Aidan Hutchinson reveals Michigan legend predicted his Heisman Trophy finish
NEW YORK — Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson has the chance to make history at tomorrow’s Heisman Trophy ceremony. If he wins, he’ll become just the second defensive player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy. Coincidentally, the first — Charles Woodson — was also a Michigan Wolverine.
Hutchinson said Friday that Woodson had not directly reached out after he was named a Heisman Trophy finalist, but Woodson did predict the finish. According to Hutchinson, the Michigan legend told his father prior to the Ohio State game that a strong finish would punch him a ticket to New York.
“I know Charles (Woodson), before the Ohio State game, he called his shot,” Hutchinson said with a smile. “My dad was telling me that (Woodson) said, ‘if Aidan gets three sacks, he’s going to New York.'”
Hutchinson shined in that game against Ohio State, leading Michigan to its first win over the Big Ten rival in Jim Harbaugh’s tenure. In a decisive 42-27 victory, Hutchinson did exactly what Woodson suggested, finishing with seven total tackles (five solo stops) and three sacks. The result, a mere two weeks later, was a trip to New York.
“And what did I do? I got three sacks and now I’m in New York,” Hutchinson said. “I thought it was pretty cool that Woodson called his shot. It was pretty badass.”
Aidan Hutchinson makes bold proclamation about Michigan’s 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.”