Michigan’s defense faces massive opt-outs. Key players step aside, paving the way for fresh talent to prove themselves against Texas.
The 2025 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl finds the Michigan Wolverines in a state of profound transition. Following the mid-December firing of head coach Sherrone Moore, the program has been thrust into a whirlwind of interim leadership and roster uncertainty. As the No. 18 Wolverines prepare to face No. 13 Texas on New Year’s Eve in Orlando, the focus has shifted from "what could have been" to "who is left."
The Key Departures
While many feared a mass exodus following the coaching turnover, the opt-outs have remained relatively targeted. As of late December, three veteran starters have officially confirmed they will sit out the bowl game to protect their NFL Draft stock:
• Derrick Moore (EDGE): The heart of the Wolverines' pass rush, Moore led the Big Ten in sacks during conference play (finishing with 11 total). His absence leaves a massive void on the defensive line.
• Jaishawn Barham (LB/EDGE): A versatile defender who transitioned from linebacker to edge this season, Barham was a disruptive force alongside Moore. His departure removes a significant layer of athleticism from the front seven.
• Giovanni El-Hadi (OG): An All-Big Ten honoree and a veteran of 51 games, El-Hadi was the anchor of the interior offensive line. His absence tests the depth of a unit already adjusting to new play-calling.
Beyond these NFL-bound opt-outs, the transfer portal has also claimed depth pieces, most notably sophomore wide receiver Fredrick Moore and quarterback Jadyn Davis, both of whom chose to seek new opportunities rather than play in the bowl under an interim staff.
What This Means for Michigan
The immediate impact of these absences is a direct hit to Michigan’s greatest strength: its defensive identity. The Wolverines finished the regular season ranked 13th nationally in rushing defense and 16th in scoring defense. Losing Moore and Barham—two players responsible for a combined 14 sacks—strips the defense of its primary teeth against a high-powered Texas offense led by Arch Manning.
However, for interim head coach Biff Poggi and new offensive play-caller Steve Casula, this game serves as a crucial audition for the future. The Citrus Bowl has essentially become a "pre-spring" game for the 2026 season.
The Recruiting Stakes and Freshman Auditions
The vacuum created by these opt-outs provides a high-stakes stage for Michigan’s youth movement, particularly for the highly touted 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes. With Barham and Moore sidelined, the spotlight shifts to sophomore TJ Guy and rising stars like Cameron Brandt and Enow Etta. This game isn't just about a 10-win season; it’s a living scouting report for the next permanent head coach.
On the offensive side, the absence of El-Hadi means true freshman Andrew Sprague—the crown jewel of the 2024 offensive line class—will likely see his most significant action to date. Facing a Texas defensive front that is similarly depleted by opt-outs (including stars like Anthony Hill Jr.), these young Wolverines have a rare opportunity to prove the program's developmental pipeline remains intact despite the coaching "stunner."
For Michigan, the Citrus Bowl has evolved from a traditional postseason reward into a critical bridge to the future. Every snap taken by a freshman in Orlando is a data point for a program desperate to prove that its "Michigan Man" culture can survive even the most chaotic of offseasons.