ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore stopped by NBC’s B1G Saturday Night to discuss his growth from his rookie season as the leader of the football program.
Moore also shared insights into his first year in full charge of the football program, the team’s offensive evolution, and the quarterback competition ahead of the 2025 season.
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“The way we finished, going through adversity and speed bumps, but watching our players and staff stay aligned and together—that was awesome to see,” said Moore. “It’s the true test of culture and who we are as a university and program.”
Asked about regrets from finishing 8-5 in his first year as head coach with the Wolverines, Moore said, “I don’t think any regrets, but there were things we changed and worked on. To be successful, you sometimes have to go through struggles and adversity. We made sure not to repeat those mistakes.”
New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey brings fresh ideas
Moore praised new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey as “a great human being” and “an outstanding coach” who cares deeply for the team.
“We’re going to be physical, run the ball, and play Michigan football, but there will be tweaks and differences in the offense to be successful,” Moore said. “You have to evolve every year and find new wrinkles to stay ahead.”
Quarterback competition wide open with experience and talent
Moore described the quarterback competition as open, with experienced players like Mikey Keene and promising newcomers like five-star Bryce Underwood.
“Mikey leads college football in snaps with 2,229,” Moore said. “Bryce (Underwood) has zero, so it’s a big variance. We also have Jadyn Davis, Chase Herbstreit, and Jake Garcia. It’s going to be a great competition.”
Moore was impressed by Underwood’s size and maturity.
“He’s 6-foot-4, 230 pounds now, and the kid is a monster. He’s fast, throws the ball quickly, and is very in tune with himself. He learns from mistakes and wants to be a great teammate,” Moore said.
Running back room deep and ready to contribute
Despite losing talented backs like Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, Moore said the running back room is “stacked” with newcomers and returning players.
“Justice Haynes came from Alabama and showed flashes in spring. Jordan Marshall is a physical downhill runner. We also have Micah Ka’apana, Bryson Kuzdzal, freshman Jasper Parker, Donovan Johnson, and transfer CJ Hester and John Volker from Princeton,” Moore said. “It’s a deep room that can be explosive.”
According to Sports Illustrated on Thursday (Aug. 7), Hester has left the program and will redshirt, with plans to re-enter the transfer portal and retain two years of eligibility.
Defense expected to remain strong despite losses
Moore rejected the notion that the defense might take a step back after losing first-round draft picks in Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant to the 2025 NFL draft.
Cornerback Will Johnson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 47th pick in the second round.
“We’re deeper than last year with 10 deep on the defensive line, which we haven’t had since 2021,” Moore said. “We brought in great transfers like Tre Williams and Damon Payne Jr. Our edge rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs are all deep. Coach Wink (Martindale) is having the time of his life leading this defense.”
Excitement builds for season opener under the lights
Moore expressed enthusiasm for the season opener against New Mexico on NBC under the lights inside the Big House on national TV in Michigan Stadium.
“The first game is always exciting. You think you know what it’s like from fall camp, but you don’t until you’re out there in the lights,” Moore said. “The fans will be rocking. I’ll be hyped and have to calm down and get good sleep the night before.”
Moore shared his personal pregame ritual: “I go to my head coach’s locker room, read the Bible, pray, and meditate to calm down.”
Rivalry with Ohio State remains as intense as ever
Moore acknowledged the storied rivalry with Ohio State is as big as ever.
“It’s the biggest rivalry in college football, like Yankees-Red Sox in baseball,” Moore said. “There’s a lot of pride in it on both sides. We prepare for it every day in our mindset.”
Returning to Norman for game against Oklahoma
Moore reflected on returning to play at Oklahoma in week two.
“It’s just another game. I played there, but I’m so invested in Michigan and this program. I have a lot of love for the university and what it’s given me,” Moore said. “I’m excited for a great football game against a really good team.”
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