Michigan Bracing For 'Massive' Exodus After Sherrone Moore's Firing

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It's safe to say Michigan probably won't be at full strength for its final game of the 2025 season.

Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore earlier this December for having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. He was then arrested for a third-degree felony charge of home invasion as well as one count of stalking and one count of breaking and entering. Interim coach Biff Poggi admit that Michigan’s locker room felt "betrayed" by this whole situation.

“It has been a tumultuous time,” Poggi said, via ESPN. “A lot of … first disbelief, then anger, then really, what we’re in right now is the kids, quite frankly, feel very betrayed, and we’re trying to work through that.”

During an appearance on "The Stampede" this Tuesday, Poggi addressed Michigan's outlook for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Texas.

Poggi suggested that as many as 25 players could opt out of Michigan's bowl game.

"We will play hard, we're coming, we will play hard. I don't know how many will come with, quite frankly, and I don't know how well we'll play, but we'll play hard," Poggi said. "And I want them to be able to say the rest of their lives, 'We went, we played really hard against a great opponent, and we gave it our all, when lesser men probably will not be there on the 31st.' So, you know, I'm thinking, honestly, there could be 25 guys, you know, possibly not come back

Will Bryce Underwood be back?

Earlier this week, Poggi was asked if Bryce Underwood will return to Michigan for the 2026 season. The five-star recruit completed 61.1% of his passes this season for 2,229 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

“Bryce? Well, I certainly hope so. I would hope so, yeah,” Poggi said, via On3. “I mean, you want to ask that question, you should probably ask him or his dad or mom.”

Michigan alum Dave Portnoy played a big role in the university signing Underwood. He made it clear that he won't entertain a renegotiated deal with the dual-threat quarterback.

“I’m out of it. He’d have to have some big balls to say he wants to renegotiate now,” Portnoy told Urban Meyer. “I don’t think that’s coming down the ‘pike. That would be surreal. I’m out of it.”

All eyes will be on Underwood this offseason, that's for sure.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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