Michigan’s Roman Wilson and Drake Nugent are off to the NFL, leaving the Wolverines without their leading receiver and starting center from the 2023 national championship run.

Both players joined the wave of Sunday announcements, confirming their intentions to head to the 2024 NFL Draft. Along with star quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Blake Corum, Michigan will have a much different look entering the 2024 season with a number of pieces departing.

“Thank you to the University of Michigan for giving me some of the most unforgettable memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” wrote Wilson. “With that being said, I have decided to officially enter the 2024 NFL Draft.”

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been welcomed with open arms by everyone this past year on the team and in the city of Ann Arbor,” Nugent wrote on social media. “I know our time was shorter than most but it was well worth it. Wearing the winged helmet will forever be one of the greatest honors of my life.

“With all that being said, I am proud to say I am declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s been one hell of a chapter but time to start a new one.”

Impact on Michigan

There’s no denying the blow to Michigan’s roster in losing both Wilson and Nugent. Wilson has been a 4-year contributor, and he delivered a career-best season in 2023.

He led the Wolverines in every major category with 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns. The favorite target of JJ McCarthy, Wilson delivered the game-tying touchdown in the Rose Bowl, a key score against Ohio State and 3 catches for 54 yards against Washington.

Nugent spent just one season with the Wolverines after 4 seasons at Stanford, but his importance cannot be overstated. He was Michigan’s starting center all season long, earning first-team All-B1G honors and being named a Rimington Trophy finalist.

Michigan will celebrate this national title for a long time coming, but the Wolverines will have a challenge to replace the host of production heading to the NFL in 2024.