Top 10 Michigan Wolverines Football Players of All Time

10. Rick Leach (QB, 1975–1978)

Legacy: The original “Michigan Man,” Rick Leach was a four-year starter who revolutionized the quarterback position in Bo Schembechler’s run-heavy system.

• Achievements:

  • 3-time Big Ten Champion

  • 3-time All-Big Ten selection

  • Finished 3rd in 1978 Heisman voting

  • Accounted for 75 career touchdowns (48 passing, 27 rushing) Why He’s Here: Leach was the face of Michigan football in the late ’70s, known for his poise and leadership.

1979 Rose Bowl Rick Leach TD Pass

9. Jabrill Peppers (LB/S/PR, 2014–2016)

Legacy: A modern-day Charles Woodson-lite, Peppers played 15 different positions and was one of the most electrifying players in the country.

• Achievements:

  • 2016 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year

  • Heisman Trophy finalist (5th place, 2016)

  • Consensus All-American Why He’s Here: Peppers’ versatility and game-changing ability on defense and special teams made him one of the most dynamic players in school history.

The Human Swiss Army Knife || Michigan LB/S/RB/PR Jabrill Peppers 2016 Highlights ᴴᴰ

8. Dan Dierdorf (OT, 1968–1970)

Legacy: A cornerstone of Bo Schembechler’s first teams, Dierdorf was a dominant force on the offensive line.

• Achievements:

  • Consensus All-American (1970)

  • Big Ten Champion (1969)

  • College Football Hall of Fame inductee Why He’s Here: Dierdorf helped lay the foundation for Michigan’s modern era of success and anchored one of the greatest upsets in college football history (1969 vs. Ohio State).

Dan Dierdorf: U-M Football 1,000 Wins Q&A

7. Anthony Carter (WR, 1979–1982)

Legacy: AC was Michigan’s first true deep threat and changed the way the Wolverines approached the passing game.

• Achievements:

  • 3-time All-American

  • Finished Top 10 in Heisman voting three times

  • 37 career touchdowns, 3,076 receiving yards Why He’s Here: Carter was electric and arguably the most clutch receiver in school history. His last-second TD vs. Indiana in 1979 is legendary.

1980 Ohio State Michigan Anthony Carter TD

6. Mark Messner (DT, 1985–1988)

Legacy: The most decorated defensive lineman in Michigan history.

• Achievements:

  • 4-time First-Team All-Big Ten

  • 1988 Consensus All-American

  • Michigan’s all-time leader in tackles for loss (70) and sacks (36) Why He’s Here: A relentless force, Messner was the anchor of dominant Michigan defenses in the mid-to-late ’80s.

Mark Messner Tackles

5. Charles Woodson (CB/PR, 1995–1997)

Legacy: The most iconic Wolverine of the modern era and a rare two-way star.

• Achievements:

  • 1997 Heisman Trophy winner (only primarily defensive player to win)

  • Led Michigan to 1997 National Championship

  • 2-time All-American Why He’s Here: Woodson was a generational talent who made big plays in the biggest moments — including his interception vs. Ohio State and punt return vs. Michigan State.

Charles Woodson: A Michigan Legend | College Career Highlights

4. Braylon Edwards (WR, 2001–2004)

Legacy: A dominant receiver and clutch performer.

• Achievements:

  • Only Michigan receiver with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons

  • 2004 Biletnikoff Award winner

  • 39 career touchdown receptions (school record) Why He’s Here: Edwards was unstoppable during his time and is still Michigan’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.

Braylon Edwards and Charles Woodson: Michigan Legends

3. Ron Kramer (TE/WR/DE/K/P, 1954–1956)

Legacy: A true ironman player and all-around athlete who starred at multiple positions.

• Achievements:

  • 2-time All-American

  • Played offense, defense, and special teams

  • Also starred in basketball and track Why He’s Here: Known as “Michigan’s Greatest Athlete” for decades, Kramer’s legacy lives on with his No. 87 being retired.

#87 Ron Kramer: Michigan Football Legend

2. Tom Harmon (RB/QB/DB, 1938–1940)

Legacy: Michigan’s first Heisman Trophy winner and a wartime hero.

• Achievements:

  • 1940 Heisman Trophy winner

  • 33 rushing TDs, 16 passing TDs, 7 INTs on defense

  • Scored 33 points in final game vs. Ohio State Why He’s Here: “Old 98” was a one-man wrecking crew and the ultimate triple-threat player, combining dominance with patriotic legend.

Tom Harmon: Michigan Football Legend

1. Desmond Howard (WR/KR, 1989–1991)

Legacy: Arguably the most electrifying player in Michigan history, known for his clutch plays and iconic Heisman pose.

• Achievements:

  • 1991 Heisman Trophy winner

  • Also won the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards

  • Scored 23 touchdowns in 1991 Why He’s #1: Howard captured the imagination of a generation with his explosive returns and receiving prowess. His Heisman season was one of the greatest individual years in Michigan history.

Desmond Howard: Michigan Football Legend

🏈 Honorable Mentions:

• Chad Henne – 4-year starter, all-time passing leader

• Jake Long – 2-time Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year

• Mike Hart – Michigan’s all-time leading rusher

• Brandon Graham – Big Ten DPOY, dominant pass rusher

• Benny Oosterbaan – 3-time All-American, pre-Heisman era legend