From Dual-Threat QB To Defensive Captain: Mike Barrett's Incredible Michigan Journey

As part of Michigan's 2018 recruiting class, Barrett is the most veteran player on the roster - and he's also been a part of more wins than any Wolverine in program history.

Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett is nearing the end of his sixth and final year in Ann Arbor. As part of Michigan's 2018 recruiting class, Barrett is the most veteran player on the roster - and he's also been a part of more wins than any Wolverine in program history. 

Barrett's journey to becoming one of the biggest contributors on the nations top defensive unit wasn't a straight line, and the former dual-threat quarterback went through several position changes during his time at Michigan before finding his groove at linebacker. 

Michael Barrett was a dual-threat QB when he arrived in Ann Arbor in 2018.

He made several position changes over the years, but has starred at LB the past two seasons.@BTNJourney profiles @UMichFootball's all-time winningest player.

📍 @AutoOwnersIns pic.twitter.com/ak5r7azFXE

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 22, 2023

"When I first got here, I came in as a quarterback, but I've always been accustomed to being physical, being able to play defense," said Barrett. "I moved around positions probably four or five times my freshman year."

During his freshman season in 2018, Barrett appeared in two games contributing on special teams to earn his first varsity letter. During his sophomore year in 2019, Barrett appeared in all 13 games on special teams and appeared on defense in two. As a junior, Barrett finally started to establish himself as one of Michigan's top defenders. He made six starts at the "viper" position in Don Brown's defense and finished third on the team with 44 tackles during the shortened 2020 season. 

Photo: Christopher Breiler

"My first start at Minnesota, I remember thinking, 'I just need a big play, just to get my name out there. I just need one of those big hits on the quarterback.' I remember thinking that vividly on the way to the stadium."

Barrett certainly delivered on making a big play that evening, as he rocked Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan, forced the fumble, and teammate Donovan Jeter returned it for a 15-yard touchdown. 

"From that moment in Minnesota, that was kind of like a high moment. Then I got in the lows. The year after, we changed defenses and I had to do a whole restart of what I was learning. I wasn't really getting as much play time as I wanted."

Following the 2020 season, defensive coordinator Don Brown was fired and replaced by Mike Macdonald from the Baltimore Ravens. The change meant that Barrett would have to learn an entirely new defensive scheme, meaning he would once again have to battle his way toward becoming a starter. 

During the 2021 season, Barrett appeared in all 14 games and made one start at linebacker. It wasn't until the following season in 2022, under current defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, that Barrett would ultimately earn a starting role at linebacker. 

In 2023, Barrett earned the title of "captain" and has served as a critical piece to Michigan's top-ranked defense. He currently ranks No. 2 on the team in total tackles with 42, No. 5 with 2.0 sacks, and No. 1 with 3 forced fumbles through the first 11 games.

Playing his final game at Michigan Stadium this weekend, the veteran linebacker is fully aware that he already holds the title as the winningest player in Michigan Football history. 

"The fact that I've become the all-time winningest player in Michigan history, it left me speechless when Coach Harbaugh came and told me. Just thinking about all of the alumni, all of the great players who have come through here, being a part of all these wins. To say that I have more wins than every one of them, that's a huge accomplishment." 

While 57 career wins is certainly something to hang your hat on, few things would be sweeter than earning win No. 58 this weekend against the Buckeyes for his final game inside of Michigan Stadium.