Things are anything but quiet inside Schembechler Hall right now. Just over a week after Michigan parted ways with head coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines are still navigating a fog of uncertainty.
The head coaching search is ongoing, the transfer portal looms, and questions about the 2026 recruiting class remain unanswered. But amid the chaos, a few veteran leaders on the roster are starting to show where they stand - and that clarity matters.
On Friday afternoon, three key players spoke to local media for the first time since Moore’s dismissal. Tight end Marlin Klein, cornerback Zeke Berry, and linebacker Jimmy Rolder each addressed their futures, and while their paths may differ, their commitment to finishing the 2025 season strong was a common thread.
Let’s start with Klein, who didn’t mince words when asked about his next steps. With one year of eligibility left, he made it clear he’s not entertaining a transfer.
“I would never transfer from this place,” Klein said. “For me, it’s either coming back for my fifth year or taking the chance of going to the NFL.”
That kind of loyalty - especially in today’s era of player movement - carries weight. Klein’s focus, at least for now, is on Michigan’s upcoming Citrus Bowl matchup against Texas. And he’s not treating it like a throwaway game.
“A lot of people opt out of these ‘meaningless’ bowl games, which I don’t think this is,” Klein said. “We have a chance to play against Texas, which is a team that should’ve been in the playoffs. So I think that’s just a great opportunity for all of us, and I’m gonna make the best out of it with my brothers on the field.”
Klein’s production this season won’t jump off the stat sheet - 20 catches, 209 yards, and a touchdown - but his presence in the locker room and on the field has clearly made an impact. Nearly half of his yardage and his lone score came in Week 1, but his leadership now might be even more valuable than his numbers.
As for Berry and Rolder, their situations are a bit more fluid. Both have one year of eligibility remaining, but neither is ready to make a call on what comes next.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Berry said. “I’m just trying to play this game.”
Rolder echoed that sentiment, saying he’s still weighing his options between returning and making the jump to the NFL.
“Yeah, definitely in between right now,” Rolder said. “I’m not really sure what I’ll end up doing, so just waiting it out and seeing.”
Importantly, Rolder made it clear that his decision won’t be influenced by the coaching change.
“My decision will have nothing to do with the coaching change here,” he said. “It’ll be about what I think is best for myself and what others think is best for me.”
Both players were cornerstones of Michigan’s defense in 2025. Berry was one of the team’s top cover corners, tallying 28 total tackles, 10 pass breakups, and an interception.
Rolder, meanwhile, led the team in tackles with 69 and added two sacks, a pick, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery. If Michigan’s next coach is looking to build a competitive defense in 2026, keeping these two in the fold would be a strong place to start.
For now, though, the focus shifts to one final game this season. Michigan will take the field one last time in 2025 on New Year’s Eve at 3 p.m. ET, facing off against a talented Texas squad in the Citrus Bowl down in Orlando.
It may not be the playoff, but for these players - especially the ones still deciding what comes next - it’s a chance to make a statement. And for Michigan, it’s a chance to show that even in the midst of transition, the culture of toughness and team-first mentality still holds strong.