For weeks, things have been trending in a positive direction for some key Michigan football players to come back for another season, and on Thursday, some big names announced they will be back for at least one more season with the Wolverines.
That list of names included Rod Moore, who announced that he will be back for the Wolverines after playing in just three games last season. If Moore can get healthy, that would be huge for the secondary.
After suffering a serious knee injury in the spring of 2024, Moore missed the entire 2024 season. He returned for three games in 2025. He even intercepted a pass against Wisconsin. He also had a key pass breakup, and a tackle on a trick play that might have saved a touchdown.
The point is, when Rod Moore was healthy this season, he was a player, so if he can be 100 percent next season, a full-time starter, it would be like having an NFL player in the secondary, both in terms of talent and experience.
Other essential players are coming back for Michigan football
Moore wasn't the only key Michigan football player to announce a return. Defensive tackle Trey Pierce, another fans have been watching closely, is also coming back. As is dynamic freshman EDGE Nate Marshall, a top-50 overall recruit from 2025, who is poised for a breakout season in 2026.
Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng (LB), Dominic Nichols (EDGE), and Shamari Earls (CB) announced their return, too. Owusu-Boateng could be one of the most important players on the defense next season, with Michigan's need for a playmaking linebacker.
The former five-star recruit needs to deliver. Nichols was a rotation player up front, and should be a contributor in 2026, too, while Earls, a former top-100 recruit, provides some key depth in the secondary.
At this point, outside of another linebacker, the roster feels set.