40 Facts About Mason Graham

Early Life and High School Career

Mason Graham's journey to football stardom began in Anaheim, California. His early years were marked by dedication and hard work, setting the stage for his future success.

1. Birth Date: Mason Graham was born on September 2, 2003.
2. High School: He attended Servite High School in Anaheim, California.
3. High School Football Career: Graham was a two-way player, starting on the defensive line and at tackle on the offensive line.
4. High School Wrestling: He was also a star wrestler at Servite High School.
5. High School Awards: Graham was named the L.A. Times High School Football Player of the Year in 2021 and earned the title of Most Valuable Lineman in the Trinity League as a senior.
6. High School Stats: By his senior year, he had accumulated numerous tackles and sacks, including 60 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, and 14 sacks.

College Commitment and Early Career

Mason's decision to join the University of Michigan was a pivotal moment. His college career quickly took off, showcasing his talent on a national stage.

7. College Commitment: After watching Michigan play Washington in Ann Arbor on September 16, 2021, Graham committed to the University of Michigan.
8. College Enrollment: He enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2022.
9. Freshman Season: As a true freshman, Graham appeared in all 14 games, totaling 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His first career sack came in his first career game against Colorado State on September 3, 2022.
10. True Freshman All-America Team: After the season, he was named to the True Freshman All-America team by Pro Football Focus.

Sophomore Success

Mason's sophomore year saw him solidify his reputation as a formidable defensive tackle, earning numerous accolades.

11. Sophomore Season: In 2023, Graham was named a second-team All-American by The Sporting News and a first-team All-Big Ten selection.
12. Sophomore Stats: He appeared in 13 games for the Wolverines, totaling 36 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
13. Rose Bowl Performance: Graham was named the Defensive Player of the Game in the 2024 Rose Bowl after a four-tackle performance in the victory against Alabama.
14. National Championship Win: The following week, he won the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship in a 34–13 victory over the Washington Huskies.

Junior Year and Rising Stardom

Entering his junior year, Mason Graham was already considered one of the best in college football. His performances continued to impress.

15. Junior Season: Entering his junior season, Mason Graham was ranked as the best interior defensive lineman in college football prior to the 2024 season.
16. Junior Stats: In week four against the USC Trojans, Graham recorded six tackles and his first sack of the season. In week five against Minnesota, he followed up with four tackles and a career-high two sacks.
17. Junior Performance: In week six versus Washington, Graham blocked a field goal, had two tackles, and his third straight game with a sack.
18. Awards and Recognition: In November 2024, Graham was named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the best defensive player in college football, and the Outland Trophy, given to the best interior lineman (offensive or defensive).
19. Michigan Football History: He is the fifth player in Michigan football history to be a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy and the sixth for the Outland Trophy.

NFL Prospects and Future

With his college career nearing its peak, Mason Graham's future in professional football looks incredibly promising.

20. NFL Draft Projection: Mason Graham is projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts praise his blend of power and technique, making him a strong candidate for NFL teams seeking a robust defensive tackle.
21. High School Recruiting: Graham drew interest from several top-tier college football programs. His performance at Servite High School, combined with his awards and stats, made him a coveted recruit.
22. Michigan Scholarship Offer: Michigan was among the schools that actively pursued him, eventually securing his commitment. His recruitment by powerhouses in college football illustrated the level of talent he possessed and the potential seen in him by major programs.
23. Boise State Commitment: Initially, Graham committed to Boise State in July 2021 but de-committed a month later after receiving a scholarship offer from Michigan.
24. Michigan Visit: A visit from Shaun Nua, Michigan’s DL coach at the time, sealed the deal for Graham. He signed with Michigan on December 15, 2021.
25. Shaun Nua’s Departure: On January 2, 2022, Nua left Michigan to take a position at USC under Lincoln Riley. Despite this, Graham remained loyal to his teammates and Michigan.

High School Achievements and Recognition

Mason's high school career was filled with accolades and recognition, setting the foundation for his future success.

26. Composite Ranking: Graham was the composite #247 ranked player by 247 Sports in the class of 2022.
27. LA Times Recognition: Despite being the 12th-ranked player in the Los Angeles area that fall, the LA Times named him the LA Times football player of the year.
28. High School Awards and Recognition: Graham’s skills and commitment have not gone unnoticed, setting him apart as an exceptional player. Many fans and analysts have noted his ability to disrupt offensive lines and make decisive tackles.

College Impact and Performance

Mason Graham's impact at Michigan has been profound, with his performances earning him a place among the top players in college football.

29. College NIL Deals: As a standout player, Mason Graham has been involved in significant NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, enhancing his financial opportunities and exposure.
30. Academic Pursuits: Enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Graham is majoring in General Studies. His parents, Allen and Kimberly Graham, have been supportive of his academic and athletic pursuits.
31. Family Support: The Grahams’ support has been crucial in Mason’s journey, both academically and athletically.
32. High School Versatility: Graham’s participation in multiple sports enhanced his athletic abilities, making him a versatile and dynamic football player.
33. High School Stats Breakdown: During his time at Servite, Mason Graham posted impressive stats, including multiple tackles for loss (TFLs) and a notable number of sacks.
34. High School Awards Breakdown: Graham received various awards, which showcased his impact on the field. He was named the L.A. Times High School Football Player of the Year in 2021 and earned the title of Most Valuable Lineman in the Trinity League as a senior.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Mason Graham's achievements have not only brought him recognition but also set the stage for a promising future in football.

35. College Impact: Mason Graham has emerged as a standout defensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines. He has shown exceptional skills in both pass rushing and run defense, drawing attention from NFL scouts.
36. College Performance Breakdown: His performance against powerhouse teams like Alabama and Ohio State highlights his ability to compete at the highest level of college football. He consistently showcases excellent hand usage and demonstrates strong pass-rush moves, contributing to his impressive pass-rush win rate and run-defense grade.
37. Pro Football Focus Grades: His Pro Football Focus grades reflect his high level of play, demonstrating his consistency and effectiveness on the field.
38. Awards and Accolades: Graham has been recognized as an All-American and was a key player in Michigan’s national championship win in 2023. In the 2024 Rose Bowl, he earned the defensive MVP award, adding to his accolades.
39. Conference Recognition: He has also been selected for the All-Big Ten team, demonstrating his skills among his conference peers. His awards underscore his contributions to the Wolverines’ defense and his status as one of the top interior defensive linemen in college football.
40. Future Prospects: With such recognition, Mason Graham’s future looks promising both in college football and potential professional endeavors. His ability to disrupt plays and his performance in high-stakes games have increased his draft potential, solidifying his status as a top draft prospect.

Mason Graham's Bright Future

Mason Graham's journey from high school standout to college football sensation is nothing short of inspiring. His achievements at Servite High School, including being named the L.A. Times High School Football Player of the Year, set the stage for his impressive college career at Michigan. As a true freshman, he made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the True Freshman All-America team. His sophomore and junior seasons only solidified his reputation, with standout performances in key games and numerous accolades.

Graham's dedication, hard work, and natural talent have made him a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. With his blend of power and technique, he's poised to make a significant impact at the professional level. As he continues to excel, Mason Graham's future in football looks incredibly promising, and fans can't wait to see what he achieves next.