Michigan RB Donovan Edwards will not play in ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama
Michigan Wolverines football senior running back Donovan Edwards was injured in the second quarter of the team’s 13-10 win over Ohio State Nov. 30. The Maize and Blue will cap off the season with a ReliaQuest Bowl clash against Alabama Dec. 31, but Edwards told WXYZ he won’t play, meaning his career in a winged helmet has come to a conclusion.
Edwards was asked if it’s been “emotional” looking back now that his time as a Michigan player has ended.
“I just have a lot on my mind right now,” Edwards said. “I haven’t really had the opportunity to look back and reflect, but for the most part, I’ve always been grateful for all the support that the Michigan fans have given me. [Analyst] Fred Jackson, [former running backs coach from 2021-23] Mike Hart, [director of football administration and student services] Claiborne Green, for always being there for me and just keeping it real for me at all times. I’ve always had so much support within the Michigan facility.
“This place will always have a special place in my heart, and I will always remember the cheers within The Big House.”
Edwards’ injury has not been disclosed, and he didn’t mention whether or not it’s the reason for not playing against the Crimson Tide.
Graduate Kalel Mullings and freshman Jordan Marshall were the other two running backs who saw carries against the Buckeyes. Mullings carried a career-high 32 times for 116 yards and 1 touchdown, with his monster performance playing a key role in the Wolverines win.
The 6-foot-1, 212-pound West Bloomfield (Mich.) High product is out of eligibility after this season and headed to the NFL Draft. He’s accepted an invite to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Edwards leaves Michigan with a 47-8 record over the last four seasons, part of the winningest senior class in program history. He appeared in 50 games with 14 starts, amassing 2,251 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns rushing and 797 yards and 4 scores receiving.
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He stands third among Michigan running backs in history with 86 career receptions. His 797 receiving yards are second only to Anthony Thomas (810).
Edwards was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2024, rushing 128 times for 589 yards and 4 touchdowns and hauling in 18 receptions for 83 yards and a score.
The West Bloomfield native delivered 2 touchdown runs in the 34-13 win over Washington in the national championship game to cap off an undefeated season in 2023, with Michigan earning its 12th-ever national title. He rushed for 497 yards and 5 touchdowns that season.
Similar to his national title game appearance, Edwards had 2 long touchdown runs (75 and 85 yards) in a 45-23 win over Ohio State in 2022. The Michigan standout posted 991 yards and 7 touchdowns on 140 carries during his sophomore campaign.
Edwards registered 174 yards and 3 touchdowns on 35 carries as a freshman in 2021. He was a prized, four-star recruit out of West Bloomfield (Mich.) High, ranking as the No. 34 overall player and No. 2 running back in the 2021 class, per the On3 Industry Ranking.
