Michigan football had six captains in 2025. Only one will play vs Texas

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Michigan football had six captains in 2025. Only one will play vs Texas

ORLANDO, FL — Michigan football announced three definitive opt outs – edge Jaishawn Barham, edge Derrick Moore and offensive lineman Gio El-Hadi – but the Wolverines will be without more than just that trio when they play Texas on Wednesday, Dec. 31 (3 p.m., ABC) in the Citrus Bowl.

U-M's pregame availability lineup included several key players out, including running back Justice Haynes (foot), linebacker Ernest Hausmann (personal), fullback Max Bredeson (lower body), defensive back Rod Moore (knee), defensive back Mason Curtis (lower body) and offensive lineman Andrew Sprague (undisclosed).

Perhaps the most notable listing on the report: Running back Jordan Marshall is questionable.

Michigan running back Jordan Marshall (23) runs against Ohio State during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Interim coach Biff Poggi warned of the injuries Tuesday in his media availability. It wasn't the 25 he cautioned on a Texas-based podcast the week prior, but he advised the Wolverines were expecting to miss around a dozen players.

“We have some others that this week have decided not to play based on injuries,” Poggi said Tuesday. “Our number (of players not playing) is probably more like 12 to 15 in actuality.

“But look, it’s the Citrus Bowl and you’re playing against Texas, who was the preseason No. 1 ranked team in the country who, in my opinion, should’ve gotten one of those [College Football Playoff] bids, so our kids are excited about competing against them. The only other SEC team we played this year, we got beat pretty good by Oklahoma, so our kids are excited to play. If you can’t get excited to play against Texas, you’re in the wrong sport.”

Michigan down to one healthy captain

Most of these injuries come as little surprise.

Haynes has not played since October, when he broke his foot late against Michigan State. The injury required surgery the following week. Hausmann has been dealing with a personal situation and has not been with the team since its win over Northwestern in Chicago in mid-November.

Bredeson hasn’t played U-M's Nov. 22 game again Maryland when he injured his lower body — his foot is in a cast and he has been on a scooter for the past month. Rod Moore played just three games this year after rehabbing from multiple knee surgeries, but hasn’t suited up since mid-October. Curtis sustained a lower body injury against Ohio State.

Sprague played through the entire season, but was not an active participant during bowl practice this week when media was permitted to watch select portions. Brady Norton was repping in his spot next to guard Jake Guarnera.

Michigan had six captains to start this season, five of whom won't suit up – Rod Moore (out), Derrick Moore (declared for NFL), Hausmann (personal), Bredeson (lower body) and El-Hadi (opted out). The lone healthy captain is tight end Marlin Klein.

Jordan Marshall questionable

Marshall, the team's leading rusher, is questionable for the contest.

Marshall has been dinged up this last month after sustaining a shoulder injury against Northwestern. He was held out the following week against Maryland, though then-coach Sherrone Moore said he "could've gone" but they wanted to rest him so he could be healthy for Ohio State.

That didn't pan out. Marshall lasted just two series against the Buckeyes before reaggravating the injury. He was effective, running seven times for 61 yards, but unable to withstand body blows beyond the first quarter.

Marshall was made available with interim offensive coordinator Steve Casula during one press conference this week and was participating in practice, so he appears to be a gametime decision. Bryson Kuzdzal, who filled in for Marshall against the Terrapins, will likely be the lead back if he can't go. Jasper Parker figures to be the No. 2.

Tony Garcia is the Wolverines beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jordan Marshall injury update: Michigan football RB questionable

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