Penn State got a cleaner look at its injury situation Thursday night, and the Big Ten availability report delivered a mixed bag for the Nittany Lions ahead of Saturday’s trip to Michigan.
Two Penn State starters were upgraded and taken off the report, while starting wide receiver Trebor Noodim surfaced as questionable. On the other side, Michigan’s report stayed exactly where it was, with no movement at all.
The Thursday update also sent two Penn State players in different directions after both had been listed as questionable on Wednesday. Cornerback Josiah Zayas and running back Carson Hansen were both cleared and removed from the report, while Noodim was added. Noodim has 23 catches for 359 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Linebacker Kariem Smith was another Penn State player who moved off the questionable list, a positive development for linebacker depth, while kicker Cristiano Rosa was downgraded. Zayas and Kemajou left the loss to USC with injuries but returned, and Hansen handled a full workload against the Trojans. Nnodim had been listed as a game-time decision entering that matchup.
Penn State also added two new names to the out category to start game week: linebacker Alex Tatsch and defensive lineman Liam Andrews. Tatsch was ruled out for the season earlier this week.
The other players already listed there have each missed multiple games this year, with defensive linemen Max Granville, Mason Robinson and Will Tompkins all ruled out for the season. Coach Campbell said Howard and Arrington could return after the bye.
Michigan’s Thursday report showed no changes. The Wolverines still have two players listed as probable, six as questionable, one as doubtful and five as out for Saturday.
The probable group includes wide receiver Andrew Marsh and offensive lineman Nathan Efobi. Marsh, Efobi, Dom Nichols, Jake Guarnera and John Henry Daley all started for Michigan against Minnesota two weeks ago.
Michigan’s questionable list features Dom Nichols, Aisea Moa, Jake Guarnera, Andrew Babalola, Brady Norton and John Henry Daley. Kendrick Bell remains doubtful, while Braydon Alford, Micah Ka’apana, Julius Holly and Ace Hamilton are out.
Penn State and Michigan will each submit two more availability reports before kickoff: 8 p.m. Friday and 1:30 p.m.
Saturday. The teams are set for a 3:30 p.m.
ET kickoff at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, with CBS carrying the game. Brad Nessler, Charles Davis and Jenny Dell will be on the call.
Michigan is a seven-point favorite, according to Caesars Sportsbook.
The Big Ten first rolled out pregame availability reports before the 2024 season and expanded the system for 2026. On game day, the final report comes two hours before kickoff.
For midweek reports, players are tagged probable, questionable, doubtful, out or out (1st Half). If a player does not appear, he is considered available.
In Other News...
Penn State Could Be Getting A Familiar Name Back For A Key Need
Penn State may be getting a familiar name back at just the right time, with LaVar Arrington II expected to return to the football team after the bye week. The son of College Football Hall of Famer LaVar Arrington spent last season contributing on special teams, and his return adds another layer to a defense looking for help in the right spots.
Coach Matt Campbell said the staff still has to decide whether Arrington II will line up at linebacker or defensive end, a choice that will shape how quickly he can make an impact. After missing time this season because of injury, his comeback gives Penn State another option to consider as it tries to maximize his value on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Offense May Be Forced Into A Shakeup At Worst Time
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Mouser also left open the possibility of changes up front, and freshman receiver Amarion Jackson could see more opportunities as the staff looks for a spark. The Nittany Lions have turned 14 of 26 trips inside the 20 into touchdowns, a mark that reflects both the promise and the frustration of an offense trying to find answers before the schedule gets any tighter. [Read more 🡒]
Penn State Could Get A Needed Defensive Lift For Michigan
Penn State may be close to getting a boost on the defensive side as it prepares for Michigan, with linebacker Cam Smith listed as probable after missing five games because of injury. His return would give the Nittany Lions another experienced piece in the middle of the defense at a time when every healthy body matters, especially with a matchup like this one looming.
The availability report also points to more depth returning around him, with receiver Chase Sowell, defensive tackle Armstrong Nnodim and defensive end Yvan Kemajou all expected to play. Koby Howard, however, remains out, so Penn State is still not completely back to full strength as it tries to line up its best answers for a significant test. [Read more 🡒]