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Will Johnson injury update: Michigan star heads to locker room for X-rays as Wolverines face USC

Posted on by angelo
Will Johnson injury update: Michigan star heads to locker room for X-rays as Wolverines face USC

Michigan lost a slew of NFL talent after its undefeated championship season in 2023, and it showed when the Wolverines were crushed by Texas in Week 2. One player on the roster, however, still stands out as one of the best players in the country.

Michigan CB Will Johnson continued a strong junior season Saturday with an interception of USC QB Miller Moss, reading the play perfectly and taking Moss’ pass to the end zone to extend a surprising lead for the Wolverines.

The excitement quickly turned to panic for Michigan, however, when Johnson returned to the locker room in the fourth quarter of the No. 18 Wolverines’ Big Ten battle against the No. 11 Trojans.

Here are the latest updates on Johnson’s injury and his future status.

MORE: Will Johnson earns spot on Sporting News preseason All-America team

Will Johnson injury update

Johnson was seen walking through the tunnel during the fourth quarter of the Michigan-USC game. CBS reported that Johnson was heading to the X-ray room with his family present.

It was not immediately clear when Johnson was injured or what part of his body was injured, but Johnson was able to return to the tunnel.

The injury is troubling news for any Michigan fan, as Johnson has emerged as the leader of the Wolverines’ defense and one of the best defenders in the country. Already selected twice in four games, the junior has established himself as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Johnson, who was one of the most important players on last season’s championship team, had four interceptions and four pass deflections as a sophomore. He’s taken on an even more crucial role under new defensive coordinator Don Martindale, and Saturday’s pick-six showed the type of high-IQ play Johnson can make.

Michigan’s early success against USC showed that the Wolverines’ College Football Playoff hopes were still realistic despite the previous loss to Texas. Michigan returned to doing what it does best under Jim Harbaugh and ran the ball well while playing stellar defense. However, any absence of Johnson would be a major blow to the Wolverines’ season prospects.

Will Johnson’s NFL Draft Projection

Johnson is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with some projections even placing him in the top five.

SN’s Vinnie Iyer projected Johnson as the Seahawks’ No. 9 overall pick in his NFL preseason mock draft. Other projections have Johnson higher, and the Michigan cornerback is No. 4 on the NFL mock draft database’s consensus big board.