Michigan football senior captain Derrick Moore declares for NFL draft
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Michigan football senior edge Derrick Moore is heading to the next level.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pound leader of U-M's defensive line will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced on his social media on Saturday, Dec. 20.
It is not immediately clear if he will play in the Wolverines' Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas on Dec. 31 (3:00 p.m., ABC). The post did not mention his participation, which began by thanking God, his family, friends and mentors.
"Over the past four years, I am truly honored to say that I am a two-time Big Ten Champion, Rose Bowl Champion, National Champion, team captain and a two-time All-Big Ten selection while also earning the opportunity to graduate from the University of Michigan," the post began. "I would like to thank Coach [Jim] Harbaugh and Coach [Sherrone] Moore for giving me this opportunity and showing me what it truly means to be a Michigan man."
Moore also thanked his teammates and the "brotherhood" they built the past four years saying through the battles, they were able to create "lifelong lasting bonds that can never be broken.
"With that being said, I am excited to announce that I have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft," Moore wrote.
Moore was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2025 when he finished with 30 tackles, 10½ for loss and 10 sacks, to go with three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Moore had a three-game stretch in the middle of the season – Washington, Michigan State and Purdue – where he recorded two sacks in each.
“We’ve all seen it,” senior linebacker Ernest Hausmann said of Moore after the Purdue game. “His career at Michigan has been outstanding. The impact he’s had in the game at any point in time, his play-making abilities are out of this world.”
Moore played in 53 games across his U-M tenure, recording 62 tackles, 24½ for loss and 21 sacks.
This was an expected departure and is one of many that are likely coming in the next few weeks as the Wolverines search for a new head coach and a number of upperclassmen weigh their options between the NFL, returning to Ann Arbor or entering the transfer portal.
Moore is perceived as a Day 2 selection in the draft next April.
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: Michigan football senior captain Derrick Moore declares for NFL draft
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