Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for their season opener on September 5 against Western Michigan, but the roster will be missing three key contributors who are expected to miss the game due to injury.
Season Opener Preview
Carter Meadows, a five‑star edge rusher from the 2026 class, arrived on campus in the summer of 2024 as Michigan’s top‑rated recruit. Though he impressed during practice, a bridge program limited his time on the field, and he is ranked No. 1 in Washington, No. 4 nationally among edge rushers, and No. 9 overall among incoming freshmen according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings.
Andrew Babalola, a five‑star offensive tackle from the 2025 class, missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL. An earlier camp injury was relatively minor, but he was not expected to play unless an extraordinary recovery occurred, leaving him sidelined for the opener.
Hogan Hansen, a junior tight end who appeared in only four games last season, is out with undisclosed reasons after battling nagging injuries throughout 2025, further thinning the Wolverines’ depth chart.
The program is navigating a new offensive system under a revamped coaching staff, and the projected two‑deep depth chart for the season opener lists only these three expected absences, highlighting the challenge ahead for the Wolverines.
With the absence of their top recruits and a key veteran, Michigan must rely on emerging talent and adjusted schemes to compete effectively from the opening snap, setting the tone for a season that promises both uncertainty and opportunity.