No players from Michigan's college football programs are projected to be first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, several players from Michigan colleges could still be drafted over the weekend.
Key points
Michigan football has had a first-round pick each year since 2019.
The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to break this streak.
No top prospects from Michigan colleges are projected for Day 1.
Several players from Michigan colleges may still be drafted.
A total of 11 players from Michigan programs could be selected.
WolverinesSpartansBroncosChippewas
Michigan football has produced at least one first-round pick each year since 2019.
But that streak is expected to end Thursday night, when the 2026 NFL Draft begins. None of the Wolverines’ top prospects are projected to come off the board Day 1.
No player from any of the other college programs in the state of Michigan is expected to be one of the top 32 choices, either. But eventually, a Wolverine will be selected. A couple of Spartans, a Bronco and a Chippewa may also be among the 257 draft hopefuls taken before the weekend ends.
Here’s a list of players from Michigan colleges and universities who could hear their names called over the next three days in the NFL draft:
Michigan edge Derrick Moore (8) goes against New Mexico offensive lineman Malik Aliane (51) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Michigan edge Derrick Moore (8) goes against New Mexico offensive lineman Malik Aliane (51) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Q&A
Which Michigan college football players are expected to be drafted in 2026?
Players from Michigan colleges, including Wolverines, Spartans, a Bronco, and a Chippewa, are among the draft hopefuls.
Why is Michigan's streak of first-round picks expected to end in 2026?
The streak is expected to end because none of the top prospects from Michigan's college programs are projected to be selected on Day 1 of the draft.
How many players from Michigan colleges could be drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
A total of 11 players from Michigan colleges are mentioned as potential draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft.
What is the significance of the 2026 NFL Draft for Michigan football?
The 2026 NFL Draft is significant as it marks the end of Michigan's streak of producing first-round picks since 2019.
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School: Michigan.
Vitals: 6 feet 3, 255 pounds.
Projection: Round 2.
Buzz: A talented pass rusher and team captain, Moore was one of the leaders of the Wolverines’ defense last season. He collected a team-high 10 sacks and forced two fumbles in 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2)during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) sacks Central Michigan quarterback Joe Labas (2)during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
School: Michigan.
Vitals: 6-3, 240.
Projection: Round 3.
Buzz: Barham earned a reputation as a hard hitter who routinely made bone-rattling tackles as he floated between an off-ball linebacker position and the edge of the defensive line. Flashing speed, power and explosiveness, he produced 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2025.
Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (17) runs for a first down against Purdue during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (17) runs for a first down against Purdue during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
School: Michigan.
Vitals: 6-6, 248.
Projection: Rounds 4-5.
Buzz: Klein had big shoes to fill after Mackey Award finalist Colston Loveland moved on to the NFL last April. But he didn't measure up to his esteemed predecessor. Last season, the German-born player contributed only 24 catches, 248 receiving yards and one touchdown. Still, Klein is an intriguing prospect because of his tantalizing physical traits and perceived untapped potential.
Buzz: The Oak Park alum helped anchor Michigan’s defensive line last season, logging 458 snaps – more than any other player in his position group. Although he was not seen as a disruptive force, Benny was productive. In 2025, he amassed 35 tackles and 1½ sacks.
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) reacts after a tackle against Wisconsin during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) reacts after a tackle against Wisconsin during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.
School: Michigan.
Vitals: 6-2, 238.
Projection: Rounds 4-7.
Buzz: Rolder didn’t become a full-time starter until last season, his fourth with the Wolverines. As soon as he became a fixture in the middle, he distinguished himself as a strong run defender and sure tackler, producing a team-high 73 stops. Considered an average athlete, Rolder makes up for his physical limitations with excellent technique.
Matt Gulbin, C
Michigan State's Matt Gulbin before a game against Penn State at Spartan Stadium on Nov. 15, 2025 in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Matt Gulbin before a game against Penn State at Spartan Stadium on Nov. 15, 2025 in East Lansing.
Buzz: Gulbin was in East Lansing for one season after transferring from Wake Forest. In his short time at MSU, he distinguished himself as the best performer on a deficient offensive line. In 2025, he thrived as a run blocker and was also solid in pass protection, allowing just five pressures in 11 starts.
Western Michigan defensive lineman Nadame Tucker (11) enters the field before the MAC Championship in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
Western Michigan defensive lineman Nadame Tucker (11) enters the field before the MAC Championship in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.
School: Western Michigan.
Vitals: 6-1, 247.
Projection: Rounds 5-7.
Buzz: Tucker played at two junior colleges and one Power Four school – Houston – before coming to Western Michigan for his final college season. In Kalamazoo, Tucker raised his profile, topping the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks (14½) and tackles for loss (21). Tucker eventually earned recognition as the MAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Ryan Eckley of the Michigan State Spartans punts the football in the second half against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 20, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Ryan Eckley of the Michigan State Spartans punts the football in the second half against the USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 20, 2025 in Los Angeles.
School: Michigan State.
Vitals: 6-0, 200.
Projection: Rounds 6-7.
Buzz: Eckley was a special teams ace throughout his college career at MSU. Last season, the three-time All-Big Ten selection led the FBS with an average of 48.5 yards per punt. If there is one knock on Eckley, it's that his right leg is so strong he sometimes outkicks his coverage.
Michigan place kicker Dominic Zvada (96) attempts an extra point against Central Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Michigan place kicker Dominic Zvada (96) attempts an extra point against Central Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
School: Michigan.
Vitals: 6-3, 178.
Projection: Round 7.
Buzz: In 2024, Zvada was one of the top kickers in the FBS. But his performance dipped last season as he missed eight of 25 field goal attempts. Zvada has historically been accurate from long distances, but has an inconsistent track record converting kicks inside 40 yards.
Michael Heldman, EDGE
Listed at 6'4" and 260 pounds, Michael Heldman has had a breakout senior season, bringing some NFL draft considerations.
Listed at 6'4" and 260 pounds, Michael Heldman has had a breakout senior season, bringing some NFL draft considerations.
School: Central Michigan.
Vitals: 6-3, 268.
Projection: Round 7.
Buzz: After failing to deliver much impact during his first four years at CMU, Heldman made his presence felt throughout the 2025 season. He led the Chippewas with 16½ tackles for loss and 10½ sacks, demonstrating he could be a disruptive pass rusher on a consistent basis.
Michigan running back Jordan Marshall runs for a touchdown behind the blocking of Max Bredeson (44) against Northwestern during the first half at Wrigley Field on Nov. 15, 2025 in Chicago.
Michigan running back Jordan Marshall runs for a touchdown behind the blocking of Max Bredeson (44) against Northwestern during the first half at Wrigley Field on Nov. 15, 2025 in Chicago.
School: Michigan.
Vitals: 6-2, 252.
Projection: Round 7.
Buzz: Bredeson, a prototypical H-Back, is happy to play the role of lead blocker. Although he doesn’t have outstanding physical traits, he is tough and dedicated to his craft. At the next level, he could be an asset on special teams.
