The Michigan football team has coasted to a 4-0 start, and during the first three weeks of the season, they did it without one of their best defensive players, Will Johnson. Johnson had an incredible 2022 campaign as a true freshman and he is expected to be one of the best defensive players in the country this season. He didn't play in the first three games because of a knee injury that resulted in surgery, but Johnson returned to the field on Saturday for Michigan against Rutgers. Having him back is huge for the Wolverines, especially with a road test against Nebraska coming up this weekend. Johnson is back, and he's feeling good.

“I’m feeling great,” Will Johnson said according to an article from Blue By Ninety. “I’m excited to be back out there. Excited to be back out there every week. Just want to keep getting better every week because I think that’s just the biggest thing for me right now is just get better every week.”

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (1) is tackled by Kentucky during a game between Tennessee and Kentucky at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
Tennessee land explosive ATH with unreal 100m speedLorenzo J Reyna ·
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson (9) takes a handoff from quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) during Spring Practice in Clemson, S.C. Monday, March 24, 2025.
Clemson boosts defense with huge 4-star recruiting win over rival MiamiLorenzo J Reyna ·
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) runs with the ball during the second half against Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Gi'Bran Payne (3) at Caesars Superdome.
Georgia hits new 2026 recruiting claim after landing No. 1 DLLorenzo J Reyna ·
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables walks off the field after the Armed Forces Bowl football game between he University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. Navy won 21-20.
Oklahoma beats out Deion Sanders, Colorado for 4-starLorenzo J Reyna ·
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) throws during the Crimson Combine at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Oklahoma football’s John Mateer takes extreme measure to prepare for first season with SoonersPreston Byers ·
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel during the Orange & White spring game in Neyland Stadium.
Tennessee football laps SEC rivals on recruiting scene with pair of key commitmentsBenjamin Adducchio ·

Coming back from a big injury, it's expected that Johnson might be a little bit rusty. However, it sounds like he's truly back to 100% as he said he could've played during the first weeks for Michigan.

“I mean, if I had to, I definitely could have,” Johnson said in regards to playing before week four. “But, like I said, I just wanted to be my healthiest and the best I can for the team and not be vulnerable out there for me or the team, so we were just doing what worked out for the team at the time.”

It was definitely the right move by the Wolverines to keep him out. The Michigan football team didn't play any tough teams during that stretch, and risking the injury getting worse wouldn't have been smart. Now, Johnson is back at full strength, and that will certainly come in handy when the Wolverines take on Nebraska this weekend.