The 1958 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1958 Big Ten Conference football season. In its 11th and final year under head coach Bennie Oosterbaan, Michigan compiled a 2–6–1 record (1–5–1 against conference opponents), finished in eighth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by opponents by a combined total of 211 to 132 points. The team got off to a promising start with a 20–19 victory over USC and a 12–12 tie with a Michigan State team that was ranked No. 2 in the Coaches Poll. After two games, Michigan was ranked No. 12 in the Coaches Poll. The team then lost six of its final seven games. Bennie Oosterbaan resigned after the 1958 season. Fullback John Herrnstein was the team captain, and quarterback Bob Ptacek received the team's most valuable player award. The team's statistical leaders included Bob Ptacek with 763 passing yards, left halfback Darrell Harper with 309 rushing yards, and left end Gary Prahst with 313 receiving yards.

Schedule

Game summaries

USC

On September 27, 1958, Michigan defeated USC, 20–19, before a crowd of 77,005 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fullback and captain John Herrnstein rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Herrnstein's first touchdown came on Michigan's first possession. Michigan started the drive on the USC 37-yard line after Gary Prahst partially blocked a punt. Michigan led, 14–7, at halftime and 20–7 at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter began with USC at Michigan's one-yard line, but USC halfback Rex Johnston fumbled on the goal line, and Michigan recovered the ball. Later in the quarter, Johnston ran 67 yards for a touchdown, but Johnston missed the extra-point kick, narrowing Michigan's lead to 20–13. On its next drive, Tom Maudlin threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Hilliard Hill. USC lined up in kick formation for the extra point, but a late substitution cost them five yards. On the next play, an illegal procedure penalty pushed USC back to the 13-yard line. USC then shifted out of the kick formation, and Maudlin threw to Bob Arnett in an attempted two point conversion, but Arnett was tackled at the seven-yard line.

Statistical leaders

Michigan's individual statistical leaders for the 1958 season include those listed below.

Rushing

Passing

Receiving

Kickoff returns

Punt returns

Personnel

Letter winners

The following 40 players received varsity letters for their participation on the 1958 team. Players who started at least four games are shown with their names in bold.

Non-letter winners

Freshmen

Coaches and staff

Awards and honors

Team honors and awards for the 1958 season went to the following individuals.