Playing under head coach Fritz Crisler, Ponsetto led the 1944 team to an 8–2 record and a #8 ranking in the final AP Poll.
[1] Ponsetto was selected as an All-Big Ten quarterback in 1944 and was elected captain of the 1945 team.
[1] He also handled place-kicking responsibilities for the Wolverines, converting four extra points against Minnesota,[2] four more against Purdue,[3] and five against Penn in 1944.
[4] Ponsetto led the 1945 team to a 7–3 record and a #6 ranking in the final AP Poll.
[6] In September 1946, doctors advised that Ponsetto's knee may not withstand the stress of playing football.