Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is not expected to play Saturday against Ohio State, leaving the Wolverines without their top defensive back and the program’s highest-rated NFL draft prospect.

Johnson was dealing with a toe injury and his absence was expected as he continued to deal with the injury. ESPN reported Saturday that Johnson was unlikely to play this week, and that will pay off against No. 2 Ohio State.

Johnson hasn’t played since Oct. 19, when he left the Illinois game with a toe injury. He is projected as the No. 2 overall player on Mel Kiper Jr.’s draft board, a rare high for a cornerback.

The loss of Johnson is not unexpected, but still looms large. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2024 before the injury, and his presence gave Michigan flexibility in their coverages because he is such an effective defender.

Ohio State has the nation’s No. 2 efficiency offense and the No. 31 overall pass offense. It includes a talented wide receiver group, led by veteran Emeka Egbuka and freshman Jeremiah Smith.

Johnson is a 6-foot-1, 202-pound corner who earned Defensive MVP Honors in Michigan’s national title win against Washington last year. He finished 2023 with four interceptions and earned numerous All-American honors. He was also a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection.

The possibility looms that not playing against the Buckeyes could mean the end of Johnson’s college career if he chooses to skip Michigan’s bowl game. Skipping bowl games is expected for elite prospects like Johnson, who is on track to become a Top-5 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.