Kenneth Grant Jr. Declares for NFL Draft: A Look at His Journey and Impact
In the world of college football, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Michigan’s Kenneth Grant Jr. The massive defensive lineman, who played a pivotal role in the Wolverines’ national title win in 2023 and their memorable victories over Ohio State, is now setting his sights on the NFL. Grant announced on Thursday, via a heartfelt social media post, that he will forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.
For those who have followed Grant’s career, this announcement might not come as a surprise. ESPN’s Mel Kiper has already listed the 6-3, 339-pound powerhouse as the No. 19 overall prospect for the 2025 draft, and the No. 4 draft-eligible defensive tackle prospect. These rankings are a testament to Grant’s formidable presence on the field and his potential to make waves in the professional arena.
In his social media post, Grant expressed his gratitude and love for Michigan, signing off with a heartfelt “Go Blue 4Lš.” This sentiment resonates with fans who have watched him grow and excel in the maize and blue.
A native of Gary, Indiana, Grant formed a dynamic duo on the defensive line with Mason Graham, another standout who declared for the draft earlier this month. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with, anchoring what many considered the nation’s best interior defensive line. Grant’s stats speak volumes: he led Michigan with two fumble recoveries and ranked second on the team with five pass breakups. Additionally, he contributed 3.0 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 quarterback hurries, earning him second-team All-Big Ten honors and third-team AP All-America honors.
One of Grant’s standout performances came during Michigan’s 13-10 upset win over archrival Ohio State on November 30, where he recorded four tackles and an assisted tackle for loss. This game was a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matchups.
Grant’s journey to this point has been marked by moments of brilliance. He first showcased his incredible athleticism in 2023 at Penn State, where he made a memorable play by tracking down running back Kaytron Allen on a breakaway. That year, Grant started five games for Michigan’s national championship-winning team, finishing with 29 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. His efforts earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors once again.
As Grant prepares to take the next step in his career, he joins a group of talented Wolverines who have also declared for the draft. This includes Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson, and tight end Colston Loveland. Their decisions come ahead of Michigan’s upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl appearance against No. 11 Alabama on Tuesday in Tampa.
- Kenneth Grant Jr. is entering the NFL draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.
- He is ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect for the 2025 draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
- Grant formed a formidable defensive line duo with Mason Graham at Michigan.
- He earned second-team All-Big Ten and third-team AP All-America honors.
- Grant’s notable performances include a standout game against Ohio State.
As we look forward to the NFL draft, the anticipation surrounding Kenneth Grant Jr.’s professional debut is palpable. His journey from a standout college player to a promising NFL prospect is a story that continues to inspire and captivate fans. The Wolverines community will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
