Ranking the top five Michigan football wide receivers 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.

It’s true that Michigan was never known for its explosive offense under Jim Harbaugh, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t have some real playmakers to throw the ball to. The Wolverines have filled the position well and even signed some top recruits at receiver. After looking at the rosters from the past few years, here are the five best receivers under Jim Harbaugh.

Ranking the five best Michigan quarterbacks from the Jim Harbaugh era

Ranking the five best Michigan RBs from the Jim Harbaugh era

Career statistics: 145 pass catches for 2,269 yards (15.6 YPC) and nine touchdowns; nine runs for 30 yards and one touchdown

Who would have thought that the three-star recruit from Kansas City – who only had one D-1 offer – would go down in history as the best receiver under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan? Bell came to the Wolverines after Michigan offered him an offer, and he made the most of it. Bell immediately became a reliable target and was tough as nails.

Bell was named All-Big Ten twice and was the Wolverines’ leading receiver in yardage during his three seasons at Michigan.

Career statistics: 107 pass catches for 1,707 yards (16 YPC) and 20 touchdowns; seven runs for 117 yards and two touchdowns

The Hawaii native had 25 or more receptions in his final three seasons at Michigan and shined in his final year wearing the famous No. 1 jersey. He was a 2023 All-Big Ten member and caught 12 touchdowns from JJ McCarthy. Wilson seemed to have a big impact in all of the Wolverines’ big games. He caught crucial touchdowns against Ohio State and Nebraska. He made big plays against Alabama in the Rose Bowl and helped Michigan to its first national title since 1997.

Career statistics: 151 pass catches for 2,062 yards (13.7 YPC) and 14 touchdowns; two runs for two yards

Amara Darboh was part of the early days of Jim Harbaugh and I think he was always very underrated at Michigan. Darboh had a pass reception in 33 consecutive games, which is the fourth longest streak in Michigan history. Darboh was the top target in his final two seasons and he delivered when called upon. Darboh could spread the defense when needed, but his tall 6’2″ frame made him a fantastic receiver for Jake Rudock and Wilton Speight.

Career statistics: 78 pass catches for 1,388 yards (17.8 YPC) and 13 touchdowns

Nico Collins came to Michigan when the Wolverines acquired one of the best receiver classes of all time: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black, Oliver Martin and Collins. The 6’4″ receiver was the best of them all and is currently having a very nice NFL career.

Michigan fans would have liked to see Collins play one more season, but he ultimately made an impact in two seasons for the Wolverines, winning All-Big honors twice and being Michigan’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. Collins exploded against Indiana in 2019, catching six passes for 165 yards and scoring three scores.

Career statistics: 138 pass catches for 2,038 yards (14.8 YPC) and 14 touchdowns; six runs for 70 yards

Cornelius Johnson is at the top because he played a ton of football at Michigan. He played in 60 games with 44 starts at receiver. He wasn’t always flashy, but Johnson made plays and was usually that deep ball threat. From 2021-2023, Johnson went without a catcher in just two games during that three-year stretch. He was usually able to play free and both Cade McNamara and JJ McCarthy leaned on Johnson.

– For more coverage of the Michigan Wolverines, visit Michigan Wolverines On SI –

Where Michigan stands in the recruiting rankings since it got two 4-star players on Monday

MSU site’s poor review of Michigan recruiting backfires

Ranking the 25 best pass catchers in Big Ten Football in 2024