Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the “100 Greatest Players in Michigan football history.” This list was compiled following the 2023 season and only includes players whose careers are completed. Historical significance for less modern players was taken into consideration, while also giving an edge to more modern players due to the evolution of the game.
100. Tai Streets
Tai Streets was an integral member of Michigan’s 1997 National Championship team. His Rose Bowl performance of 127 receiving yards and 2 TD’s still stands out as one of the most important performances for a Michigan receiver of all-time. Streets ranks 8th all-time in career receiving yards and receiving TD’s.
99. Rob Renes
Rob Renes anchored the interior of the defensive line for Lloyd Carr’s teams from 1997-1999. He was selected as a first team All-American in 1999. He’s one of the more slept on defensive players from those late 90’s Michigan defenses, but his presence and leadership was undeniable.
98. David Ojabo
One great season is enough to land David Ojabo on the top 100 list. In 2021 he tallied 11 sacks and led the Big Ten with 5 forced fumbles to help lead the team that put Michigan back on the map. Playing opposite Aidan Hutchinson, the two remain one of the most lethal edge combos is college football history.
97. Marquise Walker
Marquise Walker was an electric receiver that scored 17 TD’s, won 2 Big Ten championships, and led the Big Ten in receptions in 2001. He is often remembered for his seemingly impossible catch against Iowa where he lept and caught a touchdown with a single outstretched arm in the corner of the endzone.
96. Brian Griese
Being the QB on a National Championship team alone was enough to land Griese on this list. While his stats may not jump off the page, his consistency, dependability, and leadership were instrumental to the 1997 undefeated squad, throwing 17 TD’s and just 6 interceptions.
95. Butch Woolfolk
Butch Woolfolk’s career at Michigan was jam-packed with records and accolades. His career rushing yards of 3850 was a Michigan record until it was broken by Jamie Morris 6 years later. He was twice first-team All-Big Ten, and in 1981 he led the Big Ten in rushing, was a second-team All-American, and was the Rose Bowl MVP. Interestingly, he still holds the record for the longest run in Michigan history with a 99 yard rush against Wisconsin.
94. Olu Oluwatimi
Although he only played one season at Michigan, he was the undisputed best center in college football in 2022. He is the only player in college football history to win the Rimington Trophy (best center), the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman), and the Joe Moore Award (best O-line) in the same season.
93. John Navarre
John Navarre is second all-time in school history in career passing yards (9254) and passing touchdowns (72). He holds the Michigan single season record for passing yards with 3,331 in 2003, a season in which he also led the Big Ten in passing TD’s. Navarre posted several big wins in his career including wins against Ohio State and Notre Dame.
92. Reggie Mckenzie
Reggie McKenzie was a key offensive lineman on Bo Schembechler’s first 3 teams at Michigan. In 1971, the team averaged 331 rushing yards per game and McKenzie was selected as a consensus first team All-American. He was also a 2-time first team All-Big Ten selection in 1970 and 1971.
91. David Baas
David Baas was a staple of Lloyd Carr’s teams in the early 2000’s. He was a 3-time All-Big Ten selection, and in 2004 he was awarded the Rimington Trophy which is awarded to the nation’s top center and was selected as a first-team All-American, blocking for Michigan legend Mike Hart during his historic freshman season. Baas also blocked for Chris Perry in 2003 when Perry won the Doak Walker award.
90. Elroy Hirsch
Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch has one of the most unique stories in football history and he may have been one of the most dynamic players to ever dawn the maize and blue. He earned the name “Crazy Legs” due to his running style in which people explained it looked like his legs were flailing in 6 different directions when he ran. He originally played for Wisconsin, but after enlisting in the Marine Corps he was transferred to Michigan where he played the 1943 season. He was the first athlete in Michigan history to letter in 4 sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track. In his first game with Michigan, Hirsch returned the opening kick 50 yards, scored 2 touchdowns, and snagged an interception.
89. Victor Hobson
Victor Hobson was a powerful and versatile linebacker for Lloyd Carr. In his career he tallied 277 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He was a first team All-Big Ten selection in 2002 and second team in 2001.
88. Mike Taylor
Mike Taylor played linebacker on Bo Schembechler’s legendary 1969 team that upset top-ranked Ohio State in the “Upset of the Century.” He would go on to be selected as a unanimous All-American in 1971. Taylor was drafted in the first round in 1972 by the New York Jets.
87. Jeff Backus
Jeff Backus achieved the impressive feat of being selected as All-Big Ten 4 times (second team in ‘97/‘98 and first team in ‘99/‘00). He was a key contributor to Lloyd Carr’s impressive lineage of offensive tackles, and was a part of Michigan’s 1997 National Championship squad.
86. Ralph Heikkinen
Ralph Heikkinen was a quiet, undersized guard from Northern Michigan who started his career unknown and under-appreciated. He earned All-Big Ten honors in 1937, but it wasn’t until the following year when Fritz Crisler took over as coach that “Hike” began to be recognized as one of the best players in the country. In 1938, he was selected a as a unanimous All-American, leading the Wolverines to a 6-1-1 record, including wins over rivals MSU and OSU.
85. Steve Breaston
84. Jerame Tuman
Jerame Tuman was a 3-time first team All-Big Ten selection form ’96 to ’98 and was selected as a first team All-American in ’98. He was a major contributor to the 1997 National Championship team and was a common recipient of play-action bootleg passes from quarterback Brian Griese.
83. Harry Kipke
Harry Kipke played halfback and punter for Fielding Yost from 1920-1923. He was touted for his ability to control a game with precision punting. In 1922 he was selected as a consensus All-American and first team All-Big Ten. He would go on the following year to help Michigan win a National Championship in 1923.
82. Jeremy Gallon
Jeremy Gallon was the leading receiver for Michigan 3 consecutive years. He still holds the school’s single season receiving yards record with 1,373 yards in 2013. His 369 receiving yards against Indiana in 2013 is a Big Ten record and is second all-time in FBS history. If Gallon would have had the luxury of playing on some better teams, he would likely be much higher in this list.
81. Junior Colson
Junior Colson played for Michigan during the legendary trilogy of 2021-2023, won 3 straight Big Ten Championships, and capped off his career with a Natty. He led the team in tackles in 2022 and 2023, earning second team All-Big Ten honors both years. In 2023 he also won the Lott IMPACT Trophy given to college football’s defensive impact player of the year. He played through significant injuries throughout his career as a starter without missing a single game and will always be remembered for making plays with casts and wraps on his hands and shoulders.
80. Julius Franks
Julius Franks was the first African American All-American at Michigan. Coach Fritz Crisler once said that Franks was the hardest working player he had coached. Franks attributed a lot of his success to scrimmaging against Michigan great Tom Harmon. He played every minute of every game in 1942, his junior season, earning consensus All-American honors. In 1943, he came down with tuberculosis and missed his entire senior season.
79. Derrick Alexander
Derrick Alexander was one of many great Michigan receivers to dawn the iconic #1 jersey. In 1992 he was awarded first team All Big-Ten and third team All-American honors. He would later be selected in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft and go on to have an illustrious NFL career.
78. Sam Sword
Sam Sword led Michigan in tackles 3 consecutive years and earned All American honors in 1997 as a major contributor to the National Championship team. He finished his career with 370 tackles which at the time ranked him 3rd all time in school history.
77. Mark Donahue
Mark Donahue played offensive guard for Bo Schembechler in the 1970’s. Amazingly, the line that he was a part of produced 2 separate games in which 3 running backs surpassed 100 yards. He was selected as a consensus All-American in 1976 and a unanimous All-American in 1977.
76. Elvis Grbac
Elvis Grbac led Michigan to 3 Rose Bowls in his career and quarterbacked the team during Desmond Howard’s legendary Heisman season. He finished his career as Michigan’s all time leader in passing completions, yards, and touchdowns which would stand for a decade. Today, he ranks 3rd all-time in Michigan’s major career passing categories, behind Chad Henne and John Navarre.
75. Roman Wilson
While Roman Wilson didn’t rack up the total receiving yards as other receivers on this list, his impact and knack for getting in the end-zone was unparalleled. He caught 12 touchdowns on Michigan’s 2023 National Championship team, and his 20 career touchdowns is 7th all-time in school history. His iconic catches in the 4th quarter of the Rose Bowl cement his status as Michigan football royalty. If it weren’t for the shortened covid season his freshman year and an injury his junior year, his career stats would be even more impressive.
74. Tom Brady
The greatest NFL player in history falls quite a bit lower on this list. Tom Brady spent the majority of his career at Michigan battling for the starting spot before ultimately winning the job. He led Michigan to a Citrus Bowl win over Arkansas in 1999 and an Orange Bowl win over Alabama in 2000 in one of the most exciting postseason games in Michigan history. He was awarded honorable mention All Big-Ten honors both years and was drafted 199th in the NFL draft… and the rest is history.
73. Jack Clancy
Jack Clancy started his career at Michigan as a QB but switched to end (receiver) and set the all-time school record for catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in a game, season, and career. His 197 receiving yards against Oregon St was a record until broken by Jeremy Gallon in 2010. Clancy was selected as a unanimous All-American in 1966.
72. Jason Avant
Jason Avant spent his first two years of his Michigan career learning from Braylon Edwards, and then blossomed as the team’s top receiver as an upperclassmen. In 2005, he surpassed 1000 receiving yards and was a first team all Big-Ten selection. He still ranks 4th all-time in career receptions at Michigan.
71. Taco Charlton
Taco Chartlon was held back by nagging injuries throughout his Michigan career but played spectacularly when he was on the field. He totaled 19 career sacks, and in 2016 he was named by the coaches and the media as a first team All-Big Ten selection.
70. Harry Newman
Interestingly, Harry Newman could be thought of as Michigan’s 4th Heisman recipient; He won the Douglas Fairbanks Trophy which was the predecessor to the Heisman, given to the most outstanding player in college football. His record in 3 years at Michigan was 24-1-2 and in 1932 he was selected as a first team All American.
69. Shawn Crable
Shawn Crable was an absolute menace to opposing offenses during his time at Michigan. In his senior year, he had a staggering 28.5 TFL’s which led the Big Ten and was 2nd in the nation. He was selected as second team All-Big Ten in 2006 and 2007 and was an All-American in 2007.
68. Ron Johnson
Ron Johnson was the first African American captain at Michigan. He set a Michigan career rushing record with 2,524 rushing yards and set the single season TD record in 1968 with 19 TD’s. He was selected a second team All-American in 1967 and a first team All-American in 1968 while also finishing 6th in the Heisman voting. He went on to have an illustrious career with the New York Giants and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
67. Amani Toomer
Amani Toomer spent the first 2 years of his career competing for snaps behind Derrick Alexander. Then in 1994 he broke the 1000 yard mark and was named first team All-Big Ten. In 1995 he was selected as second team All-Big Ten and is still 4th all time in career receiving yards with 2415.
66. Jake Moody
Jake “Money” Moody was a fan favorite at Michigan for good reason. He finished his career as the all time leading scorer at Michigan (later broken by Blake Corum). He won the Lou Groza Award in 2021 as the nation’s best kicker, was the 2-time Big Ten Kicker of the year, and was a first team All-American in 2021. His game winning kick against Illinois that season kept the Wolverines alive for their first Big Ten Championship in nearly 2 decades.
65. Alan Branch
The big-bodied Alan Branch helped anchor some of the most loaded defenses we saw during the Lloyd Carr era from 2004-2006. His presence in games was felt well beyond the stat sheet. In 2006 he was a second team All-American and first team All Big-Ten. He would go on to win 2 Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
64. Taylor Lewan
Taylor Lewan is one of the many outstanding lineman to wear #77 at Michigan. He was an absolute savage during his time in college. After being named second team All Big-Ten as a sophomore, he went on to capture back to back Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year awards while also being named a first team All-American twice. His flare for the dramatics made him one of the more controversial players in history and he has since gone on to have a Pro Bowl NFL career and is now a successful public figure with Barstool Sports.
63. David Harris
Grand Rapids native David Harris was perpetually the underdog during his football career. Coming out of high school many recruiting “experts” had him listed a 2-star prospect. During his redshirt freshman year he suffered a torn ACL. He worked his way back to lead Michigan in tackles in 2005, which set the stage for his memorable 2006 season. In ‘06 Harris made 96 tackles for a squad that only gave up 43 rushing yards per game. He was a second team All-American, first team All-Big Ten, and split the team MVP award with Mike Hart. He went on to have solid NFL career with the NY Jets.
62. Rob Lytle
Rob Lytle played fullback and halfback for Bo in the early 70’s and concluded his college career as the all time leading rusher in school history, later broken by Butch Woolfolk. In 1976, he was a consensus first team All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, and finished 3rd in the Heisman race after accumulating 1,469 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Interestingly, Lytle was the first player to score a touchdown in both the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl.
61. Dave Brown
60. Tim Biakabutuka
59. Jarrett Irons
Jarrett Irons was an All-Big Ten selection twice and in 1996 was selected as a consensus first team All-American. His 453 career tackles still ranks second all-time in Michigan history. Impressively, he finished his career averaging 100 tackles per season and although he went pro following the ‘96 season, he paved the way for the 1997 defense that was the best in the nation and won the AP national title.
58. Hassan Haskins
Hassan Haskins scored 5 touchdowns against Ohio State in 2021 while carrying the Wolverines to their first victory in The Game in nearly a decade. He also set the single season rushing touchdown record that would later be broken by his teammate Blake Corum. While there are many running backs with better overall career numbers than Haskins, it’s difficult to find many players that have had more of an impact on the program.
57. Ron Simpkins
Ron Simpkins finished his career as Michigan’s all-time leading tackler with 516 tackles. He was selected first team All-Big Ten 3 times and was a first team All-American his senior year. He made numerous big plays throughout his career, but perhaps the most memorable was his fumble recovery late in The Game in 1977 to set up a Michigan win against Ohio State.
56. John Maulbetsch
John Maulbetsch is a name that lives in Michigan football folklore. He was dubbed the “featherweight fullback” for his light frame, and many referred to him as the “human bullet” for the way he ferociously plunged through the line. During one of his biggest games against Harvard, many reports indicate that he rushed for as many as 350 yards. In 1914 he was recognized as an All-American and would later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
55. Glen Steele
Glen Steele was a leader on the best defense in the country in 1997 when Michigan won the National Championship. He was awarded first team All-Big Ten and first team All-American honors and finished his career with 45 tackles for loss, which at the time was second most in school history.
54. David Terrell
David Terrell wore the coveted #1 jersey and lived up to the hype. He was Michigan’s first receiver to have multiple 1000 yard seasons and in his junior year he totaled a then single season school record of 1,130 yards. Perhaps his most memorable game was the 2000 Orange Bowl in which he caught 3 touchdowns from Tom Brady and 150 receiving yards in the win over Alabama.
53. Ernest Shazor
Ernest Shazor was hard-hitting strong safety that played 3 years at Michigan. As a sophomore he was selected second team All-Big Ten after tallying 57 tackles, 8 TFLs and 2 interceptions. As a junior he earned consensus All-American honors after leading the team with 84 tackles, and adding 10 TFLs, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries.
52. Jamie Morris
Jamie Morris was an elite RB that led Michigan in single season rushing yards and career rushing yards until Anthony Thomas surpassed him 13 years later. He was also the only Wolverine to lead the team in rushing 4 years in a row until Mike Hart joined him. One of his most memorable performances came in 1986 when he returned from injury and produced 302 all-purpose yards against Ohio State, leading Michigan to the Rose Bowl.
51. Maurice Hurst
Maurice Hurst was a force on the interior of the D-line. In 2017, he was a consensus first team All-American, first team All-Big Ten, the team’s MVP and defensive player of the year. He also earned the highest single season grade (96.5) by any interior defensive lineman in PFF history.
50. Jumbo Elliott
49. Mario Manningham
Mario Manningham was a shooting star for Michigan, playing 3 years in the Lloyd Carr era. Despite forgoing his senior year for the draft and missing considerable time his sophomore season with an injury, he ranks 4th in career receiving touchdowns (27) and 6th in career receiving yards (2,310) in Michigan history. In 2007 he tallied 1,174 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning him second team All-American honors. He would go on to have a solid NFL career and make one of the most pivotal catches in Super Bowl history, helping to lead the NY Giants to victory.
48. Larry Foote
The Detroit native Larry Foote left his mark on the Michigan program with his aggressive play-style and ability to down players behind the line of scrimmage. He finished his career with 53 TFLs, including 7 in a single game against Iowa, a school record that held until Khaleke Hudson broke it in 2017. He was a 2-time All-Big Ten selection, and was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American in 2001.
47. Jim Mandich
Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich was Bo Schembechler’s first team captain. He was twice All-Big Ten and in 1969 was selected as a consensus first team All-American while leading Michigan in receptions and yards and helping them pull off the historic upset against Ohio State on the way to the Rose Bowl. The extravagant Mandich would go on to win 3 Super Bowls with the Dolphins.
46. Jon Jansen
Jon Jansen set a school record with 50 straight starts all at right tackle. He was twice an All-Big Ten selection and in 1997 he was the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and a first team All-American as he helped lead the Wolverines to a National Championship. His new role as the in-game announcer at the Big House and work on podcast “In The Trenches” has solidified him as the new voice of Michigan football.
45. Chris Hutchinson
Chris Hutchinson won 4 straight Big Ten Championships during his time at Michigan. He was twice selected All-Big Ten and in 1992 was a first team All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. His single season sack record (11) stood until his son Aidan broke it nearly 30 years later.
44. Tom Curtis
Tom Curtis holds the record at Michigan for career interceptions (25), 2 of which came in the 1969 Ohio State win which is regarded as one of the biggest upsets in college football history and catapulted Bo Schembechler’s career. He was a 2-time first team All-Big Ten selection, was a second team All-American in ‘68 and a consensus All-American in ‘69.
43. Chad Henne
Chad Henne was only the second freshman in Michigan history to start the season opener (Rick Leach is the other). He would go on to have an illustrious career and still holds the career passing records for completions, yards, and touchdowns. He was second team All-Big Ten in 2006 and first team All-Big Ten in 2007. His final game was also coach Lloyd Carr’s final game in which they beat reigning Heisman winner Tim Tebow in the Citrus Bowl. He would go on to play 15 seasons in the NFL.
42. Marlin Jackson
Marlin Jackson finished his career second in Michigan history in pass breakups. He was such a lockdown corner that coaches rarely ever threw in his direction (only 14% of opponents throws went in his direction). He was a first team All-American as a sophomore in 2002 and a consensus All-American as a senior in 2004.
41. Erick Anderson
Erick Anderson is the only player in Michigan history to lead the team in tackles 4 consecutive years. Each of those years Michigan defeated Ohio State and finished in the top 10 of the AP Poll. He was twice first team All-Big Ten, and as a senior he was a first team All-American and won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker.
40. Greg Skrepenak
There are very few offensive lineman in college football history that are as decorated as Greg Skrepanek. He was 3 times All-Big Ten (twice first team), a 2-time first team All-American (unanimous in 1991), was the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (‘91), was named Gator Bowl MVP, and won the Jim Parker Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the country. He is oftentimes considered the largest player to dawn the Maize and Blue, towering at 6’6”, 322 pounds.
39. Bump Elliot
Bump Elliot played on the 1947 Michigan team known as the “Mad Magicians” that went undefeated and untied, finishing the season with a 49-0 victory over USC in the Rose Bowl. At the time, many believed this was the greatest team in Michigan football history. The versatile Elliot played offense and defense that season, scoring 12 touchdowns (8 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 punt return, and 1 interception return). He was selected as the Big Nine Conference MVP and an All-American. Controversially, he was denied by the Big Nine another year of eligibility in 1948 that many believed he deserved due to his time missed while serving with the Marines.
38. Jake Butt
Jake Butt is Michigan’s all-time leader among Tight Ends for receptions and receiving yards. He was twice first team All-Big Ten, twice first team All-American, twice Big Ten Tight End of the Year, and in 2016 won the Mackey Award as the nation’s best Tight End. An unfortunate series of ACL injuries plagued him and prevented him from demonstrating his talents in the NFL, but many currently consider him the best Tight End in Michigan history.
37. Leon Hall
Leon Hall was the type of player that opponents rarely threw at and he still managed to accumulate a Michigan career record of 43 pass breakups. He also added 12 interceptions which is 4th all-time in school history. After being named to the All-Big 10 second team his junior year in 2005, he was named a consensus All-American as a senior in 2006.
36. Bob Chappuis
35. Jourdan Lewis
Jourdan Lewis is Michigan’s all-time single season and career leader in pass breakups. He was such a formidable presence in the secondary that he was only targeted 31 times his entire senior year. He was a 2-time first team All American and won Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year in 2016. Perhaps his most memorable moment was his iconic one-handed game-sealing interception against Wisconsin.
34. Devin Bush
Devin Bush was a hard-hitting linebacker during the early Harbaugh years that was exceptional at covering the entire second level of the defense. He was twice selected first team All-Big Ten. In 2017 he was named a second team All-American and in 2018 he was a consensus All-American as well as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Many remember Bush for his controversial stomping of the Michigan State logo after the Spartans attempted walk through his warmup space.
33. Ty Law
Ty Law was a game changing defensive back who finished his 3 year career at Michigan with 161 tackles, 19 pass breakups, and 8 interceptions. He earned first team All-Big Ten honors twice and was selected as a first team All-American in 1994. Following his career at Michigan, Law went on to have a Hall of Fame pro career with the New England Patriots.
32. Chris Perry
Chris Perry was the prototypical Lloyd Carr running back and finished his career with back to back 1000+ yard seasons. He is the only Michigan player ever to win the coveted Doak Walker Award. In 2003, he rushed for 1674 yards and 18 touchdowns, was a consensus All-American, first team All-Big Ten, and was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
31. Zak Zinter
Zak Zinter was a leader on Michigan’s offensive line for 3 straight Big Ten titles and a National Championship. He was a primary contributor to back to back Joe Moore awards, was named second team All-Big Ten as a sophomore, first team All-Big Ten as a junior and senior, and achieved the elusive honor of being a unanimous All-American in 2023.
30. Benny Friedman
Benny Friedman revolutionized the quarterback position at Michigan in the 1920’s while also playing several other positions. Coach Fielding Yost called Friedman’s 1925 team “the greatest team I ever saw in action.” Friedman was selected as a back-to-back consensus first team All-American and went on to have an illustrious career with the New York Giants. He would later be inducted as part of the inaugural class of the College Football all Hall of Fame in 1951.
29. Anthony Thomas
Anthony “A-Train” Thomas kicked off his career at Michigan by winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year as a major contributor to the ‘97 National Championship team. He then went on to lead Michigan in rushing 3 consecutive years on his way to breaking Jamie Morris’ career rushing yards record that would later be broken by Mike Hart. He also broke Tyrone Wheatley’s career rushing touchdowns record that would later be broken by Blake Corum.
28. Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham started his career under Lloyd Carr and then as an upperclassman became one of the few bright spots for Rich Rodriguez. As a junior he was second team All-Big Ten then as a senior had one of the best defensive seasons in Michigan history. He led the nation in TFL’s (26), was selected first team All-Big Ten, first team All-American, and Big Ten MVP. He is currently still on a magical NFL run, heading into his 15th season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
27. Chuck Bernard
Chuck Bernard was a leader and 2-way player on Michigan’s back-to-back undefeated National Championship teams in 1932 and 1933. He was an All-American both seasons (unanimous in 1933). One of the many interesting historical facts about Bernard is that he was backed up by future Michigan team captain and eventual United States President Gerald Ford.
26. Jabrill Peppers
25. Germany Schulz
24. Tripp Welborne
Perhaps one of Michigan’s most underrated players of all time, Tripp Welborne is one of two players in Michigan history to be selected a unanimous All-American twice (the other is Anthony Carter). Unfortunately, a knee injury late in his college career affected his ability to excel in the NFL and his career was cut short. Interestingly, Welborne was a 2 sport athlete that almost participated in Michigan basketball’s ‘89 championship run but was held back by a thumb injury.
23. Dan Dierdorf
Dan Dierdorf was recruited by Bump Elliott but ended up being one Bo Schembechler’s first superstars on the O-line. As a sophomore in 1968, he paved the way for Ron Johnson to break an NCAA single game rushing record with 347 yards, and he ended the year a second team All-Big Ten selection. In 1969 (Bo’s first year), he played a crucial role in the win over Ohio State which is still regarded as one of Michigan’s biggest wins in history and finished as a second team All-American. As a senior in 1970, he was selected as a consensus first team All-American and would go on to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He would later spend a generation as one of voices of Michigan football alongside his partner Jim Brandstatter.
22. Lamarr Woodley
Lamarr Woodley was an absolute beast for Lloyd Carr’s defense. He is responsible for one of the greatest defensive seasons in Michigan history. As a senior he recorded 12 sacks and was named a unanimous All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and took home the Lombardi trophy as the best lineman (offensive or defensive) in the country. In 2023, he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
21. Rick Leach
Rick Leach started at quarterback four consecutive years for Michigan and led them to a top 10 AP Poll finish each year. When evaluating the left-hander, it’s important to remember the QB position has evolved tremendously since his day. At the time, the numbers he put up were unheard of. He was the first college football player to score 200 points through the air and 200 on the ground, accounting for a then NCAA record 82 touchdowns. He was selected All Big-Ten 3 times and finished 3rd in the Heisman voting.
20. Jim Harbaugh
After an injury shortened his sophomore season, Jim Harbaugh cruised through one of the best two-year stretches of any Michigan QB in history. In 1985 Michigan finished number 2 after defeating Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, and in ‘86 Harbaugh led Michigan to the Rose Bowl while winning Big Ten Player of the Year and finishing third in the Heisman race. Harbaugh finished his career at Michigan as the all time leader in passing yards and went on to have a well-documented and iconic run as a pro player and coach, ultimately returning back to Michigan as head coach of the 2023 National Championship team.
19. Tyrone Wheatley
Tyrone Wheatley was a menacing running back who possessed the rare combo of elite size, speed, and athleticism. He amassed 3 straight 1000+ yard seasons, ranks top 5 in Michigan history in career rushing yards and touchdowns, and holds both the highest and second highest yards per carry performances in Michigan history. In 1992 he won Big Ten Offensive Player of the year and capped off the season with one of the most legendary performances in Rose Bowl history, rushing for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns, earning Rose Bowl MVP.
18. Mike Sainristil
17. Mark Messner
Mark Messner was the first player in Big Ten history to earn first team All-Big Ten honors 4 consecutive years. He is Michigan’s career leader in tackles for loss, TFL yardage, sacks, and sack yardage. In 1988 he was selected as a unanimous All-American and won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
16. The Wistert Brothers
All 3 of the Wistert Brothers are in the College Football Hall of Fame. Francis “Whitey” Wistert was a consensus All-American in 1933 and was a two-time National Champion (1932, 1933). Alvin “Moose” Wistert was a consensus All-American in 1948 and 1949 was also a two-time National Champion (1947, 1948). Albert “Ox” Wistert was a consensus All-American in 1942 and went on to win 2 NFL Championships. The trio of legendary brothers all played tackle for Michigan and wore the number 11, which is one of only 6 jersey numbers to be retired by the Wolverines.
15. Denard Robinson
Denard Robinson was one of the most electric players college football has ever seen and would surely be higher on this list (and would probably have a Heisman) had he played on better teams. As a sophomore he set the NCAA record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season and was the first player in history with more than 1500 rushing yards and 1500 passing yards in a season. He is still second all-time in career rushing yards in school history with 4,495. He will forever be remembered for his memorable performances against Notre Dame and his ability to change a game instantly with his track star speed.
14. Mike Hart
Mike Hart is Michigan’s All-time leading rusher with 5,040 rushing yards. He regularly embodied his last name by showing enormous heart with his smaller frame going against much larger defenders. In his first year at Michigan, he broke the freshman rushing record, won Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and became a staple of Lloyd Carr’s offense for the following 3 seasons. He was selected first team All-Big Ten 3 times and was a second team All-American twice. Later in his life he returned to Michigan as the running backs coach and won a National Championship in 2023.
13. Jake Long
Jake Long had an incredible 4-year stretch for Michigan pass protecting for Chad Henne and run blocking for Mike Hart (who both broke the school’s career passing/rushing records respectively). He was twice named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, was a consensus All-American in 2006 and a unanimous All-American in 2007. Also in ‘07, he won the Jim Parker Trophy as the nation’s top offensive lineman. He would later be drafted number 1 overall in the 2008 NFL Draft to the Miami Dolphins.
12. JJ McCarthy
JJ McCarthy had a 27-1 record as a starter at Michigan, giving him the best win percentage of any college QB since 1971. His magical run as a 2-year starter solidified him as the greatest Michigan QB in history. He was second team All-Big Ten in 2022, first team All-Big Ten in 2023, was the 2024 Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, and led Team 144 to a 15-0 record and a National Championship. JJ will forever be remembered for his ability to stay calm under pressure and do exactly what the team needed of him at exactly the right times.
11. Ron Kramer
College Football Hall of Famer Ron Kramer was a do-it-all player for coach Bennie Oosterbahn in the 1950’s. Playing both sides of the ball, he was selected first team All-Big Ten 3 consecutive years. In 1954 he was a second team All-American, in 1955 he was a consensus All-American, and in 1956 he was a unanimous All-American. Immediately following his senior year, Michigan retired his #87 jersey, which is one of only six jerseys retired.
10. Willie Heston
Willie Heston played for Feilding Yost’s Michigan teams from 1901-1904 and won 4 straight National Championships. Those teams were dubbed the “point-a-minute” teams because they scored approximately 1 point for every minute of game action. In 1901 Michigan outscored its opponents 555-0. Heston is unofficially credited by Michigan with 72 touchdowns (which is the school record by far) but some accounts credit him with more than 100 career touchdowns. In the inaugural Rose Bowl game in 1902, Heston rushed for 170 yards while Michigan trounced Stanford 49-0. Heston was awarded All-American honors each of his 4 years, including being named a consensus All-American in 1903 and 1904.
9. Anthony Carter
Anthony “AC” Carter brought Michigan into the era of the modern receivers. He was the original great receiver to wear the iconic #1 jersey which has been coveted ever since. He was a 3-time first team All-American (twice unanimous), 3-time first team All-Big Ten, and the Big Ten Player of the year in 1982. He went on to have a Pro Bowl career with the Vikings and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. One of his most memorable moments at Michigan was his 45-yard catch and run into the endzone as time expired to win the game against Indiana with Bob Ufer on the call.
8. Braylon Edwards
Braylon Edwards, son of Michigan great Stan Edwards, was one of the most dominant and electric players in college football history. He is the only receiver in Big Ten history to record 3 consecutive 1000-yard seasons. He is Michigan’s all-time leading receiver and has recorded more 100-yard receiving games than any Wolverine. He was second team All-Big Ten as a sophomore in 2002, first team All-Big Ten as junior in 2003, then in 2004 he won the Biletnikof Award as the nations top wide receiver while taking home unanimous All-American honors. His 11 catch, 189 yard, 3 touchdown game against Michigan state is still one of the greatest individual performances in Michigan history.
7. Steve Hutchinson
Steve Hutchinson was a 4-time first team All-Big Ten selection, leading Michigan to 2 Citrus Bowl victories, an Orange Bowl victory, and a Rose Bowl win that resulted in a national championship in ‘97. In 2000, he was a unanimous All-American, Big Ten offensive lineman of the year, and won the Jim Parker Trophy given to the best offensive lineman in college football. He was drafted in the first round by the Seahawks and after a career that included 7 straight Pro Bowls, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
6. Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson’s 2021 season at Michigan helped change the trajectory of the program and set the stage for a magical 3-year run that ended with a National Championship. After a season ending injury in 2020, Hutch set the program’s single season sack record while leading Michigan to its first Big Ten Championship in 17 years. His defining moment came against Ohio State when he had 3 sacks and Michigan beat the Buckeyes for the first time in 8 years. He finished 2nd in the Heisman voting and was a unanimous All-American. He won Big Ten Player of the Year, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, as well as the Lott Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Ted Hendricks Award.
5. Bennie Oosterbaan
Bennie Oosterbaan is one of only 2 players in Michigan history to be named a consensus All-American 3 times (unanimous his senior year). At a time when the forward pass was evolving, Oosterbaan and quarterback Benny Friedman connected as a legendary duo for his sophomore and junior seasons. In 1925 he led the Big Ten in touchdowns. In 1927 after Friedman moved on the pros, Oosterbaan took on the “passing specialist” role and achieved All-American status as a passer. Interestingly, Oosterbaan also led the Big Ten in basketball scoring and baseball hitting during his college tenure, earning 9 varsity letters. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player and came back to Michigan as a head coach to win a National Championship in 1948.
4. Blake Corum
Following his junior year at Michigan Blake Corum stated he was coming back to win a National Championship. He then followed up that statement by leading Michigan to its first ever 15-0 season and a Natty, while breaking the school’s single season touchdown record (27) and career touchdown record (58). He scored pivotal late-game touchdowns in each of Michigan’s biggest games in 2023 (Penn St, Ohio St, Alabama, Washington) and was the only player in the country to score in every game of the season. Corum was a leader on 3 straight Big Ten Championship teams and was set to become the Heisman front-runner his junior year when he injured his knee against Illinois. He was a 2-time All-American, 2-time Big Ten Runningback of the Year, and was named the 2023 National Championship Offensive MVP. Blake Corum’s blue collar mentality, humble personality, and extreme work ethic have landed him among the all-time greats in Michigan football history.
3. Tom Harmon
Tom Harmon was a dynamic player for Michigan who rushed and passed for touchdowns while also kicking field goals and scoring extra points. He led the nation in scoring in 1939 and 1940. He played all 60 minutes 8 times in his career and broke Red Grange’s scoring record. There were multiple games in which Harmon scored every point for Michigan. He led Michigan to 3 victories over Ohio State and in his final collegiate game Ohio State fans gave Harmon a standing ovation following a 40-0 win in Columbus. He was 3-time first team All-Big Ten, was a consensus All-American in 1939, and was a unanimous All-American in 1940. Also in 1940, he won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and was named AP Athlete of the Year. His #98 jersey is retired at Michigan and he was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.
2. Desmond Howard
Coming off of a third-team All-American performance in 1990, Desmond Howard took the world by storm in 1991. He captured 85% of first place Heisman votes, which was the most in history at the time. His 19 receiving touchdowns in ‘91 is still a Michigan record. That year he also won the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Big Ten MVP, Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year, and was named a unanimous All-American. His famous Heisman pose following a punt return for touchdown during the Ohio State game is one of the most iconic moments in college football history. His number 21 Jersey is one of only six numbers retired at Michigan and he is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. To add to his list of incredible accolades, Howard was also named Super Bowl MVP while playing for the Packers in Super Bowl XXXI.
1. Charles Woodson
After being named Big Freshman of the Year in 1995, and a first team All-American in ‘96 as a sophomore, Charles Woodson’s junior season stands alone as an absolute masterpiece. Not only is he the only defensive player to ever win the Heisman trophy, but he also won the Walter Camp Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Jim Thorpe Award, Jack Tatum Trophy, Chic Harley Award, and was named a unanimous All-American. He was also the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten MVP, and Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year. Some of his most memorable Michigan moments include 2 interceptions in a victory against Ohio State as a freshman, his unreal one handed interception on the sideline against Michigan State as a junior, and his interception and punt return for TD against Ohio State in ‘97, sending Michigan to the Rose Bowl as the eventual National Champion. His list of accolades carried into the pros as he was named a Pro Bowler 9 times and won Defensive Player of the Year on the Super Bowl Champion Packers in 2011. Charles Woodson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is the undisputed greatest Michigan football player of all time.
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