Kyle Whittingham's first spring appearance will be without some household names that Michigan fans are eager to judge on Saturday. They'll have to wait patiently until September to monitor their presence on the football field. We've already seen one of the players in a Michigan uniform, and his return will be a blessing.
Here are the three names we can't wait to see in the lineup for the maize and blue, but not at the spring game.
Andrew Babalola
By the time the season starts it will be one year since Babalola tore his ACL. My guess is that the staff will ease him into the rotation when he gets full clearance. His return to the gridiron seems like it will take the longest of the three, but it should be worth it. Thankfully Michigan has starting experience to allow him to heal.
John Henry Daley
John Henry Daley, Rod Moore and Andrew Babalola are not expected to be available this spring. Might be some light work, but Whittingham wants to make sure they are at their best for the season.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) March 17, 2026
Star transfer John Henry Daley has admitted that he is ahead of schedule and will be ready to come hunt quarterbacks in September. Having him available for the start of the season will be huge for a defensive line that is losing multiple starters. While we wait, this could open the door for someone like Nate Marshall to breakout.
Rod Moore
One last hurrah for the dean of Michigan's secondary is in store when Moore can give 100% with his knee. Even if Moore was healthy enough to go, it's understandable that he wouldn't play in a meaningless spring game anyways. Coach Whittingham said via The Michigan Daily "He still has a ways to go," but Moore himself was more upbeat by saying to MLive, "I probably feel the best I've felt since I tore my ACL." Michigan has plenty of reinforcements at safety, while Moore is still rehabbing.
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