Mahomes out and Michigan Redshirt Situations

As we mentioned on this week's podcast, Davonte Mahomes, a breakout star this year for Michigan at 174, is done for the year with an ACL tear. The silver lining for the true freshman and the Wolverines is that he still is eligible for a redshirt year this season. 

The loss of Mahomes will hurt Michigan as they are essentially on their 3rd 174 starter. Redshirt Sophomore Jordan Thomas, who started as a freshman at 184 before a season ending injury, was lost to injury right before the season started. He was a major recruit beating Gabe Dean in the state finals when they were Seniors. Thomas was expected to be at least a top 12 type guy this year. Jeff Holm, a graduate student from D3 Olivet, is expected to start this weekend. Ben Ralston may also see action at 174 this season. The loss of Mahomes will certainly show up in duals and the post-season scoring this season. 

Mahomes being able to redshirt is a good thing for Michigan this year as next year it looks like they will redshirt a lot of their current starters. Adam Coon will likely take the Olympic year redshirt and train for both freestyle and greco. It makes sense that Michigan would then hold ranked wrestlers Rossi Bruno, Domenic Abounader, Brian Murphy, and Alec Pantaleo out as well. Yes, none of those guys have ever redshirted. That's five current starters and you would think top recruit Logan Massa would be added to that list. 

Much like we see with Ohio State this year, Michigan seems to be, by purpose or by accident, loading up for 2016-17 where top to bottom they will be stacked. Of course in the mean time it's not like Iowa, Minnesota, Penn State, or Ohio State is going to go anywhere.