Donovan Edwards Won't Play in Michigan vs. Alabama Bowl Game Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

The Michigan Wolverines will not have one of their most notable offensive players available when they face Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve.

"I just have a lot on my mind right now," running back Donovan Edwards told WXYZ-TV on Saturday when revealing he will not play in the game (h/t ESPN's Adam Rittenberg). "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. ... This place will always have a special place in my heart."

He isn't the only one who will not play, as defensive tackle Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland are all turning their attention to the NFL draft.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranks Graham as the No. 2 overall player, Johnson as the No. 5 overall player and Loveland as the No. 13 overall player in its latest big board of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL draft.

That stands in stark contrast to Edwards, who is not listed among the top 100 overall players or top eight running backs.

Edwards had high expectations coming into the season after he ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the Wolverines' victory over Washington in the national championship game last season.

However, he was largely overshadowed by Kalel Mullings in the team's rushing attack during the 2024 campaign.

Edwards did not reach the 100-yard mark on the ground in any of the team's games. What's more, he reached the 80-yard mark just twice in contests against Arkansas State and Washington. He posted just four carries for 11 yards in the win over Ohio State and wasn't a major part of the offense for extended stretches of Michigan's most important games.

Still, he will forever be remembered fondly by Wolverines fans after his contributions to last season's national championship run even if he isn't playing in the bowl game against Alabama.