Ranking the top 5 Michigan linebackers from the Jim Harbaugh era

The linebacker position was never one that was short of talent under Jim Harbaugh

Trent Knoop | Jul 15, 2024

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with linebacker Junior Colson (25) after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh coached a successful tenure with Michigan from 2015-2023 before heading back to the NFL. While Harbaugh is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, Wolverine fans will always remember what Harbaugh did for Michigan and what he did to bring the Wolverines back to a perennial power.

One position that was never short of elite talent was at linebacker. It seemed like every year, Harbaugh had at least one really good linebacker in place. Some years there were two studs at the position. This was another one that was difficult to rank just five linebackers.

If you missed it, I've already ranked the following positions from the Harbaugh era: QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs, O-lineman, Edge, Interior D-line

1. Devin Bush (2016-2018)

Michigan defenders Josh Metellus (14) and line backer Devin Bush (10) tackle Western Michigan running back LeVante Bellamy during first half action Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. Mich 090818 Kd 34 / Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

Career stats: 191 tackles, 19 TFLs, 10 sacks, one INT, and 14 pass deflections

Bush really only had two years of playing time at Michigan. He appeared in all 13 games his freshman season, but mainly on special teams. He then stepped into the spotlight as the starting linebacker in his sophomore and junior seasons before entering the NFL Draft.

Bush was sensational with the Wolverines. He was a two-time All-American, a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, the Big Ten Woodson-Nagurski Defensive Player of the Year in 2018, and the 2018 Big Ten Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year.

You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who played the position much better than Bush did in his two years as a starting linebacker.

2. Junior Colson (2021-2023)

December 31, 2022, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) dives for a first down against Michigan linebacker Junior Colson (25) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona Republic Ncaa Fiesta Bowl Game / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY

Career stats: 257 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, five pass deflections, and one fumble recovery

The two-time All-Big Ten honoree was one of the best tackles I can remember. Junior Colson led Michigan in tackles in his sophomore and junior seasons. Colson had 101 and 95 tackles, respectively. He left after his junior season to pursue the NFL but left on a high note in helping his team win the national title.

Colson stepped in right away when he got to Ann Arbor and became an instant contributor under then-defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

3. Michael Barrett (2018-2023)

Nov 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Xavier Johnson (10) tries to maneuver around Michigan Wolverines linebacker Michael Barrett (23) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch Ncaa Football Michigan Wolverines At Ohio State Buckeyes Syndication The Columbus Dispatch / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

Career stats: 208 tackles, 12 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries

It wasn't easy for Barrett at Michigan, but he made the most of it. He came to the Wolverines as a dual-threat QB. He became the starting 'Viper' under Don Brown in 2020 before shifting to a rotational role in 2021. Once Jesse Minter was hired in 2022, Barrett became a starter beside Junior Colson and the rest is history.

He finished his career as a two-time All-Big Ten honoree and started 35 games at linebacker for the Wolverines. He helped shift the culture in a positive way as a leader in the locker room.

Barrett left Michigan as the most-winningest player in program history.

4. Khaleke Hudson (2016-2019)

Nov 16, 2019; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Cody White (7) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Khaleke Hudson (7) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Career stats: 238 tackles, 27 TFLs, 12 sacks, two interceptions, 14 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery

People were wondering who might replace Jabrill Peppers -- who I'm not considering a linebacker on this list -- after the 2016 season and it was Khaleke Hudson who stepped in at Viper. He became a tackling machine at Michigan and was usually always around the football. Hudson led the team in tackles in 2019 with 102.

He was a three-time All-Big Ten member and set a Michigan record with eight TFLs against Minnesota.

5. Josh Ross (2017-2021)

Oct 9, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs the ball against Michigan Wolverines linebacker Josh Ross (12) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports / Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Career stats: 243 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, one interception, and four pass deflections

Ross had a steady five-year career with the Wolverines. He was voted team captain twice and led Michigan in tackles in 2021 with 106. Ross was also a two-time All-Big Ten performer.

Ross appeared in 50 total games for Michigan and started 24 of those games. Most of those came in the final two years of college.

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