Rod Moore makes Michigan football history as three-time captain; Wolverines name four leaders for 2026

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines safety Rod Moore made program history when he was voted a team captain for the third time, becoming the first player in school history to earn the honor three times.

The Wolverines announced four captains for Team 147 ahead of the 2026 season on Monday (Aug. 17), with Moore and defensive tackle Trey Pierce representing the defense and quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Jordan Marshall representing the offense.

Moore is the only returning captain from last season and becomes the first three-time captain in Michigan football history.

Underwood, Marshall and Pierce were elected captains for the first time.

At Michigan, being elected captain is considered one of the highest honors a player can receive because teammates bestow the distinction.

Captaincy by player vote is a particularly significant recognition within the program, which has a long tradition of team-elected leaders.

The four captains will lead a Michigan team entering its first season under coach Kyle Whittingham.

The program also announced its 2026 Leadership Council, which includes the four captains along with 12 additional players.

The council consists of:

• S Nico Andrighetto
• CB Zeke Berry
• LB Troy Bowles
• DE Cam Brandt
• WR JJ Buchanan
• DE John Henry Daley
• DT Enow Etta
• OL Blake Frazier
• OL Jake Guarnera
• CB Jyaire Hill
• WR Andrew Marsh
• OL Andrew Sprague

The 16-player group will serve as the team’s representative body during the 2026 season.

Michigan’s captaincy tradition also carries a financial component.

The Robert Brown family established an endowment in 2020 for Wolverines football captains in conjunction with the Monroe-Brown Foundation.

For Moore, Monday’s announcement adds another distinction to a Michigan career defined by leadership and a key part of the 2023 College Football Playoff national championship.

His third captaincy separates him from every previous player in program history and gives the senior safety a unique place in the Wolverines’ record book before the 2026 season begins.