Michigan football all-time roster: Defensive starters and backups

Michigan football is arguably the most storied program in all of college football.

The Wolverines have not only incredible tradition, but were an integral part of college football’s past, along with its present. From the winged helmets, inventing college football’s ‘platoon’ system (separate players playing offense and defense), touching the banner, and being the all-time wins leader, there’s a lot to like about the maize and blue. But what about those who actually wore the uniforms? Who were the best?

That’s a loaded question, of course. We came up with Michigan’s all-time roster, not necessarily deciding who had the best career while they were in Ann Arbor, but who is the overall best (meaning, to some degree, we’re factoring in NFL production).

Here is who we picked to start and back them up on the defensive side of the ball.

See the all-time Michigan offense here.

Check out our other College Wire all-time defenses: Alabama / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC

Starting DE 1: Aidan Hutchinson

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Though he had the statistical best season ever at edge rusher for the Michigan Wolverines, Hutchinson was the heart and soul of the maize and blue’s first Big Ten championship season in 20 years. He surpassed his father’s record of 11 sacks in a season, posting 14 in 2021.

Backup DE 1: Chris Hutchinson

Photo: Isaiah Hole

You can’t have the son without the father. A two-time All-Big Ten first-team player, and All-American in 1992, Hutchinson set the school record for sacks in a season before his son, Aidan, broke it in 2021. He was also Big Ten defensive lineman of the year in his senior season.

Starting DE 2: Lamarr Woodley

Nov 18, 2006; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio…