CHICAGO – Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore emphasized the importance of getting players healthy as the team approaches the latter part of the season.
“Our number one goal was to make sure we got guys healthy,” said Moore. “We’ll see what their status is as we go through the week, but feel good about where Cole Sullivan is. We’ll see where Jimmy Rolder is. We’ll see where Jaishawn Barham is. Feel like we’re in a positive place with all of them."
Recommended Videos
Moore noted that as the team reaches game 10, many players are dealing with minor injuries.
“Everybody’s got something—some bruise, nick, something. So, keeping those guys healthy and getting their bodies back was important for us,”
When asked about Justice Haynes' return, Moore said, “That’s week to week. We’ll see.”
Moore provided an update on the injury status of Rod Moore and Hogan Hansen.
“Yeah, same,” Moore said regarding both players. “Hogan feels like it could be this week, could be next week, but you know, we’ll take it day by day on Hogan, and same thing with Rod.”
Moore emphasized the team’s cautious approach, monitoring their progress closely as they aim to get both players back on the field.
Redshirt potential
Moore discussed the evolving approach to redshirting players in the era of NIL and high-level recruiting.
“Some of these guys might not be here for five years,” Moore said. “When you recruit high-level players, they might not be here for five years, whereas the old school thought is you come in, you develop them. We still want to do that, and there might be some guys that we have to do that with, and they’re not ready.”
Moore emphasized that redshirt conversations are personalized.
“Those talks are real. We have them with everybody individually. I’ve had them already about some guys should I redshirt, I want to redshirt. It’s on an individual basis. We’re very open and honest with them,” Moore said.
Moore added that similar discussions happen with veterans who have been banged up.
“Yeah, 100%. Same thing,” Moore said.
Jordan Marshall
Moore praised running back Jordan Marshall, highlighting his suitability for November football in the Midwest. “He’s from that state we all know of, was the Ohio State player of the year, played in this type of weather. It’s his mentality and how he runs. He’s a physical runner and a back that’s going to thrive in November,” Moore said.
Bye Week
Reflecting on the team’s bye week, Moore compared it to last year but noted the current urgency.
“We’re playing for a lot more. The urgency is at an all-time high in the program—with me, coaches, and players. When opportunity comes, it’s too late to prepare, so you have to attack it now,” Moore said.
The coach described the team’s energy as high.
“The juice is high, the urgency is high, and we’re going to keep it that way,” Moore said.
Defense
On defense, Moore praised nickel and safety player TJ Metcalf for his physicality and leadership.
“He’s a great tackler in space, vocal leader, and has done a great job for what we’ve asked him,” Moore said.
Moore also shared insights about the team’s younger players during the bye week.
“We had so many young players. It was about sharpening their skills to see who would help us more consistently,” Moore said.
Bryce Underwood
Discussing quarterback Bryce Underwood‘s use of under-center snaps versus shotgun, Moore explained the pros and cons.
“Under center, you don’t give your tell from a pass-run standpoint based on back location, but you turn your back to the defense longer. We’re working on both,” Moore said.
Underwood’s attitude and belief in the team remain strong, Moore said.
“He’s locked in, ready to go. We all believe in him,” Moore said.
Game focus
Moore urged the team to focus on the present game rather than looking ahead.
“Win today. We’re playing a really good team, well coached, tough, physical, and they execute in all three phases.”
Regarding the upcoming game at Wrigley Field against the Northwestern Wildcats, Moore called it an “awesome” and “historic venue,” but stressed the focus remains on football. “We got to go play football on a blade of grass.”
Moore highlighted the contributions of running backs Jasper Parker and Bryson Kuzdzal, noting their development and roles in balancing the workload.
“They’ll both get a chance to carry the ball and protect,” Moore said.
He praised Kuzdzal’s speed and physical running style.
“He’s probably the second fastest behind Justice. He ran hard and physically in the last game,” Moore said.
Moore also mentioned his regular conversations with his mentor, Nick Saban, for advice.
“I’d be a fool not to seek advice from somebody like Nick Saban,” Moore said.
Northwestern
On Northwestern, Moore described them as a well-coached, physical team with a strong offensive line and skilled players.
“They just don’t make mistakes. You have to execute at a high level to beat them,” Moore said.
Moore acknowledged the challenge of their offense but emphasized the Wolverines’ commitment to matching physicality.
“We want zero plays for them.”
Regarding logistics at Wrigley Field, Moore noted the locker room and walk to the field are different but manageable.
“The biggest thing will be the wind,” Moore said.
Moore also spoke about recruiting in Chicago and the excitement of playing in the city.
“It’ll be great to have support from Michigan fans at Wrigley Field,” Moore said.
On the secondary, Moore praised young players like Zeke Berry for leadership and performance.
“Zeke’s played really good and his leadership has definitely taken over,” Moore said.
Moore described the team’s heightened urgency behind the scenes.
“Guys are on P’s and Q’s of everything—meetings, practice, how they tie their shoes, how the locker room looks. Those details help you win,” Moore said.
Special teams focus during the bye week was on basics: tackling in space, lane control, and decision-making in the return game.
Moore shared how he connected with Nick Saban through coach Biff Poggi and values the mentorship.
“We connected after the Rose Bowl and have grown the connection since,” Moore said.
Kickoff is slated for noon on Saturday (Nov. 15) inside Wrigley Field.
Baseball stadium
Saturday in Chicago will be historic for the Wolverines.
The Wolverines and Wildcats will clash at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, as Ryan Field undergoes construction on Northwestern’s campus.
Nov. 15, 2025, will mark the first time the two schools meet at Wrigley.
The last time Michigan played in a baseball stadium was in 2008, when they beat the Minnesota Golden Gophers 29-6 inside the Metrodome, where the Twins once played.
Michigan was 12-0 at the venue during the 27 seasons the HHH Metrodome served as Minnesota football’s home (1982-2008).
Before that stretch, the last game played inside a baseball stadium was in 1950, when No. 1 Army defeated No. 18 Michigan 27-6 at Yankee Stadium.