Michigan Football Makes Sweeping Practice Changes Leading Up to Texas Game
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Michigan Wolverines have won three straight bowl games after five straight losses and are preparing for a tough game against Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns on December 31, 2025.
The Wolverines went 9-3 this season but didn’t receive consideration for the College Football Playoff after a deflating 27-9 loss to Ohio State in their final regular season contest.
The Longhorns are a different story. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s team is coming off of one of the best wins of the college football season, a 27-17 victory over coach Mike Elko’s Texas A&M Aggies at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium and are a strong favorite.
Leading into the game, the Wolverines’ acting head coach Biff Poggi shared news of a shake-up regarding Michigan’s practice habits that has caused waves around the program.
Sweeping Changes for Michigan
Poggi said the Wolverines are changing “virtually everything” leading up to the game in less than 10 days.
“Michigan head coach Biff Poggi said they’ve changed ‘virtually everything,'” WXYZ Channel 7 reporter Brad Galli wrote.
“Practices are shorter, up-tempo, and there is more best-on-best work.
“They’re actually having fun playing football again. I’m really proud of them,” Poggi added.
Key Players Sitting Out Citrus Bowl
Three senior starters, Giovanni El-Hadi, Derrick Moore, and Jaishawn Barham, are expected to sit out the bowl game as they focus on their futures.
Moore declared for the NFL Draft on Saturday and is projected to be selected in the second or third rounds.
Barham, a former Maryland Terrapins transfer, has the athletic ability of a first round pick but will likely be selected in the fourth round or later according to recent prognostications after an ineffective day vs. Ohio State.
El-Hadi is projected as a third to fifth round selection with scouting reports indicating he needs to improve his pass blocking and ability to pull around the edge on rushing plays.
The Wolverines will likely use the bowl game as a chance to get young players valuable experience heading into 2026.
Freshmen stars Bryce Underwood and Andrew Marsh will go up against a stout Longhorns defense with two All-American players while Michigan’s defense will have a chance to improve its pass rush leading into its showdown with Manning, a preseason Heisman candidate.
It worked out well against Jalen Milroe and Alabama last season, but the Longhorns are a different animal entirely, recently proving they can play with, and beat, top five caliber teams when given the opportunity.
Related: Bigg Poggi Vows to Fix ‘Messy’ Situation With Michigan Wolverines
Related: Biff Poggi Sends Message to Michigan DE After NFL Draft Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos