By Darin Few names carry as much weight in Ann Arbor as Bennie Oosterbaan. Widely considered one of the greatest athletes in the history of the University of Michigan, Oosterbaan wasn’t just a star on the gridiron—he was a three-sport sensation who never truly left the Big House. From his record-breaking days as a three-time All-American to leading the Wolverines to a national title as a coach, his legacy is woven into the very fabric of Michigan football.
Photographer not named (unattributed photographs in the 1954 Michiganensian were taken by students working on the Michiganensian staff) via Wikimedia Commons.
Football Bio
February 24, 1906 – Muskegon, Michigan – The fantastic end from the University of Michigan, Bennie Oosterbaan, was born. The NFF says that Bennie, “ was All-America end three times, 1925-27, captain and Most Valuable Player in 1927. The Football Writers Association named him to its all-time All- America modern team in 1974.” Oosterbaan stayed in Ann Arbor for the rest of his life, even serving as the Wolverines’ head coach for 11 seasons. The National Football Foundation voters chose to preserve the history of Bennie Oosterbaan in 1954.
Conclusion
Bennie Oosterbaan’s impact on the University of Michigan is nearly unparalleled. He transitioned seamlessly from a dominant player to a championship-winning coach, embodying the “Michigan Man” ideal decades before the phrase became a household term. His 1954 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame was a fitting tribute to a man who spent his entire adult life elevating the standards of excellence in Ann Arbor.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted as a player in 1954.
- Three-Time First-Team All-American: Recognized in 1925, 1926, and 1927 (one of only two players in Michigan history to achieve this).
- Big Ten MVP: Awarded the Chicago Tribune Silver Football in 1927.
- National Champion Coach: Led the Michigan Wolverines to an undefeated season and the AP National Championship in 1948.
- Two-Time Big Ten Coach of the Year: Honored for his leadership on the sidelines.
- Retired Number: His jersey, #47, was retired by the University of Michigan (later placed into the “Michigan Football Legends” program).
- All-Time All-America Selection: Named to the FWAA All-Time Modern Team in 1974.
