ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore expressed excitement as Team 146 prepares for their Week 1 season/home opener against the New Mexico Lobos inside The Big House in Ann Arbor.
Moore, who is in his second year as the Wolverines’ head coach, praised the team’s camp, calling it outstanding in terms of physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
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The second-year head coach noted the players’ eagerness to compete after a long camp, which included a “no social media challenge” to keep focus.
Bryce Underwood
Moore confirmed that true freshman Bryce Underwood will be the starting quarterback, emphasizing that Underwood earned the role through hard work and leadership.
“He’s earned the opportunity. It was not given to him,” said Moore.
He also highlighted Jadyn Davis as the backup quarterback who has made significant progress.
Describing Underwood, Moore said, “For a young guy, very mature beyond his years, and he’s still only 18 years old. He’s going to make mistakes, but that’s what we’re here for.”
Moore assured Underwood of full support as he leads the team into training and competition.
Moore recalled when he first realized Underwood could start as a freshman.
“Probably halfway through camp. He made a couple of throws, and I looked at Chip (Lindsey), and he just nodded at me and looked at coach (Biff) Poggi, who’s behind me, and like, yeah, I think this is the guy.”
Offensive line
On the offensive line, Moore named Evan Link as the starting left tackle, Giovanni El-Hadi at left guard, Greg Crippen at center, Brady Norton/Nate Efobi at right guard, and Andrew Sprague at right tackle.
Moore expressed confidence in the depth of the group, mentioning Blake Frazier as a key backup.
Injuries
Moore also addressed injuries, noting five-star freshman Andrew Babalola with a knee injury who will have season-ending surgery but remains in good spirits.
He also discussed the possibility of Rod Moore and Hogan Hansen returning to Team 146.
“They are trending really well. Both of those guys are. Hogan’s practiced and Rod’s practiced, but we’re not going to rush if we don’t need to. We’re going to take it on their time and the doctor’s time. They are both in a good place, so we will see,” Moore said.
Mikey Keene, according to coach Moore, has been working his way back on the field.
Adaptability
Moore praised the resilience and adaptability of his players, especially Underwood’s ability to learn from mistakes quickly.
Defense
Regarding the defense, Moore highlighted the depth and versatility of the defensive tackles, with several players able to rotate in different situations.
Moore mentioned players as interchangeable players who will contribute in various roles.
“There’s just so many guys that can play,” Moore said. He emphasized that the team can rotate players without losing effectiveness, noting, “You don’t blink if this guy’s out there versus if this guy’s out there, we’re going to roll guys in and out.”
Moore explained that the defensive tackle position will feature five to seven players who may play at once, highlighting the interchangeability of players at the nickel position.
“I think that’s still working itself out as we go through the week of different guys who will play different situations,” Moore added.
As far as cornerbacks, Moore said there’s a bevy of guys with talent.
“Shamari Earls, Jo’Ziah Edmund, Jaden Sanders,” Moore said. “We also move Elijah Dotson to corner. There’s four guys that are pushing Zeke Berry. Jyaire Hill has cemented himself as the No. 1 cornerback, and Zeke, with his experience and what he has done. But those young guys, they are really good. They are going to be really, really good, so it’s fun to have competition and guys pushing guys so nobody can get comfortable. We always talk about ‘Growth and comfort don’t exist,’ and that is a position that is getting pushed.”
Coaching setup
Moore explained the coaching setup during games, with Lindsey in the press box and assistant quarterbacks coach Josh Sinagoga on the field alongside him.
Moore said Underwood will communicate directly with Lindsey, who calls plays from upstairs.
Running back competition
When asked about the competition at running back, Moore said it was a close race between Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall, with both expected to play significant roles.
The third running back position is a competition between Jasper Parker, Micah Ka’apana, and Bryson Kuzdzal, who is also emerging as a contender.
Play-calling and protecting Underwood
On managing play-calling and protecting Underwood, Moore said the game plan will ensure he doesn’t do too much while focusing on winning.
Moore praised Underwood’s humility, confidence, and work ethic, noting that the team will take care of him on game days.
Team leadership
Moore spoke about leadership within the team, highlighting players such as Max Bredeson, El-Hadi, Crippen, and Marlin Klein, who provide guidance and support to younger teammates.
Moore encouraged Underwood to “be himself” and assured him that his leadership qualities are strong.
Receiving corp
Moore expressed enthusiasm about the wide receiver group, naming Donaven McCulley as the top receiver after an outstanding camp.
He also mentioned Semaj Morgan, Channing Goodwin, Kendrick Bell, Anthony Simpson, Andrew Marsh, Jamar Browder, and Peyton O’Leary as key contributors.
New Mexico
Looking ahead to the New Mexico Lobos game on Aug. 30, Moore acknowledged the challenge posed by a well-coached team known for trick plays and physical football.
Moore noted a personal connection with New Mexico’s coach Eric Olen and emphasized the importance of preparation.
He said Olen and he were graduate assistants for Dave Borbely, who is one of Moore’s closest mentors, as he was the offensive line coach at Louisville when he was coaching there.
Olen was with Borbely when he was at Colorado, meaning Moore expects New Mexico to be well-coached, as they both come from the same coaching tree.
Hype
Moore addressed the hype surrounding Underwood as the starting quarterback, saying, “That’s what happens when you’re the starting quarterback in Michigan. That’s what you ask for.”
He stressed the team-first mentality of Underwood and the support system around him.
Finally, Moore praised the progress of players like Cole Sullivan and Trey Pierce on defense, with Pierce aiming to be one of the top defensive tackles in the conference.
Moore also mentioned Brandyn Hillman, TJ Metcalf, and Mason Curtis as standout safeties.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on NBC/Peacock.