Michael Barrett from Lowndes High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Barrett joined Michigan.

In 2019 as a freshman Barrett saw action in 5 games and played a total of 29 snaps at linebacker for the Wolverines. He recorded just 3 tackles, one assist, while adding no stops.

As a sophomore for the Wolverines in 2020 Barrett played in 6 games and took part in 432 snaps for the Wolverines. He recorded 30 tackles, 11 assists, while adding 16 stops. In coverage Barrett made no pass breakups, no interceptions, and QB rating when targetted of 103.2. As a pass rusher, he chalked up 6 total pressures, and 4 QB hurries, one QB hit, and one sack during the year.

In 2021 as a junior Barrett played in 11 games and contributed on 187 snaps. He recorded 12 tackles, 6 assists while making 4 stops. In coverage Barrett chalked up one pass breakup, no interceptions, and a decent QB rating when targetted of 83.0. As a pass rusher, he produced 4 total pressures, which included one QB hurry, 2 QB hits, and one sack on the year.

In 2022 as a senior Barrett logged playing time in 13 games and logged a total of 568 snaps for the Wolverines. He also added 48 tackles, 21 assists, and 28 stops. While in coverage Barrett made no pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and an impressive QB rating when targetted of 74.4. As a pass rusher, he tallied 11 total pressures, which included 7 QB hurries, one QB hit, and 3 sacks on the season.