It appears that Iowa will be getting a key offensive contributor back for the Michigan game on Saturday.
With a top-20 clash awaiting them at the Big House, the Hawkeyes got very encouraging news about LJ Phillips Jr. on Wednesday. According to running backs coach Jay Norvell, Phillips will be available for this weekend's game against the Wolverines. After going out with an injury in the first half of the Northern Illinois game in Week 1, Phillips looks set for a return at the perfect time.
Per Iowa RBs coach Jay Norvell, L.J. Phillips will be available on Saturday at Michigan (2:30pm, CBS).
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) September 23, 2026
Phillips had four carries for five yards against the Huskies before leaving with an injury. The South Dakota transfer had a monster 2025 campaign, rushing
for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns with the Coyotes. The 5-foot-8 fourth-year was a huge pickup for Kirk Ferentz in the portal.
Iowa's running game showed what it could be at its very best against Northern Iowa, rushing for over 400 yards. Now that group will add Phillips back to the fold for the biggest game of the season. They'll need to establish the ground game if they want to win. Phillips coming back will be a major boost to help them do just that.
It's going to be quite the Big Ten contest this Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football RB LJ Phillips Jr. available vs. Michigan
