As Michigan gears up for its New Year’s Eve showdown with Texas in the Citrus Bowl, the focus isn’t just on game prep - it’s also on who won’t be suiting up. Three key Wolverines - defensive end Derrick Moore, offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi, and edge rusher Jaishawn Barham - have officially opted out of the bowl game, turning their attention to the NFL.
Moore made his intentions clear over the weekend, announcing his decision to declare for the NFL Draft. And after the season he just had, it’s no surprise.
The senior edge rusher finally put it all together this year, racking up 9.5 sacks and 34 pressures - numbers that speak to a player who found his rhythm in a big way under defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Moore had flashed potential in previous seasons, but 2025 was the year he became a real problem for opposing quarterbacks.
Barham, meanwhile, is another name to watch on draft boards. After making the move from linebacker to edge, he adjusted quickly and became a disruptive force off the edge. His versatility and athleticism helped him carve out a key role on this Michigan defense, and he’s leaving with plenty of momentum heading into the pre-draft process.
On the offensive side, El-Hadi’s departure leaves a leadership void. A team captain this season, El-Hadi has been a steady presence on the line over the past four years.
He’s primarily played left guard but has also logged time at right guard, giving him the kind of positional flexibility NFL teams love to see in late-round picks or undrafted free agents. While he’s not the flashiest name in the group, his experience and leadership will be missed.
With just over a week until kickoff, don’t be surprised if more Wolverines join the opt-out list - especially those with NFL aspirations. That’s the reality of bowl season in today’s college football landscape. But for Michigan, the focus now shifts to depth, development, and how this team responds without a few of its key veterans on the field.