Michigan captured the Big Ten championship, was ranked #9 in the final AP Poll, defeated California in the 1951 Rose Bowl, and placed three of its player on one or both of the first teams.
Michigan's honorees were halfback Chuck Ortmann, fullback Don Dufek, and tackle Robert Wahl.
Illinois compiled a 7–2 record and a #13 ranking in the final AP Poll and had four players selected as first-team honorees.
The Illinois first-team honorees were halfback Dick Raklovits, end Tony Klimek, center Bill Vohaska and guard Chuck Brown.
The Ohio State first-team honorees were quarterback and 1950 Heisman Trophy winner Vic Janowicz, tackle Bill Trautwein, and guard John Biltz AP = Associated Press, chosen by conference coaches[1] UP = United Press[2] Bold = Consensus first-team selection of both the AP and UP