The 2025 NFL Draft saw a remarkable number of Michigan Wolverines make the leap to the professional ranks, with several players being selected in the first round. As these athletes transition to the NFL, one notable change is their jersey numbers. Many of them will be donning different digits than they wore during their college careers at Michigan.
First-Round Wolverines and Their New NFL Numbers
1. Mason Graham – Defensive Tackle
- College Number: No. 55
- NFL Number: No. 94 (Cleveland Browns)(Acme Packing Company, Wikipedia)
Mason Graham, a standout defensive tackle for Michigan, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. In college, he wore No. 55, but in the NFL, he will be wearing No. 94. Graham’s transition to the NFL comes after an impressive college career, including a national championship in 2023 and unanimous All-American honors in 2024. (Wikipedia)
2. Kenneth Grant – Defensive Tackle
- College Number: No. 91
- NFL Number: No. 90 (Miami Dolphins)(SI)
Kenneth Grant, known for his size and strength, was selected by the Miami Dolphins. He wore No. 91 at Michigan but will now wear No. 90 in the NFL. Grant was a key player on Michigan’s defensive line, earning All-Big Ten honors and contributing to a national championship in 2023. (Pride Of Detroit, on3.com, Wikipedia)
3. Colston Loveland – Tight End
- College Number: No. 88
- NFL Number: No. 84 (Chicago Bears)(on3.com)
Tight end Colston Loveland was drafted by the Chicago Bears. He wore No. 88 at Michigan but will be sporting No. 84 in the NFL. Loveland was a standout tight end for the Wolverines, earning All-American honors and contributing to a national championship in 2023. (Wikipedia, on3.com)
4. Will Johnson – Cornerback
- College Number: No. 2
- NFL Number: No. 2 (Team TBD)(on3.com)
Cornerback Will Johnson declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after an impressive college career. He wore No. 2 at Michigan and will continue with the same number in the NFL, pending team assignment. Johnson was a key player in Michigan’s secondary, earning All-American honors and contributing to a national championship in 2023. (Maize n Brew)
Other Notable Wolverines and Their NFL Numbers
5. Myles Hinton – Offensive Tackle
- College Number: No. 77
- NFL Number: No. 78 (Philadelphia Eagles)
Offensive tackle Myles Hinton, who transferred from Stanford, was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. He wore No. 77 at Michigan and will now wear No. 78 in the NFL. Hinton contributed to Michigan’s offensive line, helping the team secure a national championship in 2023. (Wikipedia)
6. Trey Amos – Cornerback
- College Number: No. 5
- NFL Number: No. 35 (Washington Commanders)(Hogs Haven)
Cornerback Trey Amos was selected by the Washington Commanders. He wore No. 5 at Michigan and will now wear No. 35 in the NFL. Amos was known for his size, speed, and instincts, earning All-Big Ten honors during his college career. (Hogs Haven, on3.com)
Why the Jersey Number Changes?
The change in jersey numbers from college to the NFL is primarily due to league regulations and team preferences. The NFL has specific rules regarding jersey numbers by position, which often differ from college football’s more lenient policies. For example, defensive linemen in the NFL are typically assigned numbers in the 90s, whereas in college, they might wear numbers in the 50s or 60s. Additionally, teams may assign jersey numbers based on availability and tradition.
Conclusion
The transition from college football to the NFL is a significant step for these Michigan Wolverines, and part of that transition includes adopting new jersey numbers. While these changes may seem minor, they symbolize the athletes’ progression to the professional level and their readiness to make an impact in the NFL. As these players embark on their professional careers, fans will undoubtedly continue to support them, regardless of the numbers on their jerseys.
