Michigan tight end Colston Loveland will reportedly play less often against Ohio State

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday that there is “increasing pessimism” regarding the status of star tight end Colston Loveland, who was reportedly able to practice on a limited basis all week after missing last week’s game against Northwestern with a shoulder injury had left.

Sources: There is increasing pessimism regarding Michigan TE Colston Loveland’s availability for Saturday’s game against No. 2 Ohio State. Due to an undisclosed injury, he did not play in the second half of the Northwestern game and was limited in practice all week. pic.twitter.com/1z4xZKaKSo

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 29, 2024

With Loveland out, Michigan will be without two of its biggest stars, as cornerback Will Johnson is also not expected to play in the game due to a toe injury he suffered in October.

Loveland was one of the best tight ends in all of college football this season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. He was named this week as one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, along with Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr.

Michigan can’t afford to lose Loveland because its passing offense has been one of the worst in the country, even if Loveland has more than twice as many receptions, yards and touchdowns as any other Wolverine this year. No other Wolverine has caught more than 23 passes, 234 yards or two touchdowns, leaving the maize and blue sorely lacking weapons to test Ohio State’s No. 1 defense.

The 120th edition of The Game begins at noon Saturday at Ohio Stadium and will be televised by FOX.