‘We’re ready to put on a show’: Michigan football’s Sherrone Moore sets tone at Big Ten Media Day

LAS VEGAS – Michigan Wolverines head football coach Sherrone Moore expressed excitement about representing the University of Michigan at a Big Ten Media Day in Las Vegas, praising the hospitality and support from the athletic community.

The event saved the best for last as Moore was the 18th and final Big Ten head coach to speak on Thursday (July 24).

“We’re extremely excited to represent the University of Michigan here in Las Vegas at this great venue,” said Moore. “The hospitality has been amazing, so I really appreciate it.”

The Wolverines have been in the media a lot over the last few months, for both on- and off-field news, including Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti saying the football program had already paid its price for their involvement in the 2023 sign-stealing scandal.

Due to those kind words, Moore thanked key figures in the conference, including Petitti for his work in aligning coaches, and the Big Ten Conference’s Vice President of Football Operations, AJ Edds, for his behind-the-scenes support.

“Not enough credit goes to him for what he does to support us as coaches,” Moore said.

Special recognition went to Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, who has been with the university for eight years.

“The vision, the alignment, the things he’s done for me personally, our program, our student-athletes, and continues to do for me as the head coach in this second year has been outstanding,” Moore said.

Manuel’s name was also mentioned during the offseason as he and College Football Playoff National Champion and former Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh were named in the cyber harassment lawsuit linked to former Wolverines assistant coach Matt Weiss.

Moore also praised his staff, calling them “blessed” to have such dedicated coaches working every day. Most importantly, he thanked the players.

“You guys know how much I care about you and love you,” Moore said. “Thank you for all the hard work you do for our program and the university.”

Moore highlighted three standout players: returning captain Max Bredeson, a fullback and team heartbeat; Derrick Moore, an edge rusher who has been impactful since arriving on campus; and Ernest Hausmann, a disciplined linebacker who embodies the team-first mentality.

The Wolverines are coming off an 8-5 record during the 2024 season, which falls short of the football program’s standards, especially following a national championship win, their first since 1998.

However, they did end the regular season by upsetting the eventual national champion, and hated rival, the Ohio State Buckeyes, 13-10 inside Columbus Stadium.

→ ‘Shock the world’: Michigan football upsets Ohio State in unbelievable stunner

The Buckeyes were not fans of Michigan winning their fourth game in a row, especially after the Wolverines planted their flag at midfield.

After the players wiped the tear gas out of their eyes, which was sprayed by Columbus police, they went on to defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide 19-13 at the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on New Year’s Eve.

The victory over the Crimson Tide was their second of the year, as they beat them on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl as well.

Both versions of the Wolverines were impactful in different ways, as one team went on to win the national championship while the other demonstrated the “Team over me” spirit in upsetting Alabama with their second- and third-string approach.

Speaking of the players, Moore acknowledged the vital role of players’ and coaches’ families in supporting the program’s success both physically and mentally.

Reflecting on last season, Moore said, “Don’t let a speed bump become a roadblock. We hit a couple of speed bumps, but we overcame adversity and had a successful end to the year. But we’re not living on that. Our job now is to write a new story for what Michigan and Team 146 is all about.”

Moore shared that the team will finish its summer conditioning phase on Friday (July 25) at 6 a.m. and prepare for a conditioning test.

“They’re all going to pass with flying colors,” Moore said. “They’ve done a tremendous job changing their bodies and building a true team this offseason.”

The Wolverines’ theme this year is “team over me.”

Moore emphasized the importance of focusing on the team amid challenges like NIL, revenue sharing, the transfer portal, and recruiting.

“It’s very easy to think about yourself, but we’ve really exemplified team over me this offseason,” Moore said.

Moore praised the strength and nutrition staff for their work in helping players gain lean mass and lose fat, preparing them to perform on the field.

The second-year head coach emphasized that being a Wolverine is about more than football.

“It’s about being a great person, great man, great athlete, great student,” Moore said. “We hold ourselves to a high standard academically, and our student-athletes have excelled at an elite rate across all sports.”

Moore expressed pride in being part of the university and its community of coaches, naming colleagues like Dusty May, Kim Barnes Arico, Brandon Naurato, and Sean Bormet.

Looking ahead, Moore said Team 146 is “excited and ready to go,” with fall camp kicking off on Wednesday (July 30).

“We’re ready to put on a show,” Moore said.

During the Q&A, Moore shared lessons learned from last season.

“Not losses but lessons,” Moore said. “Stay in the moment. You can’t worry about what happened yesterday, and tomorrow’s not owed to you. Everything we do is about getting better now.”

On the quarterback room with Belleville High School star Bryce Underwood, Moore said it’s about the whole team, not just one person.

“We’ve done a really good job being a cohesive unit, gaining trust, and being armor in this battle.”

→ Million Dollar Man: Bryce Underwood steps into spotlight in Michigan football’s annual Spring Game

Regarding the upcoming game against the Oklahoma Sooners, his alma mater, Moore said it will be a test of the team’s will and ability to overcome adversity in an away environment.

“It means a lot. If you win the first game, then win that one, you’re 2-0, and that’s what it would mean for the team,” Moore said.

On Underwood’s development, Moore said the 17-year-old phenom has grown every day since arriving in Ann Arbor in December.

“He does everything the right way. He’s a great teammate, great kid, great young man,” Moore said.

Moore also praised the receiver room, noting the retention of key players and the recruitment of new talent like Indiana Hoosiers transfer Donovan McCauley, true freshman Andrew Marsh, freshman Jamar Browder, and two-way contributor Jacob Washington.

Even veteran players like Channing Goodwin, Fred Moore, I’Marion Stewart, and Kendrick Bell are all contributing.

“They’ve done a really good job changing the mentality of that room and raising the standard,” Moore said.

When asked about quarterback Mikey Keene and new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, Moore said the room is “awesome.”

Keene brings experience with 2,029 snaps in college football. Lindsey, a former head coach, has already made a positive impact on the offense and is a great leader.

Moore concluded by thanking everyone and saying, “Go Blue.”