Michigan's Impact on the 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is poised to showcase a strong contingent of collegiate football players with deep connections to the state of Michigan. A total of 19 athletes, meticulously scouted and recognized either through invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine or by securing a spot within the top 300 of the NFL Mock Draft Database's big board, are expected to hear their names called. These promising talents hail from various backgrounds, including those who grew up within Michigan's borders and others who honed their skills at its esteemed universities. This collection of players spans offensive, defensive, and special teams positions, underscoring Michigan's consistent contribution to the professional football landscape.

Spotlight on Michigan's Rising Stars for the 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft class will include a notable cohort of 19 athletes with strong ties to Michigan, reflecting the state's significant influence on professional football. These prospects, ranging from offensive playmakers to defensive stalwarts and special teams aces, have all distinguished themselves either by receiving an invitation to the prestigious NFL Scouting Combine or by earning a consensus ranking among the top 300 players on the NFL Mock Draft Database's comprehensive big board.

Offensive Talents Ready for the Next Level:

• Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama): A former four-star recruit from the Class of 2022, Bernard's collegiate journey took him from Michigan State to Washington and ultimately to Alabama. In his senior year at Alabama in 2025, he impressively accumulated 862 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 64 catches, following an earlier stint with the Spartans where he recorded 128 yards and two touchdowns.
• Max Bredeson (FB/TE, Michigan): Beginning as a walk-on, Bredeson earned a scholarship in 2023. Over five seasons with Michigan, he was instrumental in their 2023 national championship victory, primarily excelling as a blocker while also contributing 12 receptions for 132 yards.
• Deion Burks (WR, Oklahoma): Hailing from Belleville High School, Burks, a 2021 recruit, played for Purdue before transferring to Oklahoma. His high school career included an 871-yard, 12-touchdown season in 2019, earning him first-team all-state honors.
• Matt Gulbin (OL, Michigan State): After four seasons at Wake Forest, Gulbin transferred to Michigan State for his final year in 2025, where he started 11 games at center. He demonstrated solid pass-blocking skills, allowing only five pressures and two sacks over 426 snaps.
• Matthew Hibner (TE, SMU): Following limited production at Michigan, Hibner transferred to SMU, where he flourished over two seasons, hauling in 55 receptions for 804 yards and eight touchdowns.
• Marlin Klein (TE, Michigan): Klein consistently improved throughout his four seasons at Michigan, culminating in a 248-yard, 24-catch senior season that included his first career touchdown.
• Donaven McCulley (WR, Michigan): Initially a quarterback at Indiana, McCulley transitioned to receiver in 2022. After a productive 2023 season with the Hoosiers (644 yards, six touchdowns), he transferred to Michigan, where he added 588 yards and three touchdowns on 39 catches in his single season.
• Caleb Tiernan (OL, Northwestern): An experienced offensive lineman with 43 starts, including 38 at left tackle, Tiernan was also a decorated high school player, excelling on both offense and defense at Detroit Country Day.

Defensive Forces Making Their Mark:

• Jaishawn Barham (DL, Michigan): After two seasons at Maryland, Barham transferred to Michigan, where he recorded 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and 41 pressures over 25 games.
• Caleb Banks (DL, Florida): Considered one of the draft's most talented players, Banks's stock was impacted by a foot injury in 2025. He played at Southfield A&T before moving to Louisville and then Florida.
• Rayshaun Benny (DL, Michigan): Benny consistently increased his contributions over five seasons at Michigan. In 2025, he posted 35 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 17 pressures, building on a strong high school career at Oak Park.
• Michael Heldman (Edge, Central Michigan): Heldman had a breakout senior season at Central Michigan, tallying 16.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, cementing his place in CMU's record books.
• Derrick Moore (Edge, Michigan): A top-50 recruit, Moore became a full-time starter at Michigan in 2024, accumulating 21 sacks during his collegiate career, including 10 in his final season.
• Jimmy Rolder (LB, Michigan): Rolder's senior season at Michigan saw him emerge as a key contributor, recording 73 tackles and an interception, with an impressive low missed-tackle rate.
• Nadame Tucker (Edge, Western Michigan): Tucker had an explosive 2025 season at Western Michigan after three sack-less years at Houston, leading FBS with 14.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss.
• Zion Young (Edge, Missouri): Young's transfer from Michigan State to Missouri saw his performance skyrocket in 2025, with 57 pressures and 6.5 sacks, transforming him into a top prospect.

Special Teams Specialists to Watch:

• Tommy Doman (P, Florida): Doman, who punted for Michigan before transferring to Florida, consistently averaged over 43 yards per punt, skillfully placing opponents deep in their own territory.
• Ryan Eckley (P, Michigan State): Eckley stands out as a top punter, leading all FBS players in 2025 with an average of 48.5 yards, and maintaining strong averages in previous seasons.
• Dominic Zvada (K, Michigan): Zvada, who played for Arkansas State before Michigan, boasts an impressive collegiate field goal conversion rate of 82.8%, with a near-perfect season in 2024.

The convergence of these athletes, whether by birth or by collegiate affiliation, underscores Michigan's enduring legacy in shaping professional football talent. Their journey from local high schools and college campuses to the national stage of the NFL Draft highlights the dedication and development fostered within the state's athletic programs. As these players prepare for the next chapter of their careers, their collective presence in the 2026 NFL Draft serves as a testament to Michigan's rich football heritage and its continued role as a breeding ground for future stars.