Mistakes happen, but some can't be overlooked.
That's how it feels regarding a colossal error made by ESPN this week, when it released an article detailing the greatest college football player to wear each number.
It's a great idea. There's a ton of great information in the article, too. However, when it comes to the No. 1, Michigan football fans will be enraged by the mistake ESPN made, confusing a Wolverine legend with an Ohio State Buckeye.
The player in question is Anthony Carter, a Michigan football legend, who was listed by ESPN as an Ohio State Buckeye.
Can #Michigan fans spot the big issue in ESPN's latest article talking about the best players who wear each number? pic.twitter.com/CP4tmS6Cc0
— Trent Knoop (@TrentKnoop) July 2, 2026
ESPN makes huge mistake with a Michigan legend and still hasn't corrected the error
Carter was the original No. 1 for Michigan football, meaning he started the trend of having great players wear the No. 1. Braylon Edwards was another example down the line. Carter caught 141 passes during his four-year career in Ann Arbor.
Carter hauled in those 141 passes from 1979 to 1982 for 2,681 yards and 31 touchdowns. Carter led the Big Ten in touchdown receptions in 1980 (13) and 1982 (8). This was before teams threw the ball as much as they do now, so those numbers are better than they seem.
Anyway, in its article, ESPN listed Larry Fitzgerald as the greatest college football player to wear the No. 1. But then, it listed Carter as another great, only it said he played for Ohio State.
These kinds of mistakes happen, but it's hard to fathom confusing an all-time Michigan football great with an Ohio State Buckeye.
Carter was 1-3 in his career against OSU. The two-time All-American was also the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and was 4th in the 1982 Heisman voting before being selected by the Dolphins in the 1982 NFL draft.
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