Michigan RB’s Praise of Sherrone Moore Backfires After Stunning Fall

When Sherrone Moore took over at Michigan, he was widely viewed as a rising star in college football. Players spoke openly about his leadership, his focus on culture, and the type of program he was building in Ann Arbor. Now, after Moore’s sudden downfall, those public endorsements are being revisited with a very different tone.

One of the most notable comments came just 20 days before everything unraveled. Michigan running back Marshall, a Cincinnati native and one of the top recruits in the 2024 class, explained his decision to choose Michigan over Ohio State by praising Moore and indirectly criticizing other programs.

Marshall spoke highly of Moore, calling him the top coach in college football at the time. He said Sherrone Moore’s leadership style and focus on building the right culture stood out the most. According to Marshall, he wanted to be part of a program built on selflessness and strong character, not one driven by individual egos.

Those comments now feel completely at odds with what happened next. Michigan dismissed Moore for cause after the athletic department determined there was credible evidence that he engaged in an improper relationship with a staff member. The matter worsened when Moore was later charged with stalking, unlawful entry, and third-degree home invasion. According to prosecutors, he refused to accept rejection and continued the behavior until the woman reported the situation to both university officials and police. If found guilty on all counts, Sherrone Moore could be sentenced to as much as six years in prison.

Marshall’s recruitment had been seen as a major win for Michigan. Despite growing up in Ohio and holding more than two dozen Division I offers, he turned down the Buckeyes. He cited his relationship with running backs coach Tony Alford and his belief in the culture Sherrone Moore was building. Crossing rivalry lines was a bold move, and Marshall made it clear character mattered to him more than geography.

Fast forward to December 2025, and those comments about avoiding selfish people have resurfaced across social media. Many now point to Moore’s actions as the exact opposite of the values he preached. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said Sherrone Moore’s behavior was a clear violation of university policy and that the school had zero tolerance for it.

On the field, Michigan finished 9–3 in Sherrone Moore’s second season and earned a trip to the Citrus Bowl. Marshall rushed for 932 yards and was on track to become the program’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Blake Corum. Still, football results have been pushed aside by the larger fallout.

Interim coach Biff Poggi addressed the situation publicly during Citrus Bowl media availability in Orlando. He described a locker room dealing with disbelief, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal.

Poggi said his main directive from Manuel has been simple: take care of the players. Preparing for the Dec. 31 bowl game against Texas has helped provide structure, and players have been given the option to opt out due to the unique circumstances.

For Marshall and others, the culture they believed in has vanished, replaced by one of the most stunning implosions Michigan football has seen in years.

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