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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While Michigan football enters the 2020 season with a formidable receiving corps, there’s a possibility it could be even better.
While star wideout Nico Collins announced after the VRBO Citrus Bowl against Alabama that he would return for his senior year, when the Big Ten postponed the 2020 season on Aug. 11, Collins quietly departed, signing with an agent in the process.
Though that’s usually the death knell of intercollegiate eligibility as far as the NCAA is concerned, waivers are being issued, which has allowed players like Michigan RT Jalen Mayfield to return, as well as Ohio State‘s Shaun Wade and Wyatt Davis, Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman and Purdue wideout Rondale Moore.
Star corner Ambry Thomas told WolverinesWire that his days in Ann Arbor are finished, as he found himself in the same boat as Collins, but Collins hasn’t announced either way whether he would return or stay in the NFL draft. His wide receiver teammate Mike Sainristil says that he’s lobbied to get him back in the fold, but Collins hasn’t made up his mind as of yet as to what he plans to do.
“I had texted him once,” Sainristil said. “I asked him if the rule of opting back in changes anything for him. He was still unsure. But, regardless of whatever he does, I wish him well. Nico’s a really good guy.”
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For now, Sainristil and the Michigan wide receiving corps lies in wait as it remains patient about Collins’ future. They are moving forward, but if he does decide to return, they’ll welcome him back with open arms.
“If he does decide to stick to working out for the NFL, then I wish him the best,” Sainristil said. “If he comes back, then I’ll be right there with him – fighting on this year.”
Michigan starts its 2020 season in just over two weeks, with the season opener taking place Oct. 24 at Minnesota. Kickoff time has yet to be announced.
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