So, first, the good news: Michigan football put three players on the Walter Camp preseason All-American team. The bad news? One was criminally underrated.
Unsurprisingly, Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson, tight end Colston Loveland and defensive tackle Mason Graham made the Walter Camp preseason All-American team in 2024. While the first two made the first team, somehow, Graham was listed on the second team.
He was snubbed in favor of James Pearce, Jr. (Tennessee), Howard Cross III (Notre Dame), Ashton Gillotte (Louisville) and Tyleik Williams (Ohio State).
James Pearce Jr. absolutely makes sense. He’s often been on lists as being a potential top overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. But other outlets — such as PFF — have stated Graham very likely would have been the top-rated defensive tackle and first taken if he had entered the draft in 2024 — as a sophomore.
Michigan football fans will tell you just how dominant Graham was in 2023, as he was a big reason why the Wolverines were able to win the national championship. Those inside Schembechler Hall, however, are likely relishing the perceived snub, as the latest maize and blue teams have enjoyed being underrated and playing with chips on their shoulders.