Aidan Hutchinson makes bold proclamation about Michigan's success

NEW YORK — Growing up, Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson never expected the only defensive player to be named a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021.

That’s largely a result of Hutchinson growing up wanting to be a quarterback. On Friday, he addressed the media in New York just one day before the Heisman Trophy ceremony and said he grew up idolizing Tom Brady. But things have changed for Hutchinson, who’s since blossomed into a 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end. He’s turned into a sure-fire first-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, and he’s helped the Michigan Wolverines reach new levels of success.

As Michigan continues to play some of its best football to date, Hutchinson made a bold proclamation Friday, stating that all of college football is better off because of it.

“This year has been full of special moments from the Nebraska game to the Wisconsin game. It’s always fun when you’re winning,” Hutchinson said. “College football is better when Michigan is winning, and when Michigan is up there at the top. And now we’re competing for the Playoff, Coach Harbaugh is Coach of the Year, we’re Big Ten Champions — I just think it’s good for college football, and it’s good to see a different color in the playoffs.”

Hutchinson has had a terrific year for Michigan, totaling 58 tackles 15 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. In the process Michigan went 12-1, won the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2004 and — perhaps most importantly for some Wolverines fans — snapped a long drought against Ohio State, winning their first game against the Buckeyes of the Jim Harbaugh era.

“You hear about the drought, but this was only my third game against Ohio State. So, none of us can control what happened in 2012, 2013, 2014. I don’t think the drought was really relevant for a whole lot of us,” Hutchinson said of Michigan’s struggles in the rivalry. “All I know is that I was 0-2 against them and I wanted to get a win on the board, so now I’m 1-2 and I can say I beat Ohio State now.”

On Saturday, Hutchinson will represent Michigan and join Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud as finalists for the Heisman Trophy, an honor that he’s thrilled to be a part of.

“You’ve got to play great in the big games and you’ve got to perform when it matters the most,” Hutchinson said. “I think I’ve done that, and I think that’s why I earned my ticket here.”