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 (NFL). Standing 6 ft 6 in and listed at 267 lb, he plays on the edge of the defensive line and wears jersey number 55. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, winning three consecutive Big Ten Conference titles and a national championship in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Braiden McGregor was born on July 12, 2001, in Port Huron, Michigan. He grew up in the same border city that produced several notable athletes and developed his early interest in football through local youth programs.
He attended Port Huron Northern High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the state. McGregor was a three-time All-State and All-Conference selection as a football player. As a junior, he recorded 99 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions, demonstrating a rare blend of size, speed and finishing ability.
His senior season was cut short after he tore the MCL, PCL and meniscus in his right knee, limiting him to seven games in which he registered 32 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks. He still set a school record with 227 career tackles. Rated as the number one high school football player in the state of Michigan in 2020 and ranked thirty-second overall in ESPN’s Top 300, McGregor received scholarship offers from 36 schools, including Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame. On May 24, 2019, he committed to the University of Michigan.
Path to American Football
McGregor’s path to college football was built on dominant high school production and statewide recognition. His combination of length, hand technique and motor made him a priority recruit for top programs across the country, and his commitment to Michigan reflected both his Midwestern roots and his interest in the Wolverines’ defensive tradition.
The serious knee injury he suffered as a senior briefly interrupted his momentum, but his recovery and long-term outlook remained strong enough to preserve his scholarship and his status as a top-ranked recruit. He enrolled at Michigan in 2020 and began the long rehabilitation process that would shape his early college years.
Braiden McGregor Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
McGregor enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2020. After tearing his MCL, PCL and meniscus in his right knee during his senior year in high school, he did not play while rehabilitating the knee during his freshman year, focusing on strength training and learning the defensive system.
In 2021, as a sophomore, he appeared in nine games as a backup defensive end and special teams contributor, recording five tackles. The season allowed him to gain game experience and refine his pass-rush technique after a full year away from live action.
Michigan Breakthrough (2022–2023)
As a junior in 2022, McGregor appeared in all 14 games and started three. On September 17, 2022, he made his first career start against UConn. He finished the season with 17 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. His first career sack came on a shared takedown in the season opener against Colorado State on September 3, 2022, a small milestone that signaled his growing role in the rotation.
As a senior in 2023, McGregor became a full-time starter at defensive end, starting all 15 games and winning a national championship with Michigan. He contributed 26 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks on the season and was named All-Big Ten honorable mention. On January 1, 2024, in the Rose Bowl, McGregor recorded two sacks against Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, anchoring a defensive performance that helped Michigan reach the College Football Playoff title game. He was part of three consecutive Big Ten Conference championship teams and the 2023 CFP national champion squad.
New York Jets Era (2024–Present)
On April 27, 2024, McGregor signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. He was also selected by the DC Defenders in the fifth round of the 2024 UFL draft on July 17, but his NFL opportunity took priority. McGregor made the Jets’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp as an undrafted free agent, an unusual achievement that underlined his value as a developmental edge rusher.
In his rookie season he appeared in regular rotation at defensive end and on special teams. Through his first NFL campaign, McGregor totaled 21 tackles, one sack and one pass deflection, while continuing to grow into a larger role on the Jets’ defensive front.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6 ft 6 in with long arms and a 267 lb frame, McGregor fits the modern NFL mold for an edge defender. His college film highlighted active hands, the ability to convert speed to power and the stamina to hold up against the run on early downs, while his special teams background showed the toughness and reliability NFL coaches value in young defenders.
Notable Events and Milestones
McGregor’s signature moment came in the 2024 Rose Bowl, where his two sacks of Jalen Milroe helped Michigan secure a victory over Alabama en route to the national championship. Other milestones include his first career start against UConn in 2022, his first career sack against Colorado State and his transition from undrafted free agent to an active Jets roster member in 2024.
Braiden McGregor Career Wins
At the college level, Braiden McGregor was part of three consecutive Big Ten Conference championships and the 2023 College Football Playoff national championship with the Michigan Wolverines. As a professional, he is still building his resume with the New York Jets and has not yet recorded a regular-season NFL victory highlighted as a defining individual achievement.
Michigan Highlights
McGregor’s most prominent team win was the 2023 CFP national championship with Michigan. He also contributed to three straight Big Ten titles during his time in Ann Arbor and posted a memorable two-sack performance in the Rose Bowl against Alabama on January 1, 2024.
Other Wins & Performances
During his junior season in 2022, McGregor helped Michigan to key conference victories while starting three games and posting 2.5 sacks. His professional career is in its early stages with the Jets, where his development remains the primary storyline.
Braiden McGregor Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly verified details about Braiden McGregor’s parents and immediate family are limited. He grew up in Port Huron, Michigan, and his background in the city shaped his introduction to competitive football.
Personal Life
McGregor keeps his personal life largely private and focuses on his professional career with the New York Jets. He is not publicly known to be married, and details about a spouse or children have not been confirmed in verified sources.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Braiden McGregor is expected to compete for a larger role on the New York Jets’ defensive line. After making the initial 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent in 2024, he enters his second professional year with a clearer path to rotational snaps at defensive end.
His rookie totals of 21 tackles, one sack and one pass deflection offer a baseline for his continued growth. The Jets’ defensive staff will look for him to build on his length, hand technique and special teams reliability while pushing for more pressures and quarterback hurries in passing situations.
If McGregor can stay healthy and translate his college production into consistent NFL disruption, he has a realistic chance to develop into a steady contributor on the edge and expand his role within the Jets’ defensive rotation.