Top 3 Michigan players who could return for one more season with Wolverines in 2025 ft. Rod Moore

The Michigan Wolverines fell back down to earth in 2024. After winning the National Championship a year earlier, Sharrone Morre’s squad could only finish the season at .500.

The Wolverines have some pieces in place to compete in 2025. There are high hopes for the offense after Bryce Underwood’s commitment. The top quarterback prospect should bring stability to a position that was a revolving door in 2024.

However, Michigan’s strength should once again be on defense. The unit should still have some talented players. The victory over Ohio State showed that they can stop some of the top offensive teams in the country.

It’s no coincidence that their top players available for the 2025 season are on that side of the ball.

Top 3 Michigan players who could return in 2025

The Wolverines will face Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl to end the 2024 season. Here are some players that could come back and make an impact next season:

Rod Moore (9) could stay in Michigan after missing the entire 2024 season. (Image Source: Imagn)

#3. Ernest Hausmann, Linebacker

The junior linebacker was the team’s leading tackler by far, with 82 stops. He added two sacks, an interception, and a pass defended to his stat sheet in 2024. Hausmann had five games with at least eight tackles, including a 12-tackle and one-interception performance against the Washington Huskies.

The former Nebraska Cornhusker is also strong in pass coverage. Having a player with that kind of range in the middle opens up opportunities for the entire defense. The Wolverines have depth at the position, but it’s unlikely anyone on the roster can match Ernest Hausmann's consistency and range.

#2. Derrick Moore, Edge

The 6-3, 256-pound edge rusher is considered to have NFL potential. Moore had 19 tackles and two sacks during the year for a team that could lose top sackers, Josaiah Stewart and TJ Guy.

Moore’s output hasn’t reflected his potential yet, but he can seal the edge for running backs and rush the passer effectively. He has the talent to step right into Stewart’s spot.

Michigan doesn’t have the depth on the edge as it does in other positions, so having Moore for one more year would help offset one of their biggest defensive needs.

#1. Rod Moore, Safety

Rod Moore’s absence is easier to project. The senior from Clayton, Ohio, missed the entire season after suffering an injury during the spring, and the Michigan secondary wasn’t the same without him.

While Moore has also spent time as a nickel back, he is better suited as a safety. Moore is a sure tackler (he had 71 tackles in 2022) and can take away the middle of the field with his range. He is also able to deliver a big hit from time to time.

As Moore didn’t see the field in 2024, he could be better off staying for one more year at Michigan to push his draft stock. For the Wolverines, having a veteran in the secondary would be a boost, as three starters, including Will Johnson, are leaving after the season.