Michigan’s defense will be missing a key player for their game against No. 1 Oregon, as cornerback Will Johnson will not play on Saturday due to an injury, according to CBS Sports/247 Sports and ESPN.
Johnson got hurt on October 19 during Michigan’s 21-7 loss to then-No. 22 Illinois, and he sat out last week when the Wolverines defeated Michigan State 24-17.
His injury affects his lower leg, with reports indicating he has a foot issue.
When asked about Johnson on Monday, Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said, “He’ll for sure (play again) this season. We’ll see how it works out this week and what he can do. So we’ll just let the doctors handle that. … Will has no plan of just shutting it down or anything like that.
“If he could go out there, he would go out there in a heartbeat. I know that he’ll be back out there at some point this season, whether it’s this week, next week, whatever it is. And there’s zero doubt in my mind that he’s a competitor that wants to be out there with his teammates.”
Moore’s comments suggested concerns about Johnson possibly choosing to skip college games to prepare for the NFL Draft. In ESPN’s latest 2025 draft rankings, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is the No. 1 prospect, with Johnson listed at No. 2.
So far this season, Johnson has made 12 tackles, defended three passes, and intercepted two balls, both of which he returned for touchdowns.
The defending national champion Wolverines have a record of 5-3 and are 3-2 in the Big Ten as they prepare to face Oregon, which is currently 8-0 and 5-0 in the conference.
