As Michigan football pursues its fifth consecutive victory against rival Ohio State this Saturday, the team faces the challenge of playing without several of its key leaders due to injury.
The Wolverines could be missing as many as three of their six captains for the crucial matchup. Safety Rod Moore, fullback/tight end Max Bredeson, and linebacker Ernest Hausmann are all either questionable or have been ruled out.
Coach Sherrone Moore confirmed Monday that Rod Moore, a fifth-year senior and two-time captain, is officially out and will “most likely” miss the remainder of the season, including any potential College Football Playoff games. The Ohio native, who famously vowed to never lose to his home-state team, was instrumental in a previous victory, sealing the 2023 game in Ann Arbor with an interception that propelled Michigan toward its national championship run. His season has been hampered by knee issues, beginning with a torn ACL in the spring of 2024, followed by a second procedure on his meniscus in December. He has played in only three games this season.
Bredeson, another captain and an unsung standout, left last week’s 45-20 victory over Maryland with a boot on his right foot and on crutches. While not officially ruled out, Coach Moore indicated his return is a longshot. “Didn’t look great, but, you know, if anybody can push through it, it’s Max Bredeson,” he said.
The status of linebacker Ernest Hausmann, the team’s leading tackler, also remains uncertain. Hausmann was a surprise absence from the Maryland game, leading to since-deleted social media posts where he refuted rumors he had left the team. Coach Moore has classified him as “day-to-day.”
The official injury report for the regular-season finale against the Buckeyes is as follows:
* 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
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