Unsung, Energetic LB Ernest Hausmann Connects Michigan to Last National Title

HOUSTON — The winningest team in college football history, the Michigan Wolverines are on the brink of ending a drought. They're taking on the Washington Huskies with a tremendous opportunity to win the program's first national championship since 1997.

Michigan, the sport's all-time leader at 1,003 victories, shared that pre-BCS, pre-College Football Playoff title with Nebraska.

Sophomore linebacker Ernest Hausmann holds the unique distinction of suiting up at both programs.

On a nationally elite unit loaded with NFL-bound talent, Hausmann hasn't garnered much attention. Eight of Michigan's defenders, for example, earned All-Big Ten recognition in coaches' voting this season, and six more landed an honorable mention. He was not one.

Don't mistake his minimal spotlight for a lack of production.

Only two Wolverines have collected more tackles than Hausmann on the way to the showdown with Washington, which is slated for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Monday at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Hausmann has navigated an adventurous road—from losses and major program transition to wins and a shot at a title—in two short seasons.

The linebacker began his college career at Nebraska, his home-state school. Hausmann, a 3-star prospect in the 2022 cycle, registered 54 tackles for the Huskers as a true freshman.

"It was a big honor and a big privilege," Hausmann told B/R of Nebraska extending his first scholarship offer and his time in Lincoln. "That's something you hold dear to you in the recruiting process. Like, who was the first team that saw your potential that gave you the opportunity."

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However, he chose to transfer after Nebraska fired head coach Scott Frost—the quarterback, incidentally, of NU's title-sharing team.

Once in the portal, he soon heard from the Wolverines.

"Pulled up the tape against Michigan from '22, and I mean this guy had 10 tackles and a sack against our offense," U-M defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. "Super excited that we got him."

The feeling, of course, was mutual.

"I had an idea of what I wanted in a program, so it really limited a lot of options for me," Hausmann said. "I wanted a university where I felt like I could maximize my potential on the field, off the field, in the classroom. Michigan was that place for me."

Hausmann enrolled in January, impressed in the offseason and carved out a place next to linebackers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett. Although the Wolverines generally play two of them at a time, Minter said they're essentially all viewed as starters.

"Having him with us has been phenomenal, he's been allowing us breathers," Colson said. "Last year, it was me and Mike always out there. Now we have a player who's such a high caliber able to come in."

Minter echoed his leading tackler's praise of Hausmann.

"He's brought such a tremendous level of competition and depth into our linebacker room," Michigan's second-year coordinator said. "He's played really, really well."

Entering the national title, Hausmann has tallied 44 stops—including a season-best eight tackles, tied for a team-high total with Colson, during the 26-0 shutout of Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Beyond the on-field contributions, it's clear how rapidly the linebacker has made an impact in Ann Arbor. Edge-rusher Jaylen Harrell broke out laughing when asked about Hausmann's personality, calling him very energetic. Added safety Rod Moore: "Bro, he's been great. ... If you're around him for an hour, you're gonna get a whole bunch of laughs."

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Regardless of Monday's result, Hausmann is positioned to hold an even greater role on the Wolverines' defense next season. Barrett has used up his eligibility, and Colson may leave for the 2024 NFL draft.

"Ernest is going to be a great player," Moore said. "Sometimes I forget that he's a sophomore."

The future can wait, though, and the current goal is within reach: Win that elusive championship for the Maize and Blue.

The magnitude of his connection to the program's past is not lost on Hausmann, who said he "absolutely" has considered his unique tie to Nebraska, Michigan and the 1997 title. He offers a dose of historical symmetry to what is already a fascinating matchup.

"It was brought to my attention early this season, talking about Michigan legends from the past," Hausmann said. "You think about moments like that—the Rose Bowl Game, for sure—and now the national championship. It's a very special opportunity that we have and for myself to be able to play in that position."