U-M star Johnson, WR Loveland likely out vs. OSU
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Michigan cornerback Will Johnson was not expected to play against Ohio State on Saturday, leaving the Wolverines without their top defensive back and the program’s highest-regarded NFL draft prospect.
The Wolverines could also be without leading wide receiver Colston Loveland, who sat out the second half of last week’s game win over Northwestern because of an undisclosed injury and has been limited all week in practice.
Sources told ESPN there was increasing pessimism about Loveland’s availability for Saturday’s game.
Johnson has been battling a toe injury, and his absence had become expected as he continued to deal with the injury. ESPN reported Saturday that Johnson was unlikely to play this week, and that would come to fruition against No. 2 Ohio State.
Johnson hasn’t played since Oct. 19, when he left the Illinois game because of the toe injury. He’s projected as the No. 2 overall player on Mel Kiper Jr.’s draft board, a rare high spot for a cornerback.
The loss of Johnson was not unexpected but still looms large. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2024 before the injury, and his presence gave Michigan flexibility in their coverages because he’s such an effective defender.
Ohio State has the country’s No. 2 passing efficiency offense and No. 31 overall pass offense. It includes a talented wide receiver group, led by veteran Emeka Egbuka and star freshman Jeremiah Smith.
Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 202-pound corner who earned defensive MVP honors in Michigan’s national title win against Washington last year. He finished 2023 with four interceptions and earned numerous All-American honors. He also was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection.
The possibility looms that not playing against the Buckeyes could mark the end of Johnson’s college career, if he elects to skip Michigan’s bowl game. Skipping bowl games is expected for elite prospects like Johnson, who is on track to be a top-five overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Loveland, who has 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns this season, is listed as the No. 21 prospect on Kiper’s latest big board.
