Michigan TE Marlin Klein declares for NFL draft

Field Level Media|published: Fri 2nd January, 11:32 2026

Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (17) makes a catch against Purdue defensive back Hudauri Hines (4) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Michigan captain and tight end Marlin Klein, an All-Big Ten honorable mention this season, announced Friday he is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior has one season of college eligibility remaining. Klein caught 24 passes for 248 yards and a touchdown in 11 games in 2025, including four catches for 39 yards in a 41-27 loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday. He finished third on the Wolverines (9-4) this season in receptions and yards.

Klein told ESPN on Friday that he's "ready for the next step."

"The NFL is getting an explosive player that can do whatever is asked of him -- play special teams, run block and catch the ball and someone who is not going to complain about his usage," Klein said. "They are getting a player that's willing to die for his teammates."

Born in Cologne, Germany, Klein was selected the team's most improved player on offense as a junior after catching 13 passes for 108 yards in 13 games (six starts). In four seasons in Ann Arbor, he had 38 receptions for 364 yards and one TD in 36 games.

--Field Level Media