X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Top 10 Greatest Michigan Football Players Of All Time

Michigan NCAA Stock Image, College Football Logo

Andy Smith's top Michigan football players of all time. Read his top 10 Michigan football players and power rankings.

Michigan NCAA Stock Image, College Football Logo

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.

Michigan Wolverines - NCAA College Team Logo Stock

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).

J.J. McCarthy - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

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.

Michigan NCAA Stock Image, College Football Logo

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.

Michigan Wolverines - NCAA College Team Logo Stock

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.

Michigan NCAA Stock Image, College Football Logo

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.

Michigan Wolverines - NCAA College Team Logo Stock

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.

Michigan NCAA Stock Image, College Football Logo

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.

Michigan Wolverines - NCAA College Team Logo Stock

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.

Michigan NCAA Stock Image, College Football Logo

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.

Michigan Wolverines - NCAA College Team Logo Stock

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).

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jordan Lawlar

Diamondbacks Set to Promote Jordan Lawlar
Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Waived by the Mavs
Lauri Markkanen

Dominant in Win Over Great Britain
Xander Bogaerts

Suffers Foot Fracture, Set to Hit Injured List
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Leads Serbia to a Win
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Shines Versus Portugal
De'Von Achane

Should be Ready for Week 1
Jose Alvarado

"Good" After Recent Fall
Alec Burleson

Lands on Injured List With Wrist Inflammation
Emmanuel Clase

Luis L. Ortiz to Remain On Leave for Rest of Season
Kyle Schwarber

has Historic Performance in Rout of Braves
Boston Red Sox

Payton Tolle Expected to Make Debut on Friday
Green Bay Packers

Packers Acquire Micah Parsons, Sign him to Four-Year Extension
Jauan Jennings

Remains Sidelined at Practice
Corey Seager

Undergoing Appendectomy on Thursday
Chris Godwin

to Miss First Month of Season, Possibly More
Quinshon Judkins

Not Considering Return to College
A.J. Brown

Returns to Practice, Expected to Play in Week 1
Jaylen Wright

Undergoes Surgery, Could be Back "Septemberish"
Tyreek Hill

on Track to Play in Week 1
Kyren Williams

to See Reduced Workload?
Jayden Reed

Dealing with Jones Fracture in Left Foot
Lauri Markkanen

Torches Sweden
Neemias Queta

Dominates in EuroBasket Opener
Kawhi Leonard

Clippers Not Allowing Kawhi Leonard to Play Back-to-Backs
Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Mavericks Looking to Trade Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Tyrese Haliburton

Expects to Return in 15 Months
Malik Nabers

Expected to be Full-Go for Week 1
Freddie Freeman

Out Wednesday With Neck Stinger
Alejandro Kirk

Avoids Major Injury, Remains Out on Wednesday
Travis Hunter

Back at Practice, Will be Ready for Week 1
Luis Robert Jr.

Could Miss the Rest of the Season
De'Von Achane

Not Practicing on Wednesday
Trevor Megill

Brewers Place Trevor Megill on Injured List With Flexor Strain
Luis Robert Jr.

Placed on Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Rashee Rice

Accepting Six-Game Suspension to Begin the Year
Kyle Hamilton

Ravens, Kyle Hamilton Finalizing Four-Year Extension
Rashee Rice

NFL Aiming to Place Six-Game Suspension on Rashee Rice
De'Von Achane

Dolphins GM Says De'Von Achane Will be Ready for Week 1
Joe Mixon

Texans GM: "We'll See" if Joe Mixon Plays in 2025
Adam Thielen

Traded to the Vikings
Nick Lodolo

Expected to Return Wednesday Against the Dodgers
Terance Mann

Confident About Having a Big Year in Brooklyn
Zaccharie Risacher

Aims to Improve Ball-Handling Skills
NBA

Pistons And Timberwolves Join Race for Malik Beasley
John Tonje

Signs Two-Way Deal With Jazz
Max Strus

to Miss 3-4 Months After Surgery
Blake Snell

Activated From Paternity List Tuesday
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Still Expect Micah Parsons to Play in Week 1
Luis Robert Jr.

Exits Early With Hamstring Soreness
Chris Godwin

Passes Physical, Will be Activated From PUP List
Willson Contreras

Issued Six-Game Suspension
Randy Rodríguez

Randy Rodriguez Placed on Injured List
Nathan Eovaldi

Likely Done for the Season
Yordan Alvarez

Activated and Starting on Tuesday
Oneil Cruz

Back From Injured List
New York Mets

Jonah Tong Promoted to Major Leagues
Nikola Jović

Heat Have High Hopes for Nikola Jovic
Golden State Warriors

Cody Martin Drawing Interest From Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves

Timberwolves Interested in Reunion With Bones Hyland
Kylor Kelley

Joins Lakers
Colin Castleton

Links Up With Magic
Malik Monk

Kings "Not Actively Engaged" in Trade Discussions Involving Malik Monk
NHL

Jan Rutta Lands in Switzerland
Kirby Dach

Skates on Monday
COL

Tyson Barrie Retires From NHL
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Johnny Walker

Gets Back In The Win Column
Brian Ortega

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Aljamain Sterling

Proves Too Much For Brian Ortega
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Wins Decision At UFC Shanghai
Kevin Borjas

Drops Decision At UFC Shanghai
Sumudaerji

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kiefer Crosbie

Still Winless In The UFC
Taiyilake Nueraji

Gets His First UFC Win
Ryan Blaney

Earns his Second Daytona Cup Series Win
Tyler Reddick

Locks Into the 2025 Playoffs Despite Underwhelming Daytona Performance
Erik Jones

Misses the 2025 Playoffs Despite Top-Five Run at Daytona
Justin Haley

Best Performance of 2025 Falls Short of Victory at Daytona
Kyle Larson

Enters Playoffs As Co-Points Leader
Alex Bowman

Advances to Playoffs Despite Crashing at Daytona
Cole Custer

Finally Shows Signs of Life at Daytona
Daniel Suarez

Lame-Duck Daniel Suarez Delivers Clutch Second-Place Finish

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP