Michigan football had a decent contingent of players selected in the 2026 NFL draft, but when it came to those who went undrafted, those former Wolverines weren’t snatched up with the same vigor that we usually see. However, some are starting to find their way to NFL rosters.
Such was the case for center Greg Crippen. The starter who had waited his turn and waited more did well once he finally got his shot. But much like in his college career, he didn’t get snatched up off the board, even when any player unsigned could find a team. Crippen was invited to the Pittsburgh Steelers tryouts, and he managed to make a strong impression. He was subsequently signed by the Steelers, the franchise announced.
The Steelers signed undrafted free agent center Greg Crippen.
Crippen took part in the Steelers rookie minicamp over the weekend on a tryout basis.
Crippen played college football at the University of Michigan, where he appeared in 41 games in his career, starting 21. He started all 13 games at center for the Wolverines during the 2025 season.
Crippen was a flip from Notre Dame, but once on campus, Michigan kept picking up centers via the transfer portal — Olu Oluwatimi in 2022 and Drake Nugent in 2023. In 2024, it was expected to be his shot, but he was initally passed over in favor of converted defensive tackle Dominic Giudice. However, when Giudice went down with injury, Crippen got the start at Washington and never relinquished his role.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan center Greg Crippen signs with Steelers
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
