25. Jim Harbaugh, Quarterback (1983-‘86)
Harbaugh is certainly synonymous with Michigan football. College football fans of a certain age likely know Harbaugh mostly for coaching the Wolverines, but when he left Michigan as a player, he was the school’s all-time leader with 5,449 passing yards. Harbaugh completed 62.4 percent of his passes and threw 31 touchdowns for the Wolverines. Harbaugh finished third during the 1986 Heisman Trophy race, the same season he led Michigan to the Rose Bowl.
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24. Steve Hutchinson, Offensive Lineman (1996-2000)
Hutchinson began his career at Michigan on the defensive line. Then moved to the offensive side of the ball – which was quite the good choice for both Hutchinson and the Wolverines. During his time at Michigan, Hutchinson helped the program win a national championship (1997). He also did not allow a sack during his final two seasons, and was named Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and an unanimous All-American — both in 2000.
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23. John Navarre, Quarterback (2000-‘03)
One of two Michigan quarterbacks to throw for more than 9,000 yards. A three-year starter for Michigan, Navarre burst onto the scene when he threw four touchdowns against Bowling Green in his first collegiate game. By the time his career at Michigan came to an end, Navarre more than left his mark within the annals of this storied program. He ranks second in career completions (765), passing yards (9,254) and touchdowns (72). Navarre also holds school single-season records with 270 completions and 3,331 yards — both set in 2003.
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22. Bennie Oosterbaan, End, (1925-’27)
The durable Oosterbaan was one of the more unheralded stars of college football during the 1920s. A talented two-way end for the Wolverines, Oosterbaan was a three-time All-American. In 1925, Oosterbaan reportedly led the Big Ten with eight touchdowns. In addition to his success on the football field, Oosterbaan, who coached the Michigan football team from 1948-’58, was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Wolverines.
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21. John Maulbetsch, Halfback (1914-’16)
Known as the “Human Bullet” because of his low-running style with the football, the 155-pound Maulbetsch was among the early greats at Michigan. Despite dealing with a serious case of appendicitis with playing for the Wolverines, Maulbetsch was one of the game’s best in 1914. Following appendix surgery, he regained his form for Michigan in 1916. When his playing days finished, Maulbetsch spent eight years as head coach at what eventually became Oklahoma State University.
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20. Bob Chappuis, Halfback/Quarterback (1942, ’46-’47)
Ever versatile, Chappuis was among the great college football players of the 1940s. He was the star of Michigan’s undefeated 1947 team that beat USC in the Rose Bowl. During that same season, Chappuis finished second in the race for the Heisman Trophy. Owner of several school records during his time at Michigan, Chappuis totaled 1,187 rushing yards and 2,068 through the air for his career. In addition to his athletic ability, Chappuis served as a gunner on B-25 planes during World War II.
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19. Dan Dierdorf, Offensive Lineman (1967-’70)
Before Dierdorf enjoyed a Hall-of-Fame career with the St. Louis “football” Cardinals, then a successful stint as an analyst (at least in the minds of some), he was a standout offensive lineman for the Maize and Blue. Dierdorf was a consensus All-American for the 1970 Michigan team that finished 9-1. But, perhaps, it was the fact that Dierdorf was one of legendary coach Bo Schembechler’s favorite players to ever suit up at Michigan. His college work ethic is considered second to none.
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18. Tom Curtis, Defensive Back (1967-’69)
For those unaware of just how good of a college player Curtis was, pay attention. In his three seasons patrolling the secondary for the Wolverines, Curtis recorded 25 interceptions. A total that still stands as a school record. Ten of those picks came during the 1968 season, which also remains a school single-season mark. He also posted 431 return yards off those interceptions.
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17. Willie Heston, Halfback (1901-’04)
Heston is one of Michigan’s first true stars, and a legend within Wolverines lore. However, his collegiate career began at the school now known as San Jose State. When he came to Michigan to play for legendary coach Fielding Yost. Heston was a major part of those dominant Michigan teams from the early 1900s. During Heston’s four seasons at Michigan, the team went 43-0-1 and outscored opponents 2,326-40. According to the school’s official records, Heston is Michigan’s all-time leader with 72 career touchdowns, but there’s thought he actually scored more.
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16. Mark Donahue, Offensive Lineman (1975-’77)
Dan Dierdorf gets plenty attention as one of college football’s all-time great offensive linemen, and rightfully so. That said, Donahue is well worthy of equal celebration – and then some. Another Bo Schembechler favorite, Donahue started in 1975, and was then named a consensus, first-team All-American guard in both 1976 and ’77. In 2016, Donahue was added to Michigan’s football Hall of Honor.
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15. Aidan Hutchinson, Defensive End (2018-‘21)
Hutchinson amassed quite the collection of hardware at Michigan. An unanimous All-American, Hutchinson won the Ted Hendricks and Lombardi Awards during his stellar 2021 season. During his Wolverines swan song last year, Hutchinson recorded a school-record 14 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. For his career, Hutchinson totaled 153 tackles, including 81 solos. He was taken second overall by the Detroit Lions during the 2022 NFL Draft.
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14. Mark Messner, Defensive Lineman (1985-’88)
It’s quite possible that Messner just might be the best of any Michigan front-four defenders. He’s the first position player to be named a first-team All-Big Ten performer for each of his four years at Michigan. That’s because Messner’s 36 career sacks are still the most in school history. The five he recorded versus Northwestern during the 1987 season remain a Michigan record. He finished his career as a consensus All-American in 1988.
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13. Anthony Thomas, Running Back (1997-2000)
Affectionately known as “A-Train.” Thomas broke out during Michigan’s 1997 national championship season, when he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Thomas topped 100 rushing yards twice in ’97, and finished with 4,472 for his four-year career with the Wolverines — ranking third all time. The 1,733 yards he gained during his final 2000 campaign rank second for a single season at Michigan. Meanwhile, Thomas’ 55 career rushing touchdowns are the most by any Wolverine.
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12. LaMarr Woodley, Defensive End/Linebacker (2003-‘06)
Woodley put together an exceptional career at Michigan, ranking among the top five in school history with 24 sacks. But, his remarkable 2006 campaign was truly one for the ages. Half of Woodley’s career sack total came that season, tying him for the most by any Michigan player for a single season, at the time. A first-team All-American that season, Woodley was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end.
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11. Chad Henne, Quarterback (2004-‘07)
Henne is one of only two quarterbacks in Michigan history who started a college game as a true freshman. And, Henne just kept going. When his career in Ann Arbor ended, Henne was Michigan’s all-time leader with 828 completions, 9,715 passing yards, and 87 touchdown passes. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for his 2007 senior season. Henne had his detractors while at Michigan, but statistically it’s tough to argue with his spot on this list.
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10. Ron Kramer, End (1954-’56)
Established football fans likely know Kramer from his legendary days with Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers. Before that, however, Kramer was a two-way standout for Michigan – who also was a successful member of the Wolverines’ basketball and track and field teams. Yet, Kramer excelled on the football field, where he was a consensus first-team All-American in 1956. For his Michigan career, Kramer caught 53 passed for 880 yards with six touchdowns, and is still considered among the best blocking ends of his time.
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9. Denard Robinson, Quarterback (2009-’12)
There are certain pundits and experts on Michigan football who feel Robinson might be the greatest offensive player in he history of the program. Perhaps that’s a stretch, but there is no denying Robinson’s versatile talent. Robinson recorded 6,250 career yards passing (fifth in school history) and 4,495 rushing yards (second in school history). Those 10,745 total yards are the most in school history, and his 4,272 from 2010 are also a single-season Wolverine record. Robinson was both Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American in 2010.
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8. Jake Long, Offensive Lineman (2003-’07)
Long endured quite the journey at Michigan. He overcame various injuries, and even survived a house fire, during his time on campus. On the football field, though, Long earned a starting spot during his redshirt freshman season. He was a two-time consensus first-team All-American for the Wolverines, and also earned Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in both 2006 and ’07. He then went on to become the overall No. 1 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
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7. Anthony Carter, Wide Receiver (1979-’82)
There were not many better collegiate receivers during the late 1970s and into the ‘80s, than “AC.” Just 5-feet-11, Carter’s lack of size did not keep him building a huge elite status. The Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player as a senior in 1982, Carter finished his career as Michigan’s all-time leading receiver with 3,076 yards — which currently ranks as second in school history. His 161 receptions and 37 touchdowns also rank within the top five all-time for the Wolverines.
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6. Mike Hart, Running Back (2004-’07)
It might be surprising for some casual Michigan (and college football) fans in general to realize how good a college player Hart was at Michigan. With 5,040 yards, Hart is the all-time leading rusher in Michigan history. Talk about an accomplishment. Hart also ranks among the top 10 in Wolverines history for most single-season yards (1,562 in 2006) and career touchdowns (41). Hart was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2004, a two-time All-Big Ten first-team performer, and finished fifth in the race for the 2006 Heisman Trophy.
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5. Braylon Edwards, Wide Receiver (2001-’04)
Edwards never had the consistently strong NFL career that was expected, but when it came to his college career, Edwards was one of the best receivers this century. Edwards remains Michigan’s all-time leader with 252 receptions, 3,541 yards, and 39 touchdowns. His 97 catches in 2004 are also a school record. Edwards, the No 3 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best wide receiver in 2004.
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4. Rick Leach, Quarterback (1975-’78)
Leach joins Chad Henne as the only Wolverines quarterbacks to start as true freshman. Hailing from nearby Flint, Leach was praised for his versatility as a signal-caller. Leach threw for 4,045 career yards with 48 touchdowns (fifth in school history). He also ran for 2,171 yards, and his 34 rushing touchdowns rank sixth all-time at Michigan. Leach finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1978.
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3. Desmond Howard, Wide Receiver/Kick Returner (1989-’91)
Quite the personality. It’s no wonder Howard has enjoyed a post-football career as a sports media personality with ESPN. Howard was the second Michigan football player to win the Heisman Trophy. That came after his sensational 1991 season, where he set a school record with 19 receiving touchdowns. Howard, one of the more charismatic players in college football history, is third all-time in Michigan history with 32 career receiving touchdowns while totaling 134 receptions for 2,146 yards. He’s also the school’s all-time leader with a 26.9 average yards per kickoff return and ranks fifth with 1,211 kickoff return yards.
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2. Charles Woodson, Defensive Back (1995-‘97)
OK, there are plenty of reasons to put Woodson at the top of our list. But, we’ve slotted him in to the runner-up slot. Michigan’s third and most-recent Heisman winner (1997). Woodson also remains the only player whose primary position was on defense to win said award. His 18 interceptions rank second all-time in school history. Eight of those picks came in 1997, which are tied for third-most in the annals of Michigan football in terms of single-season accomplishments. He also recorded 21 receptions for 370 yards with three touchdowns, and rushed for three touchdowns with the Wolverines.
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1. Tom Harmon, Halfback (1938-’40)
There’s obviously more to Harmon than being the father of former UCLA football player and veteran Hollywood star Mark Harmon. Tom Harmon is the first Michigan player to win the Heisman Trophy – in 1940 — and a college football icon. During his three seasons with the Wolverines, Harmon rushed for 2,151 yards and threw for nearly 1,400, with 16 touchdowns. His 33 career touchdowns broke legendary Red Grange’s record at the time. Harmon also led the country in scoring in both 1939 and ’40. His No. 98 was retired by the school.
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