How lucky are we? After an amazing week of college football, we immediately get rewarded with another great week of college football. We’ve got primetime matchups all over the slate and games with massive playoff implications. In these big games, even the slightest edges on the football field matter. Unfortunately, we can’t have football without injuries, and the injury bug has arrived in full force. There are a number of key players with major injury concerns as we look ahead to the weekend slate. Here are the most impactful college football injuries heading into Week 8!
Here is everything you need to know regarding the BIGGEST injuries on both sides of the ball. However, injury news happens fast and can change quickly, so for the most up-to-date news and analysis, follow me on X @TheDegenDoc!
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Most Impactful College Football Injuries Heading Into Week 8
Players Ruled out
Fresno State RB Malik Sherrod
Illinois RB Kaden Feagin
Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt
Rutgers RB Samuel Brown
Virginia WR Trell Harris
Colorado WR Omarion Miller
Colorado State WR Troy Horton
North Carolina TE Bryson Nesbit
Graham Mertz (QB) Florida Gators
Injury: ACL Tear
Injury Date: 10/12/2024
Expected Recovery Timeline: 10-12 months
Player Year: RS Senior
Let’s kick off this Week 8 college football injuries article with a big one. The Florida Gators have had a rollercoaster of a season only six games in. A lot of these mixed emotions have come from the QB position as super senior Graham Mertz and true freshman DJ Lagway battle for the starting spot. The veteran Mertz had been in the reigns as the team’s primary starter, but this will all change after this weekend. On his way to leading the Gators to a TD, Mertz picked up a key first down on a scramble. It was during this play that Mertz injured his knee and ultimately tore his ACL.
First things first, kudos to the Gators QB for not only staying in to finish the drive but capping it off with a TD pass. Unfortunately, the adrenaline wore off after that pass and Mertz immediately hit the turf. An ACL tear refers to a complete tear of a major stabilizing ligament in the knee. It requires season ending surgery and Mert’s season is officially over. He is looking at a 10-12 month recovery timeline before he starts his next football venture.
Travis Hunter (WR/CB) Colorado Buffaloes
Injury: R Shoulder Injury
Injury Date: 10/12/2024
Expected Recovery Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Player Year: Junior
Travis Hunter is one of the top three players in college football. There is not many things that can slow this man down on either side of the ball. However, injuries are one of those things. Hunter picked up a right shoulder injury in last week’s game and was unable to return. The injury specifics have not been disclosed but the good news is that he was not immediately ruled out. He was still dressed on the sidelines after half and it seems it was an injury he could have played through if absolutely necessary.
Colorado ultimately decided to air on the side of caution last week but that is not the expectation this week. After some assessment of Hunter’s shoulder, it appears the injury is minor and he is expected to play this week against Arizona. This is obviously a HUGE boost for this Colorado team who is anticipating getting fellow WR Jimmy Horn back as well.
Benjamin Morrison (CB) Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Injury: Hip Injury
Injury Date: 10/12/2024
Expected Recovery Timeline: 4-6 months
Player Year: Junior
Notre Dame’s toughest opponent this season may be the injury report. Fighting Irish players have frequented the college football injury report and Week 8 is no different. Defensive captain and one of the nation’s best prospects CB Benjamin Morrison carries the latest injury. He suffered a hip injury last week and it was deemed that surgery was necessary to treat the ailment.
Morrison has been officially ruled out for the season as he now turns his attention to getting ready for the NFL Combine and Draft. With college football playoff aspirations, this is clearly a big blow to one of the nation’s best secondaries. Notre Dame will have to turn to some younger faces to help full in for Morrison.
Cam Rising (QB) Utah Utes
Injury: Knee Injury
Injury Date: 10/11/2024
Expected Recovery Timeline: 4-6 months
Player Year: RS Senior
This next injury brings massive news among college football injuries in Week 8. The Cam Rising injury report saga is officially OVER. Unfortunately, the saga ends in disappointing fashion. After starting the season on a high note, Rising immediately was in and out of the lineup with a hand injury. After finally making his way back to the field, his leg got bent awkwardly on the Utes opening drive. He tried to tough it out and did finish the game but he was very clearly not himself. Utah eventually suffered another upset loss and it was revealed that Rising had suffered a significant knee injury.
The specifics of the injury have not been made clear but what is clear is his time in Utah is officially over. The Utes will now turn to freshman QB Isaac Wilson for the remainder of the season. Let’s see what Zack Wilson’s little brother can do!
Branson Robinson (RB) Georgia Bulldogs
Injury: MCL Sprain
Injury Date: 10/12/2024
Expected Recovery Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Player Year: Sophomore
Georgia has a solid stable of RBs that they planned to deploy this season. However, one of their top Dawgs is out of commission. Sophomore RB Branson Robinson is a player Georgia has high hopes for but has dealt with injuries throughout his young career. He picked up a knee injury last week and is officially ruled OUT versus Texas this week.
Robinson suffered an MCL sprain last week. The MCL is a major stabilizing ligament in the knee. It specifically aids in lateral stability. The good news is the MCL has the best healing potential out of any of the knee ligaments due to its vascularity and good blood flow. Although Robinson is out this week, expect him to make his return in a few weeks. Georgia will turn to RB Trevor Etienne to carry the load against number one Texas.
Haynes King (RB) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Injury: Upper Body Injury
Injury Date: 10/12/2024
Expected Recovery Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Player Year: Junior
This Week 8 college football injury bookends the Georgia Tech-Notre Dame primetime matchup. Star QB Haynes King has been officially ruled OUT for Saturday’s game after being called “day to day” all week. King picked up the injury late in the game last week and will be unable to go as the Yellow Jackets try to pull off the upset in South Bend.
Veteran QB Zach Pyron will get the start in King’s place. Pyron is a real threat with his legs but not as proficient as a passer as King. With Notre Dame missing their best CB, the passing game needs to be successful if Georgia Tech wants to knock off a Top 25 team. With major injuries on both sides, this game becomes an even bigger question mark.
Sources: Georgia Tech will be without star quarterback Haynes King against No. 12 Notre Dame this weekend, giving veteran back-up Zach Pyron his third career start. King has been “day-to-day” with an upper-body injury. pic.twitter.com/jyFv5vZvP5
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 18, 2024
Colbie Young (WR) Georgia Bulldogs
Injury: Arrested
Injury Date: 10/8/24
Expected Recovery Timeline: Suspended Indefinitely
Player Year: Senior
The Georgia Criminals are back at it again. Another player has been suspended from the Georgia football team after being arrested. Senior WR Colbie Young was charged with a domestic violence incident and was arrested earlier this week. It is hard to imagine that Young will play football again this season. Fellow WR RaRa Thomas was also dismissed from the team earlier this offseason due to an arrest.