Michigan's Health Updates Ahead of Iowa Showdown

No. 19 Michigan moved to 3-0 with a 52-17 win over UTEP on Saturday, but the Wolverines now face a bigger test: No. 18 Iowa at Michigan Stadium on September 26. Head coach Kyle Whittingham gave health updates on three key starters after the game, and their availability could shape the matchup against the Hawkeyes' physical style.

Jordan Marshall, Andrew Sprague, and Zeke Berry all entered the season as first-team players. Marshall led Michigan in rushing last year, Sprague is the starting right tackle with All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2025, and Berry is a veteran cornerback and two-time All-Big Ten pick. Each sat out or left the UTEP game with injuries, leaving questions ahead of Iowa's visit.

What happened to Jordan Marshall against UTEP?

Marshall started the game despite a pre-game pitch count. He ran 12 times for 59 yards and scored on a 6-yard run in the third quarter. Later in the period, his right leg got tangled on a tackle. Coaches had already noted lingering issues, and his 4.0 yards per carry this season sits well below last year's production.

“Jordan exited the game with a little nagging thing that was actually residual from last week, last game. And so we hope to have him ready to roll next week,” Whittingham said after the game.

Why did Andrew Sprague miss the game?

Sprague never took the field against UTEP. His issue emerged within 24 hours of kickoff, even though he had taken every practice snap until Friday. Blake Frazier slid from left tackle to right tackle, and Evan Link started at left tackle after missing the Oklahoma game. The new offensive line unit had zero practice reps together but still helped Michigan rush for 185 yards.

“Well, we sure hope to have him back soon. It was a weird deal and was within the last literally 24 hours. And I won't elaborate on it, but it completely caught us off guard because he took every rep during the practice week up until yesterday,” Whittingham said.

Whittingham praised the makeshift line: “I thought the new configuration played out pretty darn good... For having literally no reps as a unit in practice all week long, I thought they handled it pretty good.”

Is Zeke Berry ready for Iowa?

Berry had a nagging issue during the practice week and was a game-time decision. He dressed but did not play, with Shamari Earls making his first career start in his place. Whittingham said they could have used Berry if needed but chose the safer path given Michigan was a heavy favorite.

“Zeke was a game-time decision, literally. He had something that was nagging at him during the week. Safer thing was to sit him and let him get ready for next week. Should be good to go,” the coach said.

What does this mean for the Iowa game?

Marshall is hopeful for Iowa after the residual issue from Oklahoma. Sprague is hoped back “soon,” with no firm date. Berry should be good to go after the precautionary sit. Official availability reports for Iowa will come later in the week.

Surviving UTEP without three starters does not mean Michigan can do the same against Iowa. The Hawkeyes are also 3-0 and win with defense, a physical run game, and field position. Michigan would rather have its established starters available for that style of game.

Other injury concerns and team issues

Longer absences remain separate from these three. Andrew Babalola is out for the near future after a setback from a 2025 ACL tear. Ace Hamilton and Micah Ka'apana are done for the season.

Whittingham also flagged a ball security problem: “Big concern. Hopefully that can slow down because six in three games is way too many.” Michigan has six fumbles in three games and has lost four of them.

After Marshall left, Savion Hiter ran 11 times for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Bryson Kuzdzal added five carries for 14 yards. The defense allowed only 150 total yards, posted four sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Michigan scored 38 unanswered points after trailing 14-7, with a 28-0 third quarter.

Bryce Underwood went 19-of-25 for 223 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Andrew Marsh caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a score. JJ Buchanan had seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Tommy Carr threw his first career touchdown pass late.

The schedule only gets heavier after Iowa: Minnesota on October 3, a bye, then Penn State and Indiana at home, followed later by Oregon and Ohio State. Michigan is 3-0 heading into Big Ten play.