Athletics History
The Bentley Historical Library preserves and shares the rich history of the University of Michigan and its legendary athletic programs.
Explore History by Sport
What are you here for?
Roster Databases
Browse individuals who have been part of varsity sports programs at the University of Michigan from 1864-present.
Search Rosters
Image Bank
Thousands of images from U-M sports, from the earliest football and baseball images to modern athletics photos, can be found here.
View Images
Collections Guide
This overview will help familiarize you with some of the many Bentley resources related to intercollegiate athletics.
Explore the GuideFeatured Athletic Resources
Resource
Michigan in the Olympics
From the second modern Olympic Games held in Paris in 1900 to the 2026 Games in Milan, the University of Michigan has made its mark in Olympic competition.
Resource
Statistics Archive
Browse through the statistical history and record books of some U-M sports. Search by athlete name, statistical category, season or opponent.
Resource
Hall of Honor
Wolverines inducted into the Hall of Honor since 1978 for making significant contributions as U-M athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Athletics Stories and Exhibits
Article
Michigan vs Ohio State
The ongoing rivalry between The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan was established the first time the teams went head-to-head in 1897.
Article
A Sporting Chance: Women's Athletics at the University of Michigan
Women at U-M fought to have athletic facilities where they could exercise and play sports, same as the men. They had to carve out spaces for themselves.
Exhibit
The Art of Football
For more than a century, the game program has been a part of Michigan’s football tradition, promoting and celebrating the team and the university.
Article
The Michigan Stadium Story
From the time the student Football Association was first organized in 1873, informal games and practice sessions were held on the “playground” on the north edge of campus.
Article
Michigan's Winged Helmet
Michigan’s football helmet is surely one of the most instantly recognizable icons in college sports. The famous “winged” design dates from 1938. when Coach Herbert O.
Exhibit
Wills Ward: More than the game
Willis Ward is indelibly identified with the U-M vs. Georgia Tech football game in Ann Arbor in 1934, but his legacy is more rich and complicated.
U-M lecturer Greg Dooley (front, facing class) teaches undergraduate students on sports history featuring materials from the Bentley Library.