Five Michigan players land in ESPN Top 100, two Wolverines in Top 5

A ton of talent still resides in Schembechler Hall heading into the 2024 college football season...

Matt Lounsberry | Aug 15, 2024

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Mason Graham (55) against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Michigan Wolverines

A junior class chalked-full of talent leads the Michigan Wolverines into the 2024 college football season, and that talent was recently recognized by ESPN in the publication's Top 100 players in the sport heading into this fall. Five Wolverines were included among the nation's 100 best players, including two in the Top 5. Here's who ESPN recognized:

No. 2 — Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle (Jr.)

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates a tackle against Ohio State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY Sports / Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY Sports

What ESPN said: "The 320-pound Graham is back to anchor the inside of a revamped but still talented Michigan defense that lost several players to the NFL draft. Graham, a second-team All-American last year, had 7.5 tackles for loss on a Michigan defense that led the nation in defensive EPA."

No. 4 — Will Johnson, Cornerback (Jr.)

Michigan Wolverines football Will Johnson

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson prays before kickoff against Washington in the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

What ESPN said: "A consensus All-Big Ten performer, Johnson had four interceptions last year, including a pick on the first play of the second half in Michigan's national title victory over Washington. Opposing QBs had a QBR of just 4.3 (scale of 0-to-100) targeting Johnson last year, easily the lowest score of Big Ten DBs."

No. 26 — Colston Loveland, Tight End (Jr.)

Michigan Wolverines football Colston Loveland

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

What ESPN said: "The 6-5, 245-pound Loveland is coming off a banner year for Michigan's title team with 649 receiving yards, fourth most among Power 4 tight ends. On top of that, 71.1% of Loveland's 45 grabs went for either first downs of touchdowns, the second-highest rate in the Big Ten."

No. 72 — Donovan Edwards, Running Back (Sr.)

Michigan Wolverines football Donovan Edwards

Michigan running back Donovan Edwards runs for a touchdown against Washington during the first half of the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

What ESPN said: "After three years of playing behind standout back Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, Edwards gets his chance to be Michigan's lead back. The timing couldn't be better as he's on the cover of the College Football 25 video game. Edwards showcased his speed late in 2022 when he had 520 rushing yards on only 70 carries in Michigan's final three games."

No. 75 — Kenneth Grant, Defensive Tackle (Jr.)

Michigan Wolverines football Kenneth Grant

Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant reaches out to sack Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the second quarter during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. / Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

What ESPN said: "In his second season at Michigan, Grant quickly became not just one of the defensive stalwarts of a stout defense but one of the most physically imposing players in the country. Grant tallied 16 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks, including a key one in the national championship game. Going into his third season, the sky seems to be the limit for a player ready to once again showcase his talent and unique physicality."

Much has been made of Michigan's difficult schedule in 2024, and that plays true in ESPN's rankings as well. The Ohio State Buckeyes lead the Wolverines' opponents with eight Top 100 players (Nos. 11, 28, 33, 34, 35, 57, 58 and 80), while the Texas Longhorns match Michigan with five players on the list (Nos. 9, 23, 49, 64 and 86). The Oregon Ducks have three representatives (Nos. 16, 18 and 70), the USC Trojans have two (Nos. 78 and 91) and the Minnesota Golden Gophers have one (No. 59). For ESPN's full Top 100 players, click here.

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