Tag: Michigan

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Michigan CB Will Johnson enters 2025 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson entered the 2025 NFL Draft, ending his college career with his sights set on being a first-round pick in April.

Johnson, ranked as a top 10 player overall by Field Level Media in the 2025 draft rankings, is one of two Wolverines defenders to declare for the draft this week. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, another first-round prospect in Field Level Media rankings, announced his exit from Ann Arbor on Tuesday.

With elite size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and big-time production in the Big Ten, Johnson is projected as high as the No. 5 overall pick in 2025. He had nine career interceptions and set the record with three career interception returns for touchdowns.

“I want to start by thanking God for guiding me every step of the way. I would be nothing without Him and his hand on my life,” Johnson said in his farewell announcement posted to social media Wednesday. “To my coaches – Thank you to Coach Harbaugh for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at Michigan, it was a true honor.”

Johnson played in only six games in 2024 and said he won’t be playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama this month.

Johnson was sidelined for Michigan’s win over Ohio State last month with a toe injury and missed one game with a shoulder injury. He has been limited by the toe injury since leaving the game at Illinois on Oct. 19, but is expected to be healthy for the pre-draft circuit starting with the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

The defensive MVP of the national championship game in January, Johnson had two interception returns for touchdowns this season. He had four picks last season for the undefeated Wolverines, including an interception of then-quarterback Kyle McCord in the rivalry game against Ohio State that featured Johnson matching up with 2023 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr.

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2021; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Troy Trojans head coach Chip Lindsey directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Reports: Michigan close to hiring Chip Lindsey as OC

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After firing Kirk Campbell last week, Michigan is expected to hire Chip Lindsey as its new offensive coordinator, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

Lindsey, 50, has been North Carolina’s OC the past two seasons. He was the head coach at Troy from 2019-21, posting a 15-19 record. He also served as offensive coordinator with Southern Miss, Arizona State, Auburn and UCF after coaching at the high school level in Alabama and Georgia.

Under Lindsey’s guidance, the 2023 Tar Heels — led by 2024 No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye at quarterback — boasted the No. 7 offense in the country.

In Campbell’s lone season as Michigan’s OC, the Wolverines started three different QBs and struggled to move the ball after winning the national title the previous season.

Michigan appears to have its quarterback set for 2025 after five-star recruit Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU last week to join head coach Sherrone Moore’s program.

However, the Wolverines won’t have the services of running backs Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, who were seniors this season. Top wide receiver Tyler Morris is also departing via the transfer portal. Tight end Colston Loveland may bypass his final college season and enter the NFL draft after posting team highs in catches (56), yards (582), and TD receptions (five).

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer, in the background, during first-half action between Michigan and Minnesota at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

Michigan DT Mason Graham entering NFL draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan junior defensive tackle Mason Graham officially shifted gears to being preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Graham’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the All-American who helped the Wolverines to an undefeated national championship season in 2023 was turning pro. The Rose Bowl MVP in Michigan’s win over Alabama, Graham had 45 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2024.

Field Level Media ranks Graham No. 9 overall in the draft with a skill set that compares to Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. The Alabama product was the No. 13 pick in the 2018 draft because of his combination of upfield burst, upper-body strength and power in his hands.

Those same traits made Graham a two-time All-Big Ten selection and inspired the label from former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh that the interior lineman was a “Gift from the Football Gods.”

Graham and cornerback Will Johnson, another probable first-round pick in 2025, were among the few returning impact players from the national championship roster after Harbaugh left for the NFL.

In 37 games at Michigan, Graham had 107 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble.

Harbaugh said in 2023 when Graham returned to play with a ham-sized wrap around his fractured left hand within two weeks that several friends in the NFL were texting him to sing the praises of Graham for his relentless motor and effectiveness on all three downs.

A former wrestler who uses leverage to his advantage, Graham said prior to the 2024 season his greatest individual improvement was evolving technique as a pass rusher.

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; ESPN's College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit looks on prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Kirk Herbstreit’s son commits to Michigan

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Chase Herbstreit, a three-star quarterback and son of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, committed to Michigan over the weekend.

The elder Herbstreit starred at rival Ohio State (1989-93).

Chase Herbstreit is ranked as the 148th-best QB in the Class of 2025, according to 247Sports. He’s the second quarterback in Michigan’s 2025 class behind 5-star Bryce Underwood, whom Michigan lured away from LSU.

Herbstreit sons Tye and Jake played as walk-ons at Clemson and Zak Herbstreit is a walk-on tight end at Ohio State.

–Field Level Media

Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell talks to quarterback Davis Warren (16) at a timeout against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Michigan fires OC Kirk Campbell

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan dismissed offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell on Monday.

Tight ends coach Steve Casula was named the interim offensive coordinator as Michigan prepares for a bowl game.

Campbell, 38, had been on the Wolverines’ staff since 2022, but 2024 was his first year as their offensive coordinator. Michigan ranked 112th in Division I in scoring offense (22.2 points per game) at the end of a 7-5 regular season, one year after winning the national championship.

Michigan ranked No. 128 of 133 teams in total offense (294.2 yards per game) and No. 129 in passing offense (133.6 ypg), better than only Iowa and the three service academies.

“After a thorough assessment of our offense, I made the decision to relieve Kirk Campbell of his duties and move in a different direction,” head coach Sherrone Moore said in a statement. “This was a decision that I felt was in the best interest of our football program. I want to thank Kirk for his hard work and dedication to the university, Michigan Football and our student-athletes. I wish him well in his future coaching endeavors.”

Prior to Michigan, Campbell worked at Old Dominion as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2020-21).

–Field Level Media

Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes fight following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.

Report: Michigan, Ohio State fined $100K each for postgame scuffle

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan and Ohio State were reportedly fined $100,000 apiece by the Big Ten Conference on Sunday, resulting from the teams’ postgame brawl in Columbus, Ohio, the day before.

The conference doesn’t plan to suspend players, nor do the schools, according to a report from ESPN.

The melee ensued when Michigan players were preparing to plant their school flag at midfield after taking down heavily favored No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 with a last-minute field goal on Saturday. Buckeyes players raced from the south end zone, where they were singing their alma mater in front of the student section.

The Big Ten said in a statement that it “considers this matter concluded,” according to the report. The conference stated that the brawl not only violated “fundamental elements of sportsmanship,” but it “also jeopardized the safety of participants and bystanders.”

A statement from Ohio State called the fight, which lasted about five minutes, “unfortunate.”

“Good sportsmanship is always important in everything we do at Ohio State. Moving forward, we will continue to examine and address our post-game protocols to ensure our student-athletes, coaches, visiting teams and staff safely exit the field,” the school’s statement said.

The Buckeyes (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) won’t play in the Big Ten championship game and fell out of contention for a bye that is awarded to the four highest-ranked conference champions in the 12-team playoff.

Despite likely dropping in the next College Football Playoff rankings, Ohio State should still receive an at-large bid in the final bracket reveal on Dec. 8.

The Wolverines (7-5, 5-4), who beat Ohio State for the fourth straight time, await a bowl game bid.

–Field Level media

Nov 30, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Derrick Moore (8) attempts to plant the flag on the Ohio State Buckeyes logo as Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) rips the flag down after the game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Ohio State, Michigan players involved in postgame scuffle

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A melee broke out at midfield of Ohio Stadium after Michigan upset No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday.

After the Wolverines’ fourth straight win in the series, players converged at the block “O” to plant its flag. The Ohio State players were in the south end zone singing their alma mater in front of the student section.

When the Buckeyes saw the Wolverines’ flag, they rushed toward the 50-yard line. Social media posts showed Michigan offensive lineman Raheem Anderson carrying the flag on a long pole to midfield, where the Wolverines were met by dozens of Ohio State players and fights broke out.

Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer was seen ripping the flag off the pole and taking the flag as he scuffled with several people trying to recover the flag.

A statement from the Ohio State Police Department read:

“Following the game, officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in breaking up an on-field altercation. During the scuffle, multiple officers representing Ohio and Michigan deployed pepper spray. OSUPD is the lead agency for games and will continue to investigate.”

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings on FOX said:

“For such a great game, you hate to see stuff like that after the game. It’s bad for the sport, bad for college football. At the end of the day, some people got to learn how to lose, man.

“You can’t be fighting and stuff just because you lost the game. We had 60 minutes and four quarters to do all that fighting. Now people want to talk and fight. That’s wrong. It’s bad for the game. Classless, in my opinion. People got to be better.”

Once order was restored, officers cordoned the 50-yard line, using bicycles as barriers.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day in his postgame press conference said he wasn’t sure what happened.

“I don’t know all the details of it. But I know that these guys are looking to put a flag on our field and our guys weren’t going to let that happen,” he said.

“I’ll find out exactly what happened, but this is our field and certainly we’re embarrassed at the fact we lost the game, but there’s some prideful guys on our team that weren’t just going to let that happen.”

The Big Ten has not yet released a statement on the incident.

–Field Level Media

Brady Hart of Cocoa Tigers passes against Rockledge in the annual Barbecue Bowl Friday, November 1, 2024. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Texas A&M flips 4-star QB Brady Hart from Michigan

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Four-star quarterback Brady Hart has flipped his commitment to Texas A&M from Michigan and will reclassify to the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Hart changed his profile on the social media platform X on Friday morning, listing himself as a “Texas A&M Commit” while posting “#GigEm” on his profile, which includes a picture of Hart in an Aggies uniform.

The news comes in the wake of last week’s move of No. 1 overall prospect Bryce Underwood from LSU to Michigan as the flood of commitment flips continues among top quarterback prospects. Hart also considered LSU during his recruiting process, according to On3.com.

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Hart plans to attend the Texas-Texas A&M game in the regular-season finale Saturday, and will enroll early at College Station when the early signing period opens Dec. 4. Just 16 years old, Hart had been part of the 2026 cycle when he committed to Michigan in June, but now becomes Aggies coach Mike Elko’s 22nd commit for 2025, per On3.com.

Elko had been seeking another quarterback after Husan Longstreet flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to Southern Cal earlier this month.

“I’ve had a fair share of schools ask me to reclass these past couple of months,” Hart told ESPN. “I felt like I’m mentally ready to go to school and start the next step of all this. I just felt A&M was just the perfect place.”

Hart led his Cocoa Beach, Fla. team to the state championship as a sophomore. He threw for 3,293 yards and 32 touchdowns against eight interceptions in leading Cocoa Beach to an 8-3 record this season.

–Field Level Media

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson celebrates after intercepting a pass from Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.

Michigan CB Will Johnson out vs. Ohio State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan All-American cornerback Will Johnson’s next football game might be played on a Sunday.

The projected first-round cornerback is out for the Wolverines’ trip to No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday with a toe injury. Johnson has been limited since leaving the game at Illinois on Oct. 19, and his next stop is expected to be the NFL draft.

Johnson is ranked as a top 10 player overall by Field Level Media in the 2025 draft rankings,

The defensive MVP of the national championship game in January, Johnson has two interception returns for touchdowns this season. He had four picks last season for the undefeated Wolverines, including an interception of then-quarterback Kyle McCord in the rivalry game against Ohio State that featured Johnson matching up with 2023 first-rounder Marvin Harrison Jr.

Without Johnson on the field, opponents are averaging 6.6 yards per pass attempt. Ohio State features two wide receivers headed for all-conference notice in Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka caught a TD pass among three receptions for the Buckeyes at Michigan last year.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) runs the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Top 10 CFB Player Props For Rivalry Weekend

Posted on | by Field Level Media

It’s Saturday.

You have a big ol’ turkey sandwich in front of you.

You finished your Christmas shopping on Black Friday, and now you’re ready to win the money to pay for all those gifts by betting on a few college football player props from one of the many intense rivalry games on the schedule.

The million-dollar question is, of course, which ones do you bet on? To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of our 10 favorites for Rivalry Weekend.

Rivalry Weekend: CFB Player Props Odds via FanDuel unless otherwise stated:

–The Game: Michigan vs. Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State, O/U 49.5 rushing yards at -114/-114

Michigan’s run defense is supposed to be decent, but it will be on the field so much that it won’t matter. The Wolverines’ defense might slow down Henderson in the first quarter/half, but it will tire out by the second half, and the run lanes will get nice and wide.

As a senior who has never beaten Michigan, Henderson will be motivated and could get more garbage time in the fourth quarter. Take the OVER.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State, O/U 251.5 passing yards at -114/-114

Howard has gone over 251.5 yards passing just once in his past five games (vs. Purdue). Last week, against Indiana, he only had 201 yards in a dominant Ohio State offensive performance. His total wasn’t that low because the Hoosiers defense was playing tough.

No, it was because the team didn’t need him to take to the air for prolonged drives. Four of the Buckeyes’ six scoring drives were shorter than 50 yards. A similar scenario could present itself this weekend. Take the UNDER.

–Palmetto Bowl: South Carolina vs. Clemson
Lanorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, O/U 198.5 passing yards at -114/-114

Sellers had some struggles during the first month of the season, which is not unusual for a freshman quarterback. But when South Carolina played Alabama, things started to click. Since then, including the Alabama game, he has thrown for more than 198.5 yards in five of his past six.

Clemson’s pass defense is good but not great. It might slow Sellers down at first, but not for the entire game. He’ll clear 200 yards passing before the fourth quarter. Take the OVER.

Lanorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina, O/U 37.5 rushing yards at -114/-114

As for his rushing total, Sellers went over 37.5 yards in his past four. A legitimate dual threat, he averages 14 carries per game this season. Clemson allows 4.57 yards per carry, so as long as he gets nine carries and takes what the Tigers allow, he’ll have a nice day on the ground.

Take the OVER.

Phil Mafah, RB, Clemson, O/U 96.5 rushing yards at -114/-114

Mafah has been a workhorse for Clemson this year in the backfield, running for 100-plus yards in six of his first nine games. He struggled against Pitt, gaining just 17 yards on 17 carries. He’ll likely get around 20 carries, and if he can match his season average (5.6 yards per carry), he’ll easily go OVER his total.

But the South Carolina run defense is pretty strong against the run (No. 12 in the country, allowing just over 100 yards per game). Since he’ll get the bulk of touches in the backfield, he’ll have a shot at going over the total. But the day will belong to South Carolina. Take the UNDER.

–Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh: Southern California vs. Notre Dame
Jayden Maiava, QB, USC, O/U 235.5 passing yards

Maiava has done a solid job in his two starts since taking over as QB1 for the Trojans, throwing for 259 yards and three touchdowns (and an interception) in one game and 221 yards and a touchdown in the other. But neither Nebraska nor UCLA have a strong pass defense.

Notre Dame has the No 1 pass defense in the country. Take the UNDER.

–Lonestar Showdown: Texas vs. Texas A&M
Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M, O/U 180.5 passing yard at -114/-114

On paper, it doesn’t look like Texas A&M will move the ball at all, with Texas having the No. 2 pass defense and No. 13 run defense. But the Longhorns played the easiest schedule in the SEC, so you have to take those numbers with a grain of salt.

Since taking over as QB1 for the Aggies, Marcel Reed has been electric. He is a dual threat with a strong arm and quick feet. In his past three games, vs. South Carolina, New Mexico State and Auburn, Reed has passed for over 200 yards in each.

Texas might slow him down, but the Longhorns will not contain him for the whole game. Take the OVER.

Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M, O/U .5 passing touchdowns at -220/+162

If you think Texas will dominate this game, then take the UNDER. However, if you believe the Aggies will be competitive in this game, then take the OVER. We’re taking the OVER.

Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas, O/U 45.5 rushing yards -114/-114

The Texas A&M defense is good on paper, but the numbers are a little misleading. Often, the Aggies’ defense gets gashed by the running game in the first half and helps the opposing team get out to a nice lead. But then it makes some adjustments at halftime and controls the line of scrimmage in the second half.

Blue is good enough to go for 45 yards in the first half, even if he ends up splitting carries with Quintrevion Wisner. If he doesn’t, he’ll get close and then finish the job in the second half.

–Field Level Media