REPORT: Star Michigan football player 'expected' to miss game vs. MSU

Star defensive back Will Johnson 'is expected to miss' the game against Michigan State this evening, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. Johnson left last week against Illinois after one series of play. Johnson has been somewhat injury-plagued since coming to Ann Arbor missing several games due to injury.
The Wolverines won't have an easy task on Saturday without Johnson. As fans saw last week against Illinois, veteran Aamir Hall stepped in and played OK, but the secondary had several penalties without Johnson in the game that extended drives. When the Spartans take the field against Michigan, Aidan Chiles has developed a great connection with freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh who has been electric.
Now either Jyaire Hill or Hall will be tasked with defending the sensational freshman. The Wolverines enter the game as four-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook, but depending on how the injury report looks for Michigan -- some money could go on Michigan State.
Michigan star cornerback Will Johnson is not expected to play tonight against Michigan State, per ESPN sources. He left the Illinois game last week with a lower body injury and was considered questionable by coach Sherrone Moore this week. pic.twitter.com/mtMQwIMVEZ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 26, 2024
In six games, of off and on play time, Johnson has tallied 14 tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions and two defensive scores for the Wolverines.
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Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.
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