The Michigan Wolverines have a deep and rich history in college football. You can’t tell the story of college football without talking about some all-time great Wolverines like Desmond Howard, Charles Woodson, Aidan Hutchinson, and more.
With a history of producing some elite talent, Michigan has landed some big-time recruits over the years, and here are the ten best in program history.
Top 10 Recruits in Michigan History
Precursor: All data comes from 247Sports.
1) Rashan Gary, DT, 2016
Rashan Gary was a consensus five-star in the class of 2016 and was rated as the number one overall player in the entire country. He is also ranked as 247Sports’ 13th-best recruit of all time.
Gary had a fantastic career for the Wolverines, switching from defensive tackle to defensive end. He racked up 136 tackles, 25 TFLs, and 10.5 sacks. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 2019 NFL Draft and is one of the best pass rushers in the league today.
2) Bryce Underwood, QB, 2025
Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan after a major NIL deal was struck between the two sides. In the class of 2025, Underwood is ranked as the number one overall player and has a perfect rating according to 247Sports.
While time will tell how good Underwood turns out, there’s no question that Wolverine fans have some big-time expectations for the young signal-caller, and the pressure is on. It’ll be fun to follow Underwood throughout the next few seasons to see how good he ends up being.
3) Jabrill Peppers, CB, 2014
Jabrill Peppers committed to the Wolverines as a consensus five-star in the 2014 recruiting class. Peppers came in as the fourth-best player in the country and the best player at his position.
To say Peppers had a successful career at Michigan would be an understatement. He eventually moved from cornerback to a box safety role as well as a punt returner and occasionally a running back.
Peppers had 125 tackles, 16 TFLs, and one interception in his career. He also had 239 rushing yards and 82 receiving yards in his limited offensive snaps. He finished fifth in Heisman voting in his final season with the Wolverines in 2016. Peppers went on to be drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and is still starting in the league today.
4) Ryan Mallett, QB, 2007
Ryan Mallet was a five-star recruit in the 2007 recruiting class. He committed to Michigan as the fifth-best player in the country and the second-best quarterback.
Mallett’s career would be short-lived with the Wolverines as he would transfer to Arkansas after his freshman season. He played great for the Razorbacks and went on to become a third-round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
5) Lamarr Woodley, LB, 2003
Lamarr Woodley was a five-star recruit as a member of the 2003 recruiting class. He was the fourth-best player in the country and the number two linebacker.
Woodley was great for the Wolverines in and enjoyed a breakout season in his final year at Michigan, racking up 12.5 sacks. The success led him to being a 2nd round draft pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, where he enjoyed a nine-year playing career.
6) Prescott Burgess, SAF, 2003
Along with Woodley, the Wolverines also signed Prescott Burgess in their 2003 recruiting class. Burgess was ranked as the fifth-best player in the country and the number one safety.
Burgess had a solid career with Michigan, totaling 129 tackles and four interceptions in three seasons. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 NFL Draft and played four seasons in the league.
7) Kelly Baraka, RB, 2001
Kelly Baraka was a five-star recruit in Michigan’s 2001 class. Baraka was rated as the 12th-best player in the country and the number three overall running back.
Despite his high rating, Baraka never played a snap for the Wolverines. He was arrested on possession of Marijuana twice before his freshman season and was eventually kicked off the team.
8) Brandon Graham, LB, 2006
As I’m sure you’ve figured out, Brandon Graham might be the best success story on this list. He committed to the Wolverines as a five-star recruit in 2006 and was rated as the 16th best player in the country and the number three linebacker.
Graham moved from linebacker to defensive end in his sophomore year and racked up 29.5 sacks and 50 TFLs in his career with the Wolverines. He was drafted by the Eagles in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, where he played for 15 seasons before retiring in 2025 following a Super Bowl victory.
9) Daxton Hill, SAF, 2019
Daxton Hill was a member of Michigan’s 2019 recruiting class and was a consensus five-star. He was rated as the 23rd best player in the country and the best safety in the entire class.
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Hill had a great career with the Wolverines, totaling 151 tackles and four interceptions in his career. Hill was drafted in the first round of 2022 NFL Draft and now is a solid starter in the league.
10) Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, 2017
Donovan Peoples-Jones committed to Michigan as a five-star recruit in 2017. He came in as the number 26 player in the nation and the second-best receiver in the class.
Peoples-Jones had a solid career with the Wolverines, catching 103 passes, 1,327 yards, and 14 touchdowns in his career. He was also one of the best punt returners in the country throughout his career. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2020 NFL Draft and is still in the league today.
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