Braiden McGregor Bio
Braiden McGregor (born July 12, 2001) is an American professional football defensive end for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, winning three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and a national championship in 2023. McGregor joined the Jets as an undrafted free agent in April 2024 and made the team’s initial 53-man roster out of training camp, establishing himself as a developing piece of New York’s defensive front.
Early Life and Background
Braiden McGregor was born on July 12, 2001, in Port Huron, Michigan. He attended Port Huron Northern High School in his hometown, where he developed into one of the most highly decorated football players in the state. McGregor earned three-time All-State and All-Conference honors during his high school career.
As a junior at Port Huron Northern, McGregor recorded 99 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. His senior season was cut short by a knee injury that caused him to miss most of the year. He appeared in just seven games, registering 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Despite the injury-shortened season, he set a school record with 227 career tackles.
McGregor was ranked as the top high school football player in Michigan for the class of 2020 and was rated as the number 32 overall prospect in the country according to ESPN’s Top 300. He received scholarship offers from 36 schools, including powerhouse programs Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. On May 24, 2019, McGregor committed to play collegiately at the University of Michigan.
Path to American Football
McGregor enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2020. His collegiate journey got off to a challenging start as he continued rehabilitating from the knee injury he sustained during his senior year of high school. The injury had caused significant damage, including tears to his MCL, PCL, and meniscus in his right knee. As a result, McGregor did not play during his freshman season, using the year to focus on recovery and adjustment to college-level training.
In 2021, as a sophomore, McGregor appeared in nine games primarily as a backup defensive end and special teams contributor. He recorded five tackles during this developmental season. The experience of playing at the collegiate level helped him regain confidence in his knee and adapt to the speed and physical demands of Big Ten football.
His breakthrough came in 2022 as a junior when he appeared in all 14 games and earned three starts. McGregor totaled 17 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks on the season. He earned his first career start on September 17, 2022, against UConn. His first career sack came on a shared sack in the season opener against Colorado State on September 3, marking an important milestone in his development.
Braiden McGregor Career
Michigan Wolverines Era (2020-2023)
McGregor elevated to a full-time starting role at defensive end during his senior season in 2023. He started all 15 games and became a consistent presence in Michigan’s defensive line rotation. He contributed 26 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks while helping anchor a defense that powered the Wolverines to their third consecutive conference championship.
The crowning achievement of McGregor’s collegiate career came during Michigan’s run to the 2023 national championship. His most spectacular performance came in the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024, where he recorded two sacks on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. The dominant effort helped Michigan defeat Alabama and advance to the national championship game, which they won to claim the title. Following the season, McGregor was named All-Big Ten honorable mention.
New York Jets Era (2024-Present)
Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, McGregor attracted significant interest from teams seeking defensive line talent. On April 27, 2024, he signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. His strong college resume and combination of size and athleticism made him an intriguing addition to a Jets roster looking to build depth along their defensive front.
McGregor also demonstrated his versatility by being selected by the DC Defenders in the fifth round of the 2024 UFL Draft, showing his value as a player who could contribute in multiple professional leagues. His primary focus remained on earning a spot with the Jets, and he accomplished that goal by making the team’s initial 53-man roster out of training camp.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 6 inches and 267 pounds, McGregor possesses the size and length that NFL teams covet in a defensive end. His background at Michigan, playing against top-tier competition in the Big Ten and against elite college offenses during their national championship run, prepared him for the physical demands of professional football. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback while also defending the run makes him a versatile piece for defensive coordinator rotations.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
McGregor’s most notable career milestone remains Michigan’s 2023 national championship, where his performance in the Rose Bowl solidified his reputation as a big-game performer. The two-sack performance against a talented Alabama team showcased his ability to compete at the highest levels. He completed his Michigan career as a three-time Big Ten champion and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition in his final season.
Braiden McGregor Career Achievements
McGregor built a collection of notable accomplishments during his time at Michigan, culminating with the 2023 national championship. His consistency improved each season, transitioning from a special teams role to a full-time starter on one of college football’s best defenses.
Michigan Wolverines Highlights
McGregor played a key role on Michigan teams that dominated the Big Ten Conference from 2021 to 2023, winning three consecutive conference titles. His 2023 Rose Bowl performance against Alabama, where he recorded two sacks, stands as the signature game of his collegiate career. He finished his Michigan career having appeared in 38 games with 18 starts, accumulating 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks.
Championship Titles
Beyond the 2023 national championship, McGregor was part of Michigan teams that claimed three straight Big Ten Conference championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The sustained success at the highest level of college football demonstrated his ability to contribute to winning programs throughout his career.
Braiden McGregor Family
Family Background
McGregor was born and raised in Port Huron, Michigan, where he attended Port Huron Northern High School. Information about his parents and family background remains private, as McGregor has chosen to keep those details out of the public spotlight.
Personal Life
McGregor maintains a public presence on Instagram under the handle braiden_mcgregor. He continues to represent his Michigan roots as he begins his professional football career with the Jets. No public information is available regarding a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
McGregor enters his second NFL season with the New York Jets in 2025, looking to build on his rookie year experience. The Jets coaching staff continues to evaluate his progress and potential role within their defensive scheme. As a young player still learning the professional level, McGregor represents part of New York’s long-term defensive line planning.
His professional statistics through early 2025 include 21 total tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection across his rookie campaign. These numbers reflect limited playing time as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. The Jets value his developmental upside and continue working to integrate him more prominently into their defensive rotation.