- Nov, 23 2025
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When Max Bredeson limped off the field at SECU Stadium in College Park on Sunday, November 22, 2025, it wasn’t just another injury. It was the heart of the Michigan Wolverines leaving the game. The senior tight end/fullback and team captain—known to teammates and fans as "Smash"—was seen on the sideline moments later with crutches and a protective boot on his right leg, his face grim as he watched Michigan’s 45-20 rout of the Maryland Terrapins unfold. The injury, occurring at the 8:47 mark of the third quarter, came during a dominant second-half performance that extended Michigan’s lead from 17-13 to a decisive win. But the celebration was muted. Coach Sherrone Moore didn’t mince words afterward: "It doesn’t look good."
The Heart of the Team Is Down
Bredeson wasn’t just a player. He was one of six team captains for the 2025 season, a leader who played through pain, blocked for running backs, caught key passes, and served as the emotional anchor for a team that’s been battered all season. When you hear "Smash," you think of Bredeson. That’s not just a nickname—it’s a brand. And now, with the Ohio State vs. Michigan game looming on November 30, his absence would be seismic. The Wolverines haven’t just lost a blocker or a receiver. They’ve lost the guy who rallied the huddle, who stayed late after practice, who showed up when others didn’t. His potential absence isn’t just a tactical problem—it’s a psychological one.
A Team Already on Life Support
Michigan entered the Maryland game already shorthanded. Seven players were officially out: wide receiver Semaj Morgan, linebacker Ernest Hausmann, safety Rod Moore, running back Justice Haynes, left tackle Evan Link, tight end Hogan Hansen, and special teams standout Joe Taylor. Even more telling? Morgan and Hausmann didn’t even make the trip to Maryland—officials cited "non-disciplinary reasons," hinting at deeper issues beyond injury. The Wolverines were running on fumes. And yet, they rushed for 223 yards. How? Enter true freshman Bryson Kuzdal, who carried the ball 20 times for 100 yards. Quarterback Bryce Underwood threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns before sitting in the fourth. The offense didn’t just survive—it thrived. But the defense? They held Maryland to 20 points, yes. But the body count keeps rising.
Marshall’s Status Offers a Glimmer
There’s one bright spot: Jordan Marshall. The starting running back, sidelined since the Northwestern game on November 15, was dressed but didn’t play against Maryland. Coach Moore said Marshall "could have played today if necessary." That’s not just optimism—it’s a signal. If Marshall’s recovery is on track, Michigan might still have its most explosive offensive weapon available for Ohio State. But even if he returns, he can’t replace Bredeson’s blocking, his leadership, his presence in the huddle. Bredeson’s versatility—playing both tight end and fullback—made him the Swiss Army knife of Michigan’s offense. Without him, the playbook shrinks. And against Ohio State? That’s not a luxury you can afford.
What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
Medical evaluations for Bredeson continued Monday at Schembechler Hall in Ann Arbor. A definitive diagnosis is expected by Thursday, November 28, per standard college football protocols. Will it be a sprain? A stress fracture? A ligament tear? The details are still unclear. But what’s certain is this: if Bredeson can’t play, Michigan’s offense loses its most reliable red-zone target and its most physical blocker. The Buckeyes know it. Their defense will adjust. And Michigan? They’ll have to scramble. Backup tight end Hogan Hansen is out. The next man up? Probably freshman Darius Johnson, who’s seen limited action this season. It’s not a fair fight.
Why This Matters Beyond One Game
This isn’t just about the Ohio State game. It’s about momentum. The Wolverines are fighting to stay in the Big Ten East race, with a potential College Football Playoff berth still mathematically alive. Losing a captain like Bredeson—a senior who’s been through it all—could ripple through the locker room. "All teams go through injuries," Sports Illustrated noted. "But the Wolverines have taken more than their fair share." That’s the quiet truth. This season, Michigan has lost 11 key players to injury. Eleven. That’s not bad luck. That’s a pattern. And if Bredeson’s injury is as serious as it looks, it could be the final blow to a season that had so much promise.
What Happens If He’s Out?
If Bredeson misses the Ohio State game, Michigan’s offense becomes more predictable. Without his blocking, the running lanes narrow. Without his receiving threat, defenses can overload the box. And emotionally? The team loses its most vocal leader. Coach Moore will have to find a new voice in the locker room. Maybe it’s Underwood. Maybe it’s Kuzdal. But no one has Bredeson’s gravitas. The Buckeyes will smell blood. And they won’t hold back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious is Max Bredeson’s injury?
The exact nature of Max Bredeson’s right leg injury remains undiagnosed as of November 23, but his use of crutches and a protective boot strongly suggests a significant lower-extremity issue—likely a high-ankle sprain, stress fracture, or ligament damage. A definitive diagnosis is expected by November 28, but coach Sherrone Moore’s "doesn’t look good" comment signals a high probability he’ll miss the Ohio State game.
Who are the key players Michigan is missing besides Bredeson?
Michigan is without seven confirmed starters: WR Semaj Morgan, LB Ernest Hausmann, S Rod Moore, RB Justice Haynes, LT Evan Link, TE Hogan Hansen, and special teams ace Joe Taylor. Morgan and Hausmann didn’t even travel to Maryland, suggesting deeper roster issues. The team is relying on freshmen like Bryson Kuzdal and Darius Johnson to fill critical roles, which increases the risk of breakdowns against elite defenses like Ohio State’s.
Can Jordan Marshall play against Ohio State?
Yes, it’s likely. Jordan Marshall, who missed the Maryland game despite being dressed, was cleared for limited action and could return for Ohio State. Coach Moore confirmed he "could have played" if needed, indicating his recovery is ahead of schedule. Marshall’s speed and vision would be vital, but he can’t replicate Bredeson’s blocking or leadership—a critical gap against Ohio State’s aggressive front seven.
Why is Bredeson’s absence so impactful beyond stats?
Bredeson isn’t just a player—he’s "Smash," the emotional core of the team. As one of six captains, he set the tone in practice, rallied teammates during tough drives, and was a vocal presence in the locker room. His physicality and versatility made him a matchup nightmare. Losing him isn’t just a personnel loss—it’s a leadership vacuum that could affect morale, especially with so many other injuries draining team depth.
What’s the timeline for Bredeson’s return?
A final medical determination is expected by Thursday, November 28, 2025, at Schembechler Hall in Ann Arbor. If it’s a fracture or ligament damage, recovery could extend beyond the regular season. Even if it’s a sprain, a 10-day recovery window makes him unlikely to play against Ohio State on November 30. The Wolverines are preparing as if he won’t be available.
How has Michigan’s offense managed to stay effective despite injuries?
True freshman Bryson Kuzdal stepped up with 20 carries for 100 yards against Maryland, and QB Bryce Underwood delivered a clean 16-of-23, 215-yard performance. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and head coach Sherrone Moore have simplified the playbook, leaning on zone-read runs and quick passes to compensate for missing personnel. But this formula won’t work against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense without Bredeson’s blocking and versatility.
Maxwell Radford
I'm Maxwell Radford, a passionate news analyst living in Australia. My area of expertise includes business, general news, and arts, and I take immense pleasure in delivering deep insights about these subjects to my readers. I have worked with different media outlets enhancing my knowledge and honing my writing skills. Capturing the nuances of finance and the creative world in my writings is what I strive for.