Rod Moore injury is a massive blow for Michigan football

injuries are the worst and a major injury was suffered by the Michigan football team this week as Rod Moore, an All-Big Ten safety suffered an ACL, non-contact injury during practice this week.

Rumors of an injury to Moore circulated on social media Monday evening but the report was confirmed by Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports.

Moore has been a standout since his freshman season with the Wolverines. He had five interceptions as a sophomore and two more this past season despite dealing with injury issues. He appeared in 12 games for Michigan football with 11 starts in 2023. Moore also had 38 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two interceptions, one of which was the clinching play against Ohio State.

What it means for Michigan football

It's hard to overstate what a loss this is. Moore could have declared for the NFL draft after this season and I believe he would have been a day-two pick. He's got elite ball skills but is also a solid tackler and is one of the best safeties in all of college football.

It's a gut punch to think about not having Moore out there this season, especially after earning All-Big Ten honors in 2022 and 2023. This will also hinder his NFL future. He could still enter the draft after this season, but his stock wouldn't be as high.

I'm not a medical expert but it seems like Moore will miss the entire 2024 season. Quentin Johnson just returned after declaring for the draft and he could be in line to start next to Makari Paige. Zeke Berry is another name to know along with Brandyn Hillman.

Berry feels poised for a breakout season and now that Moore is out for the season, the opportunity is there. I know Michigan fans are hoping for some big addition via the spring transfer portal, but I don't see that. There could be a reinforcement but don't expect Keon Sabb back in Ann Arbor.

It will be next-man up for Michigan football and while there are some solid depth pieces, Moore is a star and he's going to be incredibly difficult to replace.