Michigan Wolverines sophomore guard L.J. Cason will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL, the team announced on Saturday.
The news was announced less than 24 hours after the Wolverines clinched the Big Ten title after defeating No. 10 Illinois, 84-70.
“First and foremost, our hearts hurt for L.J.,”
Michigan head coach Dusty May said in a written statement. “You never want to see a young man who has poured so much into this program have something like this happen. However, if there’s anyone equipped to handle this and the rehab process, it’s L.J. He’s resilient, he’s disciplined, and he has an incredible support system around him.”
“This isn’t how I wanted my season to end, but I trust God’s plan, and I’ll attack rehab the same way I approach everything — with focus and determination,” Cason said of the situation. “We’ve got many goals as a team, and I’ll be locked in supporting my brothers every step of the way.”
Cason was in the midst a breakout sophomore campaign, averaging career bests in points (8.4), rebounds (1.9), assists (2.4) and steals (1.0) per game. He shot a career-best 50.3 percent from the field and more than doubled his three-point production from a season ago, knocking down 33 triples after making 15 as a freshman.
Over the last month of the season, Cason was instrumental in helping Michigan to its first Big Ten title since 2020-21. He posted a career-high 18 points in the Wolverines’ comeback win at Northwestern, 13 points against both UCLA and No. 7 Purdue, seven points vs Duke, 14 points in the win vs Minnesota and seven first-half points at Illinois.
However, with just 35 seconds remaining in the first half in Friday’s game, Cason limped off the court under his own power after tweaking his right leg, prompting immediate medical attention. Cason attempted to return to the game in the second half, but after one possession, he was tending to his right leg again and was taken out for the rest of the game.
On a team that stretches nine guys deep any given night, Cason’s absence will be felt as Michigan faces Iowa and Michigan State to close out the regular season. Nonetheless, the Wolverines will look for a step-up in production from starting point guard Elliot Cadeau, as well as senior Roddy Gayle Jr. and freshman Trey McKenney to carry the weight off the bench at the guard position.
Get healthy, L.J.! We will see you stronger than ever next season.
