Besides Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard and Tom Harmon, ever wonder who are Michigan's best players to never win the Heisman trophy? Here are some thoughts on three Wolverines who were on the precipice of joining the untouchable list of Michigan football immortals by hoisting the life-changing trophy.
Anthony Carter
Carter is considered one of the greatest to wear the winged helmet and never win the Heisman trophy. He placed in the top 10 three years in a row and had a Heisman moment in the one season that he wasn't in the Heisman race. That play against Indiana was somewhat reminiscent of Mario Manningham's game-winner over Penn State in 2005.
Carter played during a time which included hall of famers such as Dan Marino, Marcus Allen, John Elway and quite possibly the most bruising running back of all-time in Hershel Walker. Carter's most glaring stat was the 14 touchdowns he produced in 1980. He never eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving mark in Ann Arbor though, but came closer to winning the trophy then Braylon Edwards did. Carter would have been a Biletnikoff winner had the award been established when he was playing.
Aidan Hutchinson
Hutch had the most disruptive season in recent memory. He wreaked havoc on C.J. Stroud and is an exclusive reason why Michigan football reached the heights that they did from 2021-2023.
Without him on the field, I'm not sure that Michigan beats Ohio State and wins the Big Ten in 2021. He and Charles Woodson are the catalysts for the two most distinguished defensive seasons in Michigan history. That is first-class territory for Michigan defenders.
Tim Biakabutuka
Had Biakabutuka stayed one more year at Michigan, he may have won the Heisman. He was outdone by Eddie George, but not on November 25th, 1995. 30 years later, Biakabutuka's performance still stands the test of time. The nineties were chock-full of performances like Biakabutuka's that are being reimagined today.
This list can go on with more players like Braylon Edwards, Bob Chappuis, Blake Corum and more. Picking just three was difficult enough.