Wolverine Digest

Will Johnson breaks Michigan football record

Trent Knoop|
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. | Kimberly P. Mitchell/Detroit Free Press / USA TODAY NETWORK

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- With USC trailing 14-10, with the ball, and looking to potentially take the lead against Michigan, the Wolverines needed an answer on defense. That answer came in the form of cornerback Will Johnson.

Miller Moss looked to make a simple throw in the flat, but Johnson closed down on the pass, intercepted the ball, and took it 42-yards for a pick-six. Dominic Zvada would go on to miss the extra point, but the Wolverines would take a 20-10 lead heading toward the end of the third quarter.

It would make Johnson's third career pick-six as a Wolverine and he now holds a new Michigan football record. Johnson has the most in Wolverines' football history. The junior cornerback allowed some passes caught while Moss threw in his direction, but Johnson completely made up for it with that play.

USC would go down on its next possession to score a touchdown, but the Wolverines still lead 20-17 with 1:27 left in the third.

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

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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