U-M could be down 3 captains vs OSU
Wolverines Face Key Injuries Ahead of Showdown with Ohio State
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan football team is bracing for a challenging contest against its archrival, Ohio State, this Saturday, with several key players listed as questionable or out due to injury. The Wolverines, aiming for their fifth consecutive victory over the Buckeyes, will be without the leadership of safety Rod Moore, and face uncertainty surrounding the availability of fullback/tight end Max Bredeson and linebacker Ernest Hausmann.
A Devastating Blow to the Secondary
The most significant loss is undoubtedly that of Moore, a fifth-year senior and two-time team captain. Coach Sherrone Moore confirmed Monday that Moore is officially ruled out for the game, and indicated the injury is likely to end his collegiate career prematurely. Moore’s absence leaves a considerable void in the Wolverines’ secondary, particularly given his pivotal role in securing last year’s victory over Ohio State.
Moore’s game-sealing interception of a pass intended for Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2023 contest not only propelled Michigan to the Big Ten Championship but also set the stage for their eventual national championship run. The Ohio native had vowed to never lose to his home-state team, and was just one win away from fulfilling that promise. His dedication and impact on the program will be deeply missed.
Question Marks on Offense and Defense
Adding to the Wolverines’ concerns is the uncertain status of Bredeson, who suffered an injury during last week’s 45-20 win over Maryland. He was seen leaving the game with a boot on his right foot and utilizing crutches. While Coach Moore hasn’t entirely ruled him out, his participation appears unlikely. Bredeson has emerged as an unsung standout for the team, providing versatility and reliability on offense.
The situation with Hausmann is equally perplexing. The linebacker, who is the team’s leading tackler and serves as the “green dot” communicator on defense, was a surprise absence in the Maryland game. Rumors circulated that he had left the team, but both Moore and Hausmann himself refuted those claims. Hausmann posted on social media, in a now-deleted message, stating he “never left.” Moore has classified his status as “day-to-day,” but the circumstances raise doubts about his availability for Saturday’s crucial matchup.
The Broader Context of College Football Injuries
Injuries are an inherent part of football, but the frequency and severity of injuries in college football have been a growing concern. According to data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), approximately 11.8 per 1,000 athlete exposures result in an injury during college football practices and games. This statistic underscores the physical toll the sport takes on players and the challenges teams face in maintaining a healthy roster.
The increasing intensity of training regimens, combined with the physical demands of the game, contribute to this high injury rate. Furthermore, the pressure to perform at a high level can lead players to push through pain, potentially exacerbating existing injuries. The impact of these injuries extends beyond the individual player, affecting team dynamics and overall performance.
Impact on Playoff Implications
The Wolverines’ injury situation comes at a critical juncture in the season. A victory over Ohio State would not only secure bragging rights but also significantly enhance their chances of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, navigating the game without key contributors will undoubtedly be a formidable task.
Michigan will need to rely on the depth of its roster and the resilience of its remaining players to overcome these challenges. The coaching staff will be tasked with devising a game plan that mitigates the impact of the absences and maximizes the strengths of the available personnel. The outcome of Saturday’s game could very well determine the Wolverines’ postseason fate.
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press.
ARTICOL ORIGINAL:
Michigan football is on the hunt to pick up its fifth consecutive win against rival Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 29 (noon, Fox), but if it does come, it will be without a number of the team’s leaders.
The Wolverines could be without as many as three of its six captains. Safety Rod Moore, fullback/tight end Max Bredeson and linebacker Ernest Hausmann are all varying degrees of questionable or out.
Moore, a fifth-year senior and two-time captain, was officially ruled out by coach Sherrone Moore at his Monday press conference. Even if the Wolverines are to make the College Football Playoff, Rod Moore is “most likely” done for the season.
It’s a painful ending to what was a tremendous career. Moore, an Ohio native who came to Ann Arbor and vowed to never lose to his home state team, is one victory away from doing that.
He was directly responsible for sealing one of those victories − the last time the teams played in Ann Arbor in 2023 − when he picked off a pass by Kyle McCord intended for Marvin Harrison Jr. to send U-M to the Big Ten title game and eventually the CFP, which ended with a national championship.
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Moore has dealt with knee issues since he tore his ACL in the spring of 2024, then had to get a second procedure on his meniscus in December. He sat out the first three games in 2025, came back for the fourth contest, but played just three games against Nebraska, Wisconsin and USC, and has missed the past five wins.
Max Bredeson injury update
Bredeson, an unsung standout for the program, left last week’s 45-20 victory over Maryland, and came back with a boot on his right foot and crutches.
Sherrone Moore hasn’t ruled out the chance for him to play, but it sound like a longshot.
“Max − the X-rays, we’ll see,” he said. “Didn’t look great, but, you know, if anybody can push through it, it’s Max Bredeson. So, we’ll know more as we go through the week.”
Hausmann is the green dot linebacker and leading tackler on the team. He was a surprise absence from the Maryland game, when rumors began to swirl he’d left the team.
Hausmann took to social media in a now deleted post which stated he “never left.”
Moore rejected that rumor and classified him as “day-to-day.” My take: It’s hard to feel confident about Hausmann playing going forward.
Michigan football injury report vs Ohio State
Here are the Wolverines’ injury designations as of Tuesday for the regular-season finale against the Buckeyes.
- RB Justice Haynes, out.
- S Rod Moore, out.
- OL Evan Link, doubtful.
- TE/FB Max Bredeson, doubtful.
- LB Ernest Hausmann, questionable.
- TE Hogan Hansen, questionable.
- WR Semaj Morgan, questionable.
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.