Ranking the top five Michigan football defensive linemen from the Jim Harbaugh era

Jim Harbaugh was a successful coach at Michigan from 2015-2023 before returning to the NFL. Although Harbaugh is now with the Los Angeles Chargers, Wolverine fans will always remember what Harbaugh did for Michigan and what he did to make the Wolverines a perennial power again.

The Wolverines’ defensive line was very strong under Jim Harbaugh and there were many great players who played on the line – more specifically, on the interior. But it seems like in recent years the interior has produced bigger and better players than before. While there were some good players in the early Harbaugh years, most of the talent came from the late Harbaugh years.

Career stats: 132 tackles, 33.5 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery

Harbaugh was able to take over for Hurst when he came to Michigan, and he is one of the best linemen to ever play in Ann Arbor. Hurst had a breakout season in 2017, earning him All-American and All-Big Ten honors. He holds PFF’s highest single-season rating for any defensive interior player with a 96.5 rating.

Hurst posted two consecutive double-digit TFLs in his final two years in Ann Arbor. He had 11.5 TFLs in 2016 and followed that up with 14.5 TFLs in 2017. It was tough running against Mo.

Career stats: 63 tackles, 10 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, two pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery

It’s scary considering how good Mason Graham already is, even though he’s only just entering his junior season, but that’s where we’re at. Graham was an All-American as a sophomore and was named the Tournament of Roses 2023 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP.

Graham is already being considered a top-10 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, with top-5 potential. He’s one of the best against the run, and even when he’s doubled, Graham knows how to get rid of the ball and use his hands to move. He’s also secretly good at getting to the quarterback – he had three sacks as a sophomore.

Career stats: 113 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, one INT and one fumble recovery

Jenkins came to Michigan as a defensive end, but after he bulked up, the Wolverines moved him inside and he flourished. “The Mutant” was named an All-American in 2023 and a two-time All-Big Ten honoree during his time at Michigan. He was never known for getting to the opposing QB, but he was as tough as can be against the run.

Jenkins rarely missed a game and was a key part of Michigan’s defensive line for three seasons.

Career stats: 88 tackles, six TFLs, 0.5 sacks, four pass deflections, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery

Smith started the final 28 games of his career at Michigan, and like those before him, he was a threat when it came to stopping the run. Now with the Cowboys, the defensive tackle was twice named All-Big Ten, received the Richard Katcher Award, and was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Smith doesn’t impress with his speed or his ability to penetrate the backfield, but he was like a wall against the opposing defense.

Career statistics: 37 tackles, five TFLs, 3.5 sacks, one interception, five pass deflections and one fumble recovery

Grant is entering his third year at Michigan and, like Mason Graham, is already considered one of the best defensive linemen under Jim Harbaugh. Grant rotated alongside Mason Graham and Kris Jenkins in his second year – he started five games. But his play spoke for itself.

Grant was named All-Big Ten as a sophomore and was a seven-time joint Defensive Player of the Week for the Michigan defense. At 340 pounds, Grant is extremely mobile and, as we saw against Penn State, he can chase the ball carrier. He will be a full-time starter for the Wolverines in 2024 and will surely have an even bigger impact.

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