Top Michigan Wolverines Defender Not 100% Healthy Ahead of Season Opener

Michigan Wolverines defensive tackle Mason Graham is one of the most-celebrated NFL prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. A unanimous preseason All-American, Graham is the expected leader of a Wolverines defense looking to repeat its 2023 dominance.

However, Graham might not be 100% healthy by the time Michigan's season-opener rolls around.

Speaking on the ‘Inside Michigan Football’ radio show Monday evening, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale revealed that Graham was hurt during fall camp in preparation for the Aug. 31 opener against Fresno State.

"Well with Mason and Grant, you know, Mason's been banged up in training camp."

This isn't the first time Graham has battled injuries. Last season, he missed two games with a broken thumb that had to be surgically repaired. Graham still showed out, even while wielding a club on his hand.

Fortunately for the Wolverines, they still have plenty of top-flight talent on the defensive line around and behind Graham. His teammate, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, drew the attention of Martindale in that same interview.

Martindale offered effusive praise for Grant and his conditioning.

"But, you know, Grant, really, this past 10 days, you could really see him coming into football shape. Because, you know, I tell him all the time, the only way you get in football shape is play football. You know, you can do all the things we have downstairs. And they do a tremendous job downstairs. And you can pass a conditioning test. But you gotta put pads on and play football. And that's when you get into football shape. And, you know, he's really jumped out."

Additionally, Michigan boasts two talented edge rushers in Josaiah Stewart and Derrick Moore, who are ready to step up following the departures of Jaylen Harrell and Braiden McGregor.

Related: Former NFL executive calls one Michigan Wolverines' position the 'best in college football' ahead of 2024 season

Last week, head coach Sherrone Moore also praised defensive lineman T.J. Guy as a player ready to breakout for the Wolverines in 2024.

While Mason Graham might not be healthy for the season opener for the Wolverines, Michigan boasts the talent around him to manage his snaps and help him return to full health without the defense missing a beat.

Michigan will need him to be 100% for their Week 2 matchup against the Texas Longhorns.