of success? That's a lot of change to overcome and unproven talent to infuse while attempting to meet lofty—maybe undefeated—expectations.

Michigan State's forecast likely won't be as optimistic from the national crowd.

The Spartans will be without Connor Cook, Aaron Burbridge, Jack Allen, Jack Conklin, Shilique Calhoun, Lawrence Thomas, Darien Harris, RJ Williamson and a few other meaningful pieces.

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Again, doubting the coaching staff isn't smart, but those are multiyear team leaders. Programs rarely brush off that kind of turnover. Were it not for a tremendous defensive performance to stun Ohio State, the questions surrounding MSU would be louder.

If the Spartans feature an elite defense, they shouldn't have much of a problem reaching the 10-win mark again. Considering Malik McDowell, Riley Bullough, Demetrious Cox and potential sixth-year senior Ed Davis will headline the unit, elite can happen.

But another Big Ten title? "It's possible, though perhaps not probable," MLive.com's Mike Griffith said.

The knocks on reloading Ohio State and Michigan State aren't to say the Wolverines are obvious front-runners for the East Division crown. That title may fall on the Buckeyes because of Barrett.

Besides, not only is reloading not an insult for MSU and Ohio State, Michigan has clear weaknesses. Who will play quarterback is unknown. The offensive line is improved but not consistently great. Depth at linebacker is a glaring issue.

Plus, the first matchup among any two of the three programs is Michigan at Michigan State on Oct. 29. Cohesion and chemistry will—or won't—be obvious by then. Until shown otherwise, the division title will be won or lost during the three total meetings between Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State.

But the 2016 Wolverines will strive to show that experience from Lewis, Chesson, Butt, Peppers and the rest of the returning players is a more important asset than their rivals' promising, yet unproven talent.

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All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from cfbstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.