Michigan Loses 'Great Player' to SEC School After Sherrone Moore Scandal
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The Michigan Wolverines finished their regular season with a record of 9-3 and are preparing to face Texas in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on December 31.
The Wolverines’ bowl destination was revealed shortly before the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore, who was replaced by Biff Poggi for the time being.
Following the news, the Wolverines’ recruiting class came into focus with one player standing out.
An offensive lineman who was expected to continue Moore’s ‘Smash’ philosophy in Ann Arbor, but the player decided to bolt for SEC country after announcing he no longer wanted to attend the University of Michigan.
‘Great Player’ Bolts for Auburn Tigers
Offensive guard Bear McWhorter of Cartersville, Georgia was given four stars by various recruiting services including ESPN and was noted for having the mean streak necessary to play the rough and tumble position.
McWhorter was one of 27 recruits to sign with the Wolverines during the December 3-5 early signing period window but was granted his release after the Moore news broke and chose Auburn next.
McWhorter will be a “great player” according to scout and reporter Brice Marich of The Michigan Insider, who made the proclamation earlier this week.
“Super underrated player IMO, who will be a great player for the Tigers,” Marich said.
Wolverines Move on Without Moore, McWhorter
Number 18 Michigan will face the 13th-ranked Texas Longhorns soon in the Citrus Bowl with Biff Poggi coaching the team.
Athletic director Warde Manuel is currently searching for a coach with the ability to lead Michigan forward in a brave new era of college football where year-to-year change has reached new levels and unexpected championship contenders including the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers have emerged.
Michigan has plenty of young talent in the pipeline at offensive line with three redshirt freshman starters this season and two 2025 true freshmen, Ty Haywood and Andrew Babalola, expected to challenge for major minutes next year in Ann Arbor.
The Wolverines are the type of program that always attracts high caliber talent at offensive line regardless of the circumstances.
The loss of McWhorter stings, but Michigan has a strong class coming in next season at the position and an opportunity to make its offensive line one of the strengths of the team with QB Bryce Underwood calling the shots and a new coach on his way.
Related: Michigan’s Kenny Dillingham Chances Get Update From ESPN Reporter
Related: Biff Poggi’s Future With Michigan Gains Backing of Wolverines Player’s Father
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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