Michigan football’s ‘targeting appeal’ denied as LB Jaishawn Barham will miss first half of Sooners game

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham will miss the first half of their pivotal road matchup against the No. 18-ranked Oklahoma Sooners.

Barham was called for targeting during the Wolverines’ 34-17 victory over the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, when he laid a big hit on quarterback Jack Layne.

The play looked to regain momentum for Michigan, which was en route to a blowout as Layne fumbled the ball, which was picked up and returned for a touchdown by Barham.

But under further review, officials overturned the call, and Layne was down by contact and ejected Barham for the remainder of the game and for the first half of Saturday’s (Sept. 6) first road test of the season for the men in maize.

Head coach Sherrone Moore broke the news during his press conference on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, that the appeal had been upheld.

Moore said he just learned the appeal was upheld but expressed strong disagreement with the ruling.

He criticized the current tackling rules in college football, explaining the challenge of teaching players proper tackling techniques when there is a significant size difference between players.

“Tony (Petitti) doesn’t agree with it. A.J. (Edds) doesn’t agree with it,” said Moore.

Moore described a play early in the game where Barham had a clear shot at Layne and avoided contact by taking one step, but the ruling still went against him.

“It’s a rule that we have to get changed, and we have to look at it in college football just for the game in general,” said Moore. “The toughness of the game and how you want to teach tackling and how you want to teach guys that are 6’3” tackling a guy that’s 5’8”. He lowers his head, and it might have been even worse.”

According to ESPN, the Big Ten sent the appeal to the NCAA, which ruled that Barham was rightfully ejected for hitting a defenseless player due to the nature of the hit, which was helmet-to-helmet.

Despite the suspension, Moore expressed confidence in the team’s depth at linebacker.

He praised Ernest Hausmann, who recorded eight tackles and played a leadership role, as well as Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan for their physical and impactful play, along with Troy Bowles and Chase Taylor.

Barham was initially a Maryland Terrapins standout before transferring to Michigan following the 2023 season.

Moore spoke about Barham in the past, as he has been one of the team’s best players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

During his 2024 season, Barham finished second on the team with 66 tackles in 13 games as a starter.

Moore emphasized that while Barham is an impact player, the team is prepared to have him ready for the second half of the Sooners’ game.