Michigan Wolverines news: Rumors of a Quinten Johnson return, plus more

It was a blow when Michigan football lost defensive back Keon Sabb to Alabama in the transfer portal, but there are some rumblings about a return from Quinten Johnson, which would help soften the blow.

Truth be told, I thought it was a mistake by Sabb. He knows the Michigan Wolverines' defense and they would have found ways to get Sabb on the field, which would have helped his NFL draft stock. But it's hard to turn down a big NiL deal and a guaranteed shot to start.

However, Michigan football could be getting a key piece back in the secondary and that's Quinten Johnson. This might be confusing since he declared for the NFL draft, but Chris Balas of The Wolverine reports that a return is in the works.

It's unclear if Johnson would need a waiver or if a final decision has been made, but his return would be huge for the Michigan Wolverines secondary.

Not only is Johnson a core special teams player, he had 22 tackles last season, an interception, and four pass breakups, including one against Ohio State that Michigan football fans will never forget. He also forced a fumble in the Rose Bowl, which was vital for the Michigan Wolverines in the second half win over Alabama.

Johnson would add another starting-caliber player on the back end, plus he could allow Rod Moore or Makari Paige a chance to play some in slot. Regardless, his addition would be huge for Michigan football and that's something to monitor in the coming days.

Michigan Wolverines advance in Big Ten women's basketball tournament

Michigan women's basketball started the Big Ten tournament with a bang on Friday as Laila Phelia poured in 23 points to lead the Wolverines to a 76-57 win over Minnesota. Michigan jumped out to a 23-12 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back.

Lauren Hansen added 14 points and six assists in the win. Phelia, a first-team All-Big Ten selection, had three boards and an assist in addition to 23 points. Cam Williams pitched in with 11 points.

The Michigan Wolverines should be in the NCAA tournament according to recent projections, but a win over third-seeded Indiana tonight at 9 PM EST in the Big Ten quarterfinals would clinch it.