REPORT;The top 25 football players in Michigan history.
It seems that Michigan football has come back to prominence, at least for the time being. For aficionados of college football who cherish history and illustrious players, that might be advantageous.
Both are definitely present in equal measure for the Wolverines. Regarding the latter, these are our selections for Michigan’s all-time top 25 college football players. (Warning of spoiler alert: Tom Brady is not making the list.)
Presented in the order they happened.
The well-known Heston began his collegiate career at what is now San Jose State, where he was coached by the great Fielding Yost. During his four seasons as a student, he was a key member of the offensive teams that led Michigan to victory in the early 1900s, going 43-0-1 and outscoring opponents 2,326-40. Official records from the school show that Heston has scored 72 touchdowns in his career, leading all players at Michigan, while there is some disagreement over how many more he may have scored.
The 155-pound Maulbetsch, known as the “Human Bullet” due to his low running technique, is another outstanding Michigan halfback. Maulbetsch had a severe episode of appendicitis during his time at Michigan, but in 1914, he was among the greatest in the game. In 1916, after surgery on his appendix, he regained his form. Maulbetsch was the head football coach at Oklahoma State University for eight years following his playing career.
Few players in college football history had more sustained success in the early 1990s than Oosterbaan. Oosterbaan, a three-time All-American, was a gifted two-way end for the Wolverines in the middle of the 1920s. Oosterbaan led the Big Ten in touchdowns in 1925 with eight. Oosterbaan, who coached the Michigan football team from 1948 to 1958, was not only a brilliant football player but also an exceptional baseball and basketball player for the Wolverines.
One of the all-time greats in college football, and the first of three Michigan players to win the Heisman Trophy. He remains a Big Ten sports legend and a household figure for the university’s athletic department. Harmon gained 2,151 yards from rushing and over 1,400 yards from throwing during his three seasons at Michigan, with 16 touchdowns. Red Grange’s record for most touchdowns in a career was broken by his 33. In addition, Harmon had the highest scoring totals in the nation in 1939 and 1940, the latter being his Heisman-winning season. The school retired Harmon’s No. 98. He is the father of longtime Hollywood actor Mark Harmon, a former football player for UCLA.