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Andy Smith's top Michigan football players of all time. Read his top 10 Michigan football players and power rankings.
Top 10 Greatest Michigan Football Players Of All Time
In this ranking, we will analyze the top 10 greatest players in Michigan football history. We will look at career statistics, legacy, and impact during their time with the Wolverines.
No. 10: Willie Heston, RB
Willie Heston spent all four seasons of his collegiate career playing in Michigan. During his career (1901-1904) he won four-straight National Championships and was named to two All-American teams in 1903 and 1904. While playing, he held a near-perfect 43-0-1 record and was viewed as the leader of the offense. He holds the unofficial record for most TDs (72).
No. 9: JJ McCarthy, QB
JJ McCarthy led the Wolverines to a National Championship in his final season. In 2023, McCarthy led Michigan to a perfect 15-0 record and a championship. He was named Rose Bowl Offensive MVP. During his three-year career, he only lost one game. During his final season, he finished 10th in Heisman voting. During this season, he led the Big 10 with a stellar 72.3 percent completion rate.
No. 8: Denard Robinson, QB
Denard Robinson flashed elite offensive ability during his four-year career in Michigan. During his sophomore season (2010) Robinson set the single-season Big 10 rushing record by a quarterback (1,702) and added 2,570 yards through the air. He scored a combined 32 TDs in this season and was named Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year.
No. 7: Aidan Hutchinson, DE
Aidan Hutchinson was a force on the Michigan defensive line. Across four seasons, Hutchinson tallied 18.5 sacks with most of his damage coming in his impressive senior season. In 2021, Hutchinson tallied 14 sacks (most in the Big 10) and finished second in Heisman voting. This total set a new single-season school record and helped lay the foundation for their eventual 2023 National Championship. His incredible senior campaign moved him up NFL Draft boards and he was eventually taken second overall by the Detroit Lions.
No. 6: Steve Hutchinson, OT
Steve Hutchinson is remembered as one of the best offensive linemen in school history. During his collegiate career, Hutchinson was named to two All-American teams (one unanimous) and won a National Championship during his 1997 rookie season. He was also named four-time All-Big Ten.
No. 5: Anthony Carter, WR
Anthony Carter enjoyed three elite campaigns in Michigan. After only having a limited role during his freshman season, Carter was a dominant part of their offense over his final three seasons. As a sophomore, Carter led the Big Ten in receiving scores (13) and finished 10th in Heisman voting. As a junior and senior, Carter was named consensus All-American. During his final season, he also led the conference in receiving scores (eight) and finished fourth in Heisman voting.
No. 4: Tom Harmon, QB
Tom Harmon was known for his play as a quarterback but also saw several opportunities on defense and special teams. During his second season, Harmon finished second in Heisman voting and was named consensus All-American. Then, in his third and final season, Harman captured the 1940 Heisman Trophy and was named consensus All-American for the second-straight season. He was then taken first overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1941 NFL Draft.
No. 3: Braylon Edwards, WR
After appearing in just six games as a freshman, Braylon Edwards would post three-straight 1,000-yard campaigns. He showed steady improvement each season. As a junior, Edwards led the Big Ten in receiving TDs (14). As a senior, Edwards led the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,330) and receptions (97) and finished 10th in Heisman voting. He sits at the top of the school’s record books in yards, receptions, and receiving scores.
No. 2: Desmond Howard, WR
While Braylon Edwards may have been the more complete wide receiver over his collegiate career, Desmond Howard was the most explosive. Howard led the Big Ten in touchdown receptions during his final two seasons. As a senior, Howard put his name in the record books as he tallied 19 receiving scores (most in the Big Ten), and was awarded the Heisman Trophy. During this season, he averaged 31,3 yards per kick return and 17.4 yards per punt return, both of which led the conference.
No. 1: Charles Woodson, S
Charles Woodson and Colorado’s Travis Hunter are the only defensive players to win a Heisman Trophy. Even though Woodson only spent three years in Michigan, he put his name in the history books. During his final season, Woodson won the Heisman, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and was named consensus All-American. He also led the conference in interceptions (seven).
