Before we go any further, let’s get it out of the way: Will Johnson is still a very good player and one of the best cornerback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, through the first three games of Michigan’s college season, Johnson’s play hasn’t matched the lofty preseason hype. The No. 1 overall player on some respected analyst boards entering the season, Johnson hasn’t flashed the dominance or shutdown coverage that comes as an expectation of such praise.
In three games, Johnson has allowed 12 receptions on 18 targets, surrendering 143 yards — including 38 after the catch. Teams haven’t shied away from Johnson, who was incredible in 2023 in allowing only 256 yards and 17 catches in 12 games for the national champion Wolverines. He’s been victimized by a lot of comeback routes and quicker outside throws that negate his length and outstanding closing burst in space.
This weekend, Johnson gets a prominent stage to prove he still belongs as a top-10 overall prospect when USC rolls into Ann Arbor for the first Big Ten meeting between the two schools.
USC will be a challenge because the Trojans don’t have a true No. 1 receiver. In fact, their leading receiver through two games is tight end Lake McRee. It’s not unusual for top-shelf cornerbacks to have some relative struggles when the opposing offense doesn’t have a go-to target or NFL-caliber adversary, and Johnson needs to guard against falling into that trap again.
Against Texas, the one passing offense Michigan played that has any NFL talent at receiver, Johnson played well. He allowed just one catch all afternoon and was quick to terminate it. However, Fresno State and Arkansas State both threw at Johnson without trepidation in their “throw to who’s open” passing schemes.
Johnson got the last laugh in the opener, returning Fresno State’s last pass his way for a long pick-six on a play where it looked like Johnson was the intended receiver.
USC quarterback Miller Moss has looked strong in his first two games as Caleb Williams’ successor. He’s a pocket passer with a good arm and a willingness to challenge down the field. That’s precisely the type of game where Johnson has excelled in the past, presenting No. 2 with a chance to prove he is still CB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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