Speculation is picking up about the status of Michigan defensive back Dax Hill for Friday’s Orange Bowl game against Georgia. While there has been nothing announced, several are reading between the lines during player interviews on Wednesday.

Meeting with reporters a few days prior to the College Football Playoff semifinal game, quarterback Cade McNamara and others were asked if Hill traveled with the team to Miami. All responses deflected the question to Jim Harbaugh, who will speak with the media on Thursday.

“It’s not our job to comment on other players,” McNamara said, per Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News. “So we’ll let Coach Harbaugh answer that question.”

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Hill was a an All-B1G first-team selection following the 2021 regular season. He finished with 65 tackles, ranking second on the team during a 12-1 run. The defensive back also broke up 8 passes, collected 4.5 tackles for loss and had 2 interceptions.

If he did not make the trip to Miami, it’s unclear why.

Michigan’s defense has been one of the most dominant in college football throughout the season. Heisman Trophy finalist Aidan Hutchinson played a big role in that, but so did Hill’s presence in the secondary. An absence would be a huge blow for the Wolverines.

Michigan and Georgia are scheduled to kick things off in Miami at 7 p.m. ET on New Year’s Eve.