In honor of the College Football Playoff, Sports Illustrated is naming the all-time team for three of the sport’s historic programs. Before Michigan clashes with TCU in Saturday’s semifinal, let’s look back at its best players at every position. The greatest Wolverines ever include battle-tested tough guys, athletes of historic versatility and the only defensive player to ever win the Heisman trophy.
Offense:
QB Denard Robinson (2009 to ’12)
RB Tom Harmon (1938 to’40)
RB Willie Heston (1901 to ’04)
WR Anthony Carter (1979 to ’82)
WR Desmond Howard (1989 to ’91)
E Bennie Oosterbaan (1925 to ’27)
OL Taylor Lewan (2010 to ’13)
OL Dan Dierdorf (1968 to ’70)
OL Jumbo Elliott (1984 to ’87)
OL Steve Hutchinson (1997 to 2000)
OL Jake Long (2004 to ’07)
Defense:
DL Curtis Greer (1976 to ’79)
DL Chris Hutchinson (1989 to ’92)
DL Mark Messner (1985 to ’88)
DL LaMarr Woodley (2003 to ’06)
LB Erick Anderson (1988 to ’91)
LB Devin Bush (2016 to ’18)
LB Ron Simpkins (1976 to ’79)
DB Dave Brown (1972 to ’74)
DB Jabrill Peppers (2014 to ’16)
DB Tripp Welborne (1987 to ’90)
DB Charles Woodson (1995 to ’97
Special Teams:
K Remy Hamilton (1994 to ’96)
P Monte Robbins (1984 to ’87)
KR-PR Steve Breaston (2003 to ’06)
Coach:
Bo Schembechler (1969 to ’89)
Roster Highlights:
Coach: Bo Schembechler
In his 21 seasons at the helm, Michigan won or shared 13 Big Ten championships, and his teams went 194-48-5.