Michigan Football has always been about family, but this year, the Wolverines are taking that bond to a whole new level. From the Glasgow brothers to the Bredesons and beyond, here's a look at the history of siblings wearing the Maize and Blue—and how head coach Kyle Whittingham is making it a priority to keep the family tradition alive.
While many programs recruit siblings, Whittingham and his staff have turned it into a key strategy. When defensive standouts Trey Pierce and Enow Etta were considering the transfer portal, the coaching staff didn't just fight to keep them—they brought in their brothers. Christian Pierce, a linebacker from the portal, and Ndi Etta, a freshman edge rusher, were both given offers. Though neither is expected to see major playing time in Ann Arbor, the tactic worked. Trey and Enow remain Wolverines and are poised to lead the defensive front this fall.
That's not the only brother act on the roster. Wide receiver Salesi Moa, a prized recruit from Utah, followed Whittingham to Michigan. To help seal the deal, the staff extended an offer to Salesi's brother, Aisea, a linebacker who played at Michigan State last season. It's a move that shows how far the program will go to keep talent in the family.
Of course, Michigan's history of brothers goes way back. The Wisterts—Francis, Albert, and Alvin—are the gold standard. Though they didn't play at the same time, all three wore the iconic No. 11, were consensus All-Americans, and are enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. The program has since retired that number in their honor.
More recently, the Glasgow family sent three sons—Ryan, Graham, and Jordan—to Michigan. What makes their story special? All three were walk-ons who went on to be drafted into the NFL. Ryan dominated as a defensive tackle, Graham anchored the offensive line, and Jordan made his mark as a linebacker and special teams ace.
Then there are the Bredesons. Ben Bredeson was a standout offensive lineman for the Wolverines, while his brother Max also made his mark. Their journey is a testament to the power of family bonds in college football—and a reminder that at Michigan, the gridiron is often a family affair.
