Top 10 Michigan Wolverines(Football) Players of All Time

The Michigan Wolverines possess one of the richest and most tradition-soaked histories in college football. From the leather-helmet era to modern championship runs, Michigan has consistently produced elite players who defined not just seasons, but entire eras of the sport. This list ranks the greatest players in Michigan football history, weighing on-field dominance, longevity, awards, and impact on the program’s legacy.

10) Rick Leach

Rick Leach remains one of the most versatile and underappreciated quarterbacks in Michigan history. Playing from 1976–1979, Leach was the rare true dual-threat quarterback long before that archetype became fashionable. He finished his career with 4,045 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes, while adding an astounding 2,171 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns, numbers that were revolutionary at the time.

Leach’s athleticism allowed Michigan to blend traditional Big Ten power football with option concepts that kept defenses off balance. His toughness and leadership were equally important—he played through injuries, commanded the huddle, and consistently delivered in rivalry games, especially against Ohio State. Leach led Michigan to three Big Ten championships and four bowl appearances, cementing his place among the program’s elite.

While his professional career went in a different direction (baseball), Leach’s impact at Michigan cannot be overstated. He proved that Michigan quarterbacks could be both physically imposing runners and effective passers, setting the stage for future stars who blended athleticism with leadership.

Rick Leach tribute

9) Jake Long

Jake Long was not just the best offensive lineman of his era at Michigan—he was arguably the most dominant tackle in school history. From 2004–2006, Long anchored the Wolverines’ offensive line with a combination of size, technique, and athleticism rarely seen at the college level.

Long was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, earned Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors, and was a consensus All-American. During his senior season, he allowed zero sacks, a staggering accomplishment given the quality of pass rushers he faced weekly. His dominance was so complete that he became a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award.

Michigan’s rushing and passing attacks flourished behind Long’s protection, and his consistency set a standard for offensive linemen that remains the benchmark today. His excellence translated seamlessly to the NFL, where he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft, a rare achievement for an offensive tackle and a testament to his collegiate dominance.

Homecoming with Jake Long: Michigan Made | The Players’ Tribune

8) Mike Hart

Mike Hart is the embodiment of Michigan football: tough, productive, and relentlessly consistent. From the moment he stepped on campus in 2004, Hart made an immediate impact, rushing for a freshman-record 1,455 yards and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

Despite battling injuries during his sophomore season, Hart rebounded with back-to-back monster campaigns, rushing for 1,562 yards in 2006 and 1,361 yards in 2007, while scoring 14 touchdowns in each season. Hart became Michigan’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing legends who had defined the program for decades.

What made Hart special wasn’t elite speed or size—it was vision, balance, toughness, and football intelligence. He consistently turned minimal gains into chain-moving runs and delivered his best performances in rivalry games. Hart’s leadership, work ethic, and production made him the backbone of Michigan offenses for four seasons and a permanent fixture in Wolverine lore.

Mike Hart tribute

7) Steve Hutchinson

Steve Hutchinson was the ultimate tone-setter on Michigan’s offensive line during the late 1990s. Playing guard in an era dominated by elite defensive fronts, Hutchinson combined brute strength with elite technique and mobility.

Remarkably, he did not allow a single sack during his final two seasons, an almost unheard-of feat at the Power Five level. As a senior, Hutchinson was named a consensus All-American and earned Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors, anchoring an offense that relied heavily on physical dominance.

Hutchinson’s importance extended beyond individual accolades—he was the glue that held Michigan’s offensive identity together during a championship era. His presence allowed skill players to thrive and quarterbacks to operate comfortably in the pocket. His eventual NFL Hall of Fame career only reinforces how elite he truly was, but his foundation was built in Ann Arbor.

Brian Griese, Steve Hutchinson and Charles Woodson, University of Michigan

6) Braylon Edwards

Braylon Edwards is the most physically dominant wide receiver in Michigan history. At 6’3” and over 210 pounds, Edwards combined size, speed, body control, and hands in a way few college receivers ever have.

After productive underclass seasons, Edwards exploded in 2004 with 97 receptions, 1,330 yards, and 15 touchdowns, earning consensus All-American honors, finishing 10th in Heisman voting, and winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.

Edwards was uncoverable in one-on-one situations and thrived in high-pressure moments, routinely bailing out quarterbacks with contested catches. His dominance forced defensive game plans to revolve entirely around him. Few Michigan players have ever commanded that level of defensive attention, and fewer still delivered at such a high level week after week.

Braylon Edwards tribute

5) Bennie Oosterbaan

Bennie Oosterbaan occupies a truly unique place in Michigan history. While statistics from the early 20th century are limited, one fact stands above all others: Oosterbaan is the only Michigan player ever named a three-time consensus All-American.

A versatile end and quarterback, Oosterbaan was a transformational talent who dominated both offensively and defensively. His most iconic moment came during the Michigan Stadium dedication game, where he threw three touchdown passes in a 21-0 victory over Ohio State, instantly etching his name into Michigan lore.

Oosterbaan later became one of Michigan’s most successful head coaches, further cementing his legacy. His impact transcended numbers—he helped define what Michigan football stood for during its formative years.

#47 Bennie Oosterbaan: Michigan Football Legend

4) Anthony Carter

Anthony Carter was the ultimate big-play weapon. Whether lining up at receiver, returning kicks, or flipping field position, Carter was a constant threat to score. Over four seasons, he amassed 5,802 all-purpose yards, setting a school record at the time.

As a receiver, Carter totaled 161 receptions, 3,076 yards, and 37 touchdowns, numbers that were staggering for his era. He earned consensus All-American honors and finished top-10 in Heisman voting twice.

Carter’s speed, route-running, and clutch performances made him one of the most feared offensive players in college football. He thrived on the biggest stages and gave Michigan an explosive dimension that few teams could match.

1979: Michigan vs. Indiana – Carter’s game winner

3) Tom Harmon

Tom Harmon’s 1940 season remains one of the greatest individual seasons in college football history. That year, Harmon won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and AP Player of the Year, dominating every facet of the game.

Harmon ran for 852 yards and 15 touchdowns, threw six touchdown passes, intercepted four passes, returned kicks, and averaged 37 yards per punt. His all-around excellence defined what it meant to be a complete football player.

Harmon wasn’t just great—he was transcendent. His performances elevated Michigan to national prominence and set a standard of excellence that still resonates more than 80 years later.

Tom Harmon tribute

2) Desmond Howard

Desmond Howard’s legacy is inseparable from one of the most iconic moments in college football history—the Heisman pose. But Howard was far more than a moment. He was a dynamic, game-changing superstar.

A consensus All-American, Howard won the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors. Over three seasons, he compiled 134 receptions, 2,146 yards, and 37 total touchdowns, contributing as a receiver, returner, and runner.

Howard’s explosiveness, charisma, and clutch performances defined Michigan’s early-1990s resurgence and made him one of the most electrifying players the sport has ever seen.

Greatest punt return ever! Desmond Howard Heisman Pose

1) Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson stands alone. The only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, Woodson redefined what a cornerback could be.

During his Michigan career, Woodson earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, consensus All-American honors, and won the Nagurski, Bednarik, Thorpe, and Camp Awards. He was a lockdown defender, elite returner, and impactful offensive contributor.

Woodson’s signature performance against Ohio State in 1997—highlighted by a game-saving interception—symbolized his greatness. No player in Michigan history impacted games in more ways or at higher stakes.

Charles Woodson tribute

Honorable Mentions

Ron Kramer – A dominant tight end and leader in the 1950s, Kramer was instrumental in Michigan’s offensive evolution.

Bob Chappuis – A legendary two-way player and Heisman runner-up whose versatility defined post-war Michigan football.

Erick Anderson – A dominant defensive lineman who anchored Michigan defenses in the late 1980s.

Jim Harbaugh – A tough, competitive quarterback who led Michigan to major wins and later returned as head coach.

Jon Jansen – A rock-solid offensive tackle and team leader during the late 1990s.

Mark Messner – A rugged interior lineman who embodied Michigan’s physical defensive identity.

Marlin Jackson – A clutch cornerback best remembered for his game-saving interception in 2004.

Greg Skrepenak – A dominant defensive lineman and key figure on Michigan’s powerful 1990s defenses.

Tyrone Wheatley – A punishing running back whose blend of power and speed made him a nightmare for defenses.

Tom Brady – A late bloomer whose Michigan career laid the foundation for the greatest NFL career of all time.