Graham was born on September 2, 2003, and attended Servite High School in Anaheim, California.[1] Graham was a two-way player for his high school football team, starting on the defensive line and starting at tackle on the offensive line. He was also a star wrestler at Servite.[2][3]
In December 2021, he was selected by the Los Angeles Times as the High School Football Player of the Year and named an All-American by MaxPreps. As a senior, he recorded 60 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss and 14 sacks on the season.[4] Graham was rated as a four star recruit, ranked as the #162 overall player in the country.[5]
Graham enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2022, and saw extensive playing time as a true freshman.[8][9][10] Graham appeared in all 14 games, totaling 27 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His first career sack came in his first career game, versus Colorado State on September 3, 2022. After the season, he was named to the True Freshman All-America team by Pro Football Focus.[11]
Sophomore season
Graham (No. 55) in the 30–24 victory over Ohio State in 2023
In 2023, Graham was named as a second-team All-American by The Sporting News, and a first-team All-Big Ten selection.[12] 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] Graham was named the Defensive Player of the Game in the 2024 Rose Bowl, following a four-tackle performance in the victory against Alabama.[14] The following week he won the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship in a 34–13 victory over the Washington Huskies.[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][17][18] He is considered to be an early first round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.[19][20][21][22] In week four against the USC Trojans, Graham recorded six tackles and his first sack of the season.[23] In week five against Minnesota, he followed up his performance with four tackles and a career high two sacks.[24] In week six versus Washington, Graham blocked a field goal, had two tackles and his third straight game with a sack.[25] In November 2024, Graham was named as 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). He is the fifth player in Michigan football history to be a finalist for the Nagruski and the sixth for the Outland.[26][27]
References
^"Mason Graham". University of Michigan. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
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