At Texas, he won a National Championship and was recognized as a unanimous All-American and the top college defensive back.

In football, he played wide receiver, cornerback, and safety, contributed in the playoffs his freshmen and junior years.

He was recognized as a unanimous All-American in 2005 and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back.

In the Rose Bowl game against the USC Trojans, Huff recovered a fumbled lateral from Reggie Bush, a play that many credit with changing the momentum of the game and helping the 2005 Texas Longhorns football team win the NCAA National Championship.

His first interception came in a game against a division rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, which set up kicker Sebastian Janikowski for the field goal, leading to a 20–17 victory.

[6] After recording just 12 tackles through the first 5 games of the 2008 season, Michael Huff was benched from his free safety position in favor of Hiram Eugene.

Huff finished the season with 59 tackles, half a sack and 3 interceptions, playing next to strong safety Tyvon Branch.

On opening day of the 2011 NFL season, he remained the starting free safety, playing next to Tyvon Branch, in a win over the Denver Broncos.

On October 9, 2011, against the Houston Texans, Huff intercepted his first pass of the year in the endzone with no time remaining to ensure victory for the Raiders.

[9][10] On March 27, 2013, Huff agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens on a three-year deal worth $6 million.

[12] In 2016, Huff joined Tom Herman's staff at Texas and served as assistant defensive backs coach.