CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, a projected top-five pick in the 2025 NFL draft, left Saturday's 21-7 loss to No. 22 Illinois with an apparent lower-leg injury.
Johnson, an All-America selection in 2023 who has battled injuries during his career, did not play the final few defensive series of the first half. He showed a noticeable limp while trotting out of No. 24 Michigan's tunnel for the second half, and soon appeared without his helmet on the Wolverines' sideline.
CBS reported that Johnson injured his ankle.
The Wolverines junior did not record any official stats Saturday. He entered the game with 14 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 pass breakups this season.
ESPN's Mel Kiper lists Johnson as his No. 2 prospect for the 2025 NFL draft, behind Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter. ESPN's Matt Miller ranks Johnson as his top overall prospect for the draft.
Johnson left Michigan's Sept. 21 game against USC with a shoulder injury and sat out the following week against Minnesota. He underwent knee surgery in the offseason before the 2023 season, and missed Michigan's first three games.