Speaking to the media on Friday, a few Michigan Football veterans discussed their future plans after the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve vs Texas:
To say it’s a tumultuous time within the walls of Schembechler Hall is an understatement. We are nine days removed from Sherrone Moore being fired, and there are still a ton of unknowns. Who will be Michigan’s next head coach, and when will that be announced? Which players will stick around and which ones will transfer? Will any more recruits in the 2026 class opt out of their national letter of intent?
Nobody knows when the answers to those questions will be revealed, but we at least now know what a few of the veteran players on Michigan’s roster are thinking heading into another long offseason.
Three players were made available to the media on Friday afternoon — the first interviews given to the local media since Moore was fired last Wednesday. Starting tight end Marlin Klein was asked about his future plans, and he made it clear he is either going to stay in Ann Arbor or head to the pros — transferring isn’t an option for him. He has one year of eligibility left.
“I would never transfer from this place,” Klein said. “For me, it’s either gonna come back for my fifth year or taking the chance of going to the NFL. My plan right now is playing in this game for my brothers, for my teammates — I think they need me. I think they need me more than ever, and that’s really just what I’m here to do. A lot of people opt out of these ‘meaningless’ bowl games, which I don’t think this is. I mean, 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 compiled 20 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown this season for the Wolverines, with 93 yards and his lone score coming in Week 1.
Cornerback Zeke Berry and linebacker Jimmy Rolder were also made available to the media, and just like Klein, both those guys also have one year of collegiate eligibility remaining. These two were less sure of their future plans than Klein was, so it’s fair to say that these guys are at least contemplating all options on the table.
“I haven’t made a decision yet,” Berry said. “I’m just trying to play this game.”
“Yeah, definitely in between (staying or going to the NFL) right now,” Rolder said. “I’m not really sure what I’ll end up doing, so just waiting it out and seeing.”
Rolder also reiterated later on that his decision will have “nothing to do with the coaching change here” and that he will be making the decision that “I think would be best for myself and what others think would be best for me.”
Both these guys played a crucial role on Michigan’s defense in 2025. Berry compiled 28 total tackles, 10 pass breakups and one interception as one of the Wolverines’ top cover corners. Rolder led the entire team in tackles (69) and also had two sacks, one pass breakup, one interception and one fumble recovery. It would be in the best interest of Michigan’s next coaching staff to retain these two guys for the 2026 season.
We will see these guys in action once more in 2025 on New Year’s Eve at 3 p.m. when the Wolverines take on the Texas Longhorns in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
Category: General Sports
