ANN ARBOR, Mich. – No. 18-ranked Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore described the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against the No. 14-ranked Texas Longhorns as a “great matchup” between two complete teams.
“A lot of respect for Sark,” Moore said, praising Texas offensively, defensively, and on special teams.
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Moore called it a great opportunity for Michigan to face a historic program that could be in the playoffs.
Moore highlighted Texas quarterback Arch Manning, noting his improvement throughout the season despite early criticism.
“He’s a heck of a player, talented, could run,” Moore said.
He also praised Texas’s weapons and its strong running game.
Defensively, Moore singled out outside linebacker and defensive end Colin Simmons as “pretty special, pretty elite.”
Addressing the game plan for the recent Ohio State game, Moore said they aimed to be balanced but acknowledged that Ohio State played better.
“We didn’t do a good job executing,” Moore said.
Moore noted the challenge of adjusting the game plan in the red zone and emphasized the importance of learning from the experience.
When asked about freshmen who might contribute right away next year, Moore said it is a special group with talent across positions, including receiver phenom running back Savion Hiter.
“The linemen are all going to compete,” Moore added, noting the group also includes corners and linebackers.
Moore expects to have a clearer picture after spring practice and summer.
He spoke about the 2026 recruiting class, highlighting some lesser-known but highly talented players.
When asked if there was a new commitment that surprised him, Moore pointed to Marky Walbridge as a potential gem.
“He was recruited but kind of not recruited,” Moore said.
Moore also praised defensive lineman Alister Vallejo, noting his impressive film.
“It’s so weird when you watch his film, he looks like Mason,” Moore said, referring to Mason Graham, a top-10 NFL draft pick.
While acknowledging the high expectations, Moore praised Vallejo’s movements, twitchiness, and ability to get off blocks.
Overall, Moore expressed excitement about the entire class.
“It’s a fun class. It’s a great bunch of kids, families, but a lot of good players,” Moore said.
NIL
Moore acknowledged the significant impact of NIL (name, image, likeness) on recruiting and signing day.
“It’s definitely a thing you can’t ignore,” Moore said, emphasizing the need to adapt and have a plan to handle last-minute changes.
Regular season
Reflecting on the regular season, Moore expressed pride in the young team’s progress.
“Groups getting better and better,” Moore said, though he admitted they did not get the result they wanted in the last game vs. Ohio State.
Moore stressed the importance of preparing for the next challenge with a solid foundation.
On pass rush improvement after the Ohio State game, Moore was straightforward: “You’ve got to get there. That’s just plain and simple.”
Injured players
Regarding injured players, Moore said he expects Mikey Keene and Rod Moore to return, but does not plan to play in the upcoming bowl game.
Wink Martindale
On defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, Moore confirmed he will be back next year.
Citrus Bowl
Moore explained why Michigan chooses to participate in bowl games despite some programs opting out.
“You only get better at it by playing it,” Moore said, highlighting the value of extra practices and a competitive atmosphere to improve the team.
Arch vs. Bryce
On the quarterback matchup between Michigan’s Bryce Underwood and Manning, Moore downplayed the individual competition.
“It’s Michigan versus Texas,” Moore said, focusing on team success rather than individual comparisons.
He hopes Underwood will continue to develop by learning the playbook and improving fundamentals, such as footwork and reading defenses.
Moore discussed Underwood’s progress and areas for improvement.
“Obviously, learning the playbook, knowing what’s going on,” Moore said, highlighting Bryce’s ability to make spectacular throws throughout the year, including throwing on the move and throwing in the pocket.
Moore emphasized the importance of continuing to work on fundamentals.
“Start with your feet, make sure your feet are right, make sure your eyes are exactly where they need to be, not looking at rushes,” Moore said.
Moore also stressed that the quarterback is not solely responsible for the team’s success.
“Everybody else has to continue to get better around him, too,” Moore said. “All the point always gets pointed at the quarterback. Everybody else has to be good around him as well.”
Quarterback coach
Moore shared that offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey spends a lot of time coaching Underwood and that they are exploring adding another quarterback coach to provide more support.
Moore said Lindsey has full autonomy of the office, as he doesn’t call plays.
He discussed the coaching support Underwood receives.
"Josh Sinagoga has been assisting as well," Moore said.
He also mentioned that Travis Russell helps and that Lindsey is the mainstay as both the quarterback coach and offensive coordinator.
When asked about bringing in additional coaching help, Moore said, “Yeah. Or move it around however we feel necessary,” indicating flexibility in the coaching staff to best support Bryce’s development.
Player retention
Discussing player retention amid the transfer portal and NIL era, Moore emphasized the importance of relationships and players’ love for Michigan.
“We keep a lot of guys here because they love this place,” Moore said.
Kerry Coombs
Moore addressed the hiring of Kerry Coombs, noting that Coombs is the second coach he has brought in who previously coached at Ohio State.
“It wasn’t on purpose,” Moore said.
Moore explained that their conversations focused on Coombs’ entire coaching career and his journey to this point.
“It really was just talking about his whole career, how he’s got to his point of where he’s at in coaching,” Moore said.
Moore emphasized the importance of understanding why Michigan would be a significant place for Coombs to be.
“Just hearing his responses and understanding what we can do and how he can help us win and how he wanted to impact lives was a huge piece of it,” Moore said.
Moore praised Coombs as a great teacher, recruiter, and respected coach with a strong connection to Michigan.
Transfer portal
Looking ahead to the transfer portal, Moore said the program is prepared with lists and plans to quickly identify players who fit the team’s culture and needs.
Moore responded to Notre Dame’s decision not to play in a bowl game by saying, “That’s their decision and something we’re not going to do.”