The Michigan Wolverines remain one of the more storied sports programs when discussing college football. The number of alumni that have come and gone through the school is a substantial list, and the football team pulls its fair share. We look at some of the biggest names that used to be Wolverines.

Top Michigan Wolverines Football Alumni

Tom Brady

Arguably the greatest quarterback in the history of the NFL, Tom Brady got his start with Michigan. While his collegiate career didn’t wow NFL scouts (4,773 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions for his career), the former seventh-round pick took matters into his own hands.

After retiring for the second time in 2022, Brady ended one of the most historic careers in the sport. He finished his professional career with 89,214 yards and 649 touchdown passes. He also won 3 MVP’s, all with the New England Patriots.

Charles Woodson

Michigan’s former wide receiver, corner, and returner made himself known when he won the 1997 Heisman Trophy. He also helped lead the Wolverines to a 12-0 finish and a national championship that year.

Woodson had an 18-year career in the NFL with both the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers, winning Rookie of the Year (1998) and Defensive Player of the Year (2009). He works on Fox’s college football pregame show, Big Noon Kickoff.

Jim Harbaugh

Not only did Jim Harbaugh make an impact as a player, but he returned to Ann Arbor as a coach. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1986 and produced 5,214 yards and 31 touchdowns as a player.

As a coach, he’s produced some of the best defenses in college football, sent a number of players to the NFL, and led Michigan to multiple College Football Playoff appearances. It doesn’t get much more Michigan than Jim Harbaugh.

Desmond Howard

Michigan had three players win the Heisman Trophy in the 20th century, and Desmond Howard was the second when he won in 1991. His iconic “Heisman” pose after a punt return touchdown is emulated by many in the college football world to this day.

MORE: Heisman Trophy Winners by Year

Howard currently sits as a member of ESPN’s College GameDay, making weekly in-season appearances on the show, often defending Michigan as he entertains the crowd. He also occasionally fills in as a color commentator for live games.

Taylor Lewan

Michigan’s former 2-time All-American was a force to be reckoned with during his time with the Wolverines. He also commanded the spotlight when he took former Michigan great Jake Long’s number 77 too, but he lived up to his expectations.

A free agent after the 2022 season, Lewan continued to be a relevant personality in the football world with his hit podcast “Bussin With the Boys” on the Barstool sports network. He and former Nebraska Cornhusker Will Compton bring current and former college and pro players on the show to share stories from the past.

Mike Hart

Another Michigan to the core guy like Jim Harbaugh. Mike Hart is one of the best running backs in the school’s history and currently serves as the running back coach for the Wolverines. His leadership helped Blake Corum become a record-breaking back for the team, and Hart’s playing style tends to bleed through with the guys he coaches.

Tracy Wolfson

While Tracy Wolfson isn’t a former Michigan player, she’s an alumnus of the school who’s had a big impact on the sport. While she’s moved to the NFL since the 2014 season, she had a tremendous impact on the college football world before that.

A staple for years on some of the biggest college football broadcasts, Wolfson was a sideline reporter for CBS from 2004-2013. Her team with Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson was considered one of the best in the sport.

Adam Schefter

Though not a Michigan football alumnus, Adam Schefter is one of the most well-known alumni from the school in the football world. Nearly all breaking NFL news (and some college) comes from Schefter’s social media accounts. He’s well-connected and sees plenty of attention during current and breaking events.

Other Notable Alumni

• James Earl Jones
• Madonna
• Gerald Ford
• Gilda Radner
• Iggy Pop
• David Alan Grier
• Lucy Liu
• John DeLorean
• Anthony Thomas
• Ty Law
• LaMarr Woodley

• Jake Long
• Michael Phelps
• Larry Page
• Ben Carson
• Darren Criss
• Aidan Hutchinson
• Tom Harmon
• Tim Hardaway Jr.
• Chris Webber
• Jalen Rose
• Juwan Howard

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