Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh: WR Nico Collins 'not participating in football right now'

The Michigan Wolverines have a long season ahead of them, and things certainly aren't going to be easy. Star wide receiver Nico Collins, who signed with an agent in September in preparation for the NFL Draft, is no longer with the team, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh.

"Nico is not participating in football right now," Harbaugh said, according to ESPN's Heather Dinich. "I don't have a crystal ball as to if his mind would change on that. I know he's not currently on the team."

Michigan is set to open its season on Saturday against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, and making up for the loss of Collins will be no easy task. Collins reeled in 78 receptions for 1,388 yards and 13 touchdowns over his three-year collegiate career.

He originally said he'd return for his senior season, but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic reportedly made him decide to opt out before the Big Ten announced its plans to resume.

While losing Collins is a big loss, Harbaugh praised his other receivers, including Giles Jackson, A.J. Henning, Cornelius Johnson, Ronnie Bell, Roman Wilson and Mike Sainristil. 

The Wolverines open up the season ranked at No. 18.