Michigan football is expected to get Rod Moore back in the lineup at some point this season. Until that happens, though, a former Michigan State Spartan could take his spot in the starting lineup.
#Michigan HC Sherrone Moore says defensive back Rod Moore has been in walkthroughs and slowly steadily getting into practice stuff.
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) August 12, 2025
On consecutive days, secondary coach Lamar Morgan and also Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore mentioned Jaden Mangham, the former Michigan State player who had four interceptions back in the 2023 season before transferring to U-M.
Last season, Mangham was hindered by injury. He ended up using a redshirt. Now, with Moore still working his way back to 100 percent, there is a chance for playing time.
Moore, the Michigan football head coach, said that Mangham, the 6-foot-2 safety, has been a "great surprise" during fall camp, according to Clayton Sayfie. He also said that he was running with the No. 1's and No. 2's.
Michigan DB Jaden Mangham missed almost all of last season with an injury but is now running with the ones and twos in fall camp, been a "great surprise" and "will be helping us week one."
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) August 11, 2025
Story: https://t.co/Eqz4EHxqXZ pic.twitter.com/Le6lCcNEu0
Former Spartan could start for Michigan Wolverines
Mangham came to Michigan after having played 20 career games for the Spartans with 12 starts, four interceptions, and nine pass breakups.
You have a player with proven Big Ten production who almost feels forgotten about. There was hope that Mangham would have gotten on the field last season but only played in one game. The former three-star recruit could provide some quality depth as Moore recovers.
Sherrone Moore said that Moore was still working his way back. It feels like it would be a surprise if he was in the lineup for the Week 1 game against New Mexico. That's why I think Mangham will start that game. Bradyn Hillman is another option, and so is TJ Metcalf.
Metcalf will start somewhere. Yet, he's also a great candidate for the nickel role. There are cornerbacks who could compete for that job, too, but it feels like Metcalf is the ideal candidate with Moore in the lineup or not.
Moore can be the centerfielder, whenever he returns. That's where he's great. Bradyn Hillman can be the enforcer, and Mangham can provide starting-level depth until Moore is 100 percent.
Then, it will be like the Wolverines have four-staring level safeties.