Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett has seen his time in Ann Arbor come to an end. But, before he left, Barrett was a key piece for the Wolverine defense in rolling to a national championship.

Coming to Michigan via the 2018 recruiting class, Barrett experienced a wave of highs and lows with the program. That stretch included back-to-back losses to Ohio State, the shortened (and disastrous) COVID season in 2020 and then 3 straight wins over the Buckeyes.

On Sunday, Barrett officially bid farewell to the Wolverines after a pair of prolific seasons leading the defense. He leaves behind big shoes to fill in the middle of the defense with fellow LB Junior Colson also heading to the NFL Draft.

“To all my teammates, whether you’ve already gone on with your careers or you’re still in there grinding it out with Coach Herb, I love all y’all boys man, and I wish all of you many blessings and success,” wrote Barrett. “We sought out to become legendary and leave a legacy of greatness as champions, and we did just that. Job finished. But with that said, all good things must come to an end. As I begin my preparation for the NFL Draft, I want to thank everyone that has had a hand in my success and faith in the process. Those who stay…”

Michael Barrett’s body of work

During the 2023 season, Barrett delivered 9 tackles and a sack in the epic Rose Bowl win over Alabama. He also delivered a key forced fumble in the narrow win over Maryland. During the 2022 season, he tied his career-high with 11 tackles in The Game and delivered 2 interceptions with a pick-6 in the win at Rutgers.

For his career, Barrett departs with 208 career tackles, 12.5 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 4 forced fumbles. He’s the latest in a key group of defenders making the jump to the NFL Draft after helping Michigan to its first national title since 1997.