Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is leaving for the NFL.
The junior announced Tuesday morning. who declares for the 2025 NFL Draft. The decision is not a big surprise. Graham has been one of the best defensive linemen in college football over the past two seasons and has played in all 39 of Michigan’s games since arriving as a freshman in the class of 2022.
Graham starred in Michigan’s upset victory over Ohio State in the final week of the season. The victory was Michigan’s fourth in a row over the Buckeyes as the Wolverines kicked a late field goal for a 13-10 victory before a midfield brawl after the game. Graham had seven tackles in that game. His previous career high for tackles was six, a feat he had accomplished three times.
Graham finished the 2024 season with 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. For his career, Graham has 108 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
In Yahoo Sports’ latest NFL mock draft, our Nate Tice and Charles McDonald had Graham taken 14th overall by the Dallas Cowboys. He was the second Michigan player taken in the top 15 of that mock draft behind tight cornerback Will Johnson.
This is what they wrote:
Dallas has been attacked relentlessly this year and is in dire need to improve up front and become a stronger team. Graham helps with that and has the potential to be a true performer up front, something the Cowboys are desperately missing right now.
Graham was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022, according to Rivals. He was the No. 11 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 9 player in the state of California.
The victory over Ohio State moved Michigan to 7-5 after the Wolverines won the national championship at the end of the 2023 season. Michigan will play Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl in a rematch of their College Football Playoff semifinal from a season.