Michigan football is heading into fall camp with a couple of injury updates that should ease a lot of concerns.
The biggest one on the defensive side is John Henry Daley. The Utah transfer, who posted 11.5 sacks last season, had his year end in November because of an Achilles injury.
Even with that setback, he still drew plenty of attention in the portal, and Michigan is counting on him to help replace Derrick Moore’s production off the edge. Daley also has been projected as an All-American, and he told The Michigan Inisider that he is 100 percent.
#Michigan EDGE John Henry Daley confirmed that he’s ready to go for the start of fall camp and even has bulked up to 263-pounds.
“Physically, I’m as good as I’ve ever been.”
Daley ranked as one of top players in the @247SportsPortal. https://t.co/1tPu6hKXZF pic.twitter.com/1asaYZ9inU
- Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) July 24, 2026
“Physically, I’m as good as I’ve ever been," Daley said in a recent interview. He also said he’s up to 263 pounds and ready for fall camp.
That’s a major development on its own, but the news around former five-star tackle Andrew Babalola might be even more encouraging for Michigan fans. He confirmed in an interview with the Michigan Insider that he is 100 percent, which could put him in position to compete for a starting job this fall.
Babalola, a 6-foot-6 tackle from Kansas, is the highest-rated offensive-line signee in Michigan football history. He was on track to play last season before an ACL injury at the end of fall camp forced him to miss the 2025 season.
Marich also reported on X that Babalola was “completely back” and “fully healthy for fall camp.” That’s a big boost for Kyle Whittingham and offensive line coach Jim Harding.
Babalola has the flexibility to play guard or tackle, and the same is true for Evan Link, who is expected to move inside. Michigan could line up with Blake Frazier, Andrew Babalola, Jake Guarnera, Evan Link, and Andrew Sprague across the front, with Guarnera as the obvious center. Beyond that, the pieces can be shuffled around.
That gives Harding plenty of options. Babalola still has to prove it on the field before he can push aside some of last season’s starters, but there’s a real chance he ends up among the five best linemen before long.
It may take a little time for Babalola or Daley to settle in, but both sound ready to be full-time contributors this season, and that would be a huge lift for Whittingham.
In Other News...
New Michigan Transfer Just Sent A Message Fans Will Feel
Kyle Whittinghams arrival in Ann Arbor has already brought a familiar face with him, and John Henry Daley is wasting no time sounding like someone who believes the move can pay off fast. The Utah transfer, now part of Michigans reshaped roster, spoke confidently about what he sees in the program and the way the pieces fit under a coach who has a long track record of building tough, physical teams.
Daleys optimism lands at an interesting moment for Michigan, because the roster looks deep in some places and still unsettled in others. Whittingham has pointed to the defensive front as a clear strength, but linebacker and quarterback remain areas to watch, which is why the tone around this team feels so charged heading into the season. If Daley is right about the ceiling, the Wolverines may have more than just a fresh coaching change on their hands. [Read more 🡒]
Notre Dame Just Missed On A Quarterback Recruit Fans Wanted Most
Lukas Prock had the kind of recruiting profile that tends to draw a crowd, and the quarterback from Indiana checked all the boxes for the Big Ten powers that came after him. A consensus four-star and one of the top passers in his class, Prock took visits to Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Florida before narrowing his focus, with his pro-style game and polished passing ability making him a natural fit for programs looking for a true pocket operator.
For Michigan, the miss is another reminder of how tight the margins can be when elite quarterbacks start weighing fit as much as brand name. Prock pointed to leadership, stability and recent success in making his decision, which is exactly the kind of pitch that can sway a recruit even when the usual blue-blood options are on the table. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Football Suddenly Has A Chance To Change Everything In 2028
Kyle Whittinghams first recruiting class at Michigan is already giving the program a different kind of buzz, and it starts with a top-15 ranking built around 15 blue-chip commitments. The Wolverines have not landed every elite target they chased, but the early returns suggest a staff that is back in the thick of the biggest recruitments, which is exactly the kind of momentum Michigan wanted to show as it tries to build a foundation for 2028.
The more interesting part is how many high-end battles still feel alive. Michigan is still pushing for several five-star prospects, and recruiting analysts believe the Wolverines have a real shot to finish with multiple headliners in the class. After missing on some early targets, the question now is whether this surge is the start of something bigger, or just the opening act before the final decisions come down. [Read more 🡒]