Offensive line injuries have been an issue throughout the 2026 season for Michigan football and those concerns are lingering for the Penn State game.
In the final injury report before kickoff, starting guard, Brady Norton, was ruled out for the game, meaning Michigan will have at least one new starter on the offensivie line.
Jake Guarnera is a game-time decision for Michigan vs. Penn State
Norton being out isn't great. What's worse is that starting center Jake Guarnera is a game-time decision. If Guarnera is out, that would be a crisis. It's hard to know who Michigan would move over to that spot.
It will be interesting to see if he is able to go. However, the one name that's missing on the injury report is Andrew Babalola. The former five-star signee, who is the highest-ranked recruit in Michigan football history on the offensive line, will be available.
You wonder if Babalola will be in the starting lineup. In an ideal world, even though he's a tackle, Babalola could be moved inside to guard. Michigan football fans have to keep their fingers crossed that Guarnera is going to play. Losing the starting center would be a massive blow for the Wolverines.
However, getting Babalola into the starting five, or even as the Rhino could help get the run game going. It feels like he was envisioned for that role this offseason, but he has been out for every game this season due to injury.
Other notable names who are good to go against Penn State are Dom Nichols, John Henry Daley and Andrew Marsh. Kyle Whittingham said Marsh's injury was an issue on the punt return, so Michigan will have a new punt returner.
There will be a new offensive line, too. It feels like if Babalola is good to go, he needs to have some sort of role. With the way the offensive line has struggled, a five-star talent might be just what the doctor ordered.
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