Jaishawn Barham

Overview

Jaishawn Barham was a versatile defensive standout for Michigan from 2024 to 2025. A transfer from Maryland, he started at linebacker as a junior before shifting to edge rusher as a senior. Known for his physicality, athleticism, and production against both the run and the pass, Barham became a key piece of Michigan’s defense during his two seasons in Ann Arbor.

He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (92nd overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Career Statistics at Michigan

Career Highs at Michigan

• Tackles: 9 (vs. Michigan State, Oct. 26, 2024)

• Solo Tackles: 7 (vs. Michigan State, 2024)

• Tackles for Loss: 2.0 (multiple times, last at Maryland, 2025)

• Sacks: 2.0 (vs. Central Michigan, Sept. 13, 2025)

Year-by-Year Breakdown

2024 (Junior – Linebacker)
Barham started all 13 games in his first season at Michigan. He finished second on the team with 66 tackles and added 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and two pass breakups. He was a consistent presence in the middle of the defense and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.

2025 (Senior – Edge / Linebacker)
Barham began the year at linebacker before shifting primarily to edge rusher in Week 3. The move unlocked higher disruption numbers. He finished with 32 tackles, a career-high 10.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks in 12 games (11 starts). He earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition and repeated as an Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Notable 2025 performances:

• vs. Central Michigan: 6 tackles, 2.0 sacks

• at Nebraska: 4 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack

• at Maryland: 4 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1.0 sack

Background & Path to Michigan

• Hometown: District Heights, Maryland

• High School: Saint Frances Academy (Baltimore)

• Previous School: Maryland (2022–2023)

  • 2022: Freshman All-American, 58 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks

  • 2023: 37 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 1 interception

Barham entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season and joined Michigan in December 2023. He quickly became a starter and adapted to multiple roles under the defensive staff.

Awards & Honors (Michigan)

• Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2025)

• Academic All-Big Ten (2024, 2025)

• Two-time letter winner (2024–2025)

Legacy at Michigan

Barham provided Michigan with rare versatility — capable of playing off-ball linebacker or on the edge. His 2025 move to edge rusher highlighted his explosiveness and ability to create negative plays. Over two seasons he started 24 of 25 games and left as a productive, physical defender who helped anchor the front seven.

He was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

Quick Facts

• Height/Weight: 6-3, 240–243 lbs

• Position: Linebacker / Edge

• Jersey: No. 1 (Michigan)

• Drafted: 2026 NFL Draft – Round 3, Pick 92 (Dallas Cowboys)