Edge Derrick Moore’s path to Michigan Football, outlook for 2025 season

Derrick Moore’s return to Ann Arbor could boost him into stardom and an early NFL Draft selection. We evaluate his outlook for 2025:

Edge rusher Derrick Moore has a national championship, two Big Ten championships and a 3-0 record over Ohio State in his three years in Ann Arbor. Not too shabby. He’s been a part of the rotation all three years, but has never been the true star.

That seems destined to change in 2025.

The story so far

Moore came to Ann Arbor as a four-star recruit out of St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. If that high school name sounds familiar, it should. The head coach at St. Frances when Moore attended was Biff Poggi, who has since left to come coach at Michigan, gone on to be the head coach at Charlotte, and returned to Sherrone Moore and the Michigan staff. It was also the home to one Blake Corum a few years ago.

Moore’s recruiting profile had him listed at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds. He committed to Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners in July 2021. However, Riley’s shocking exit from Norman to take the USC job in Nov. 2021 opened the door for Michigan, and on Dec. 15, Moore committed to the Wolverines.

Moore played in all 14 games as a true freshman in 2022, compiling eight tackles, two sacks and a pass deflection. He improved those numbers as a sophomore, recording 34 tackles, five sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media.

As a junior in 2024, Moore’s stats declined slightly to the tune of 23 tackles, four sacks, two pass deflections and one fumble recovery. However, his play certainly didn’t decline. Moore was again named an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection while shouldering more of the burden on the Michigan defense.

Outlook for 2025

Moore has his name etched in pen at the top of the depth chart for Michigan this fall. This will be his fourth season of collegiate action, making him a veteran presence on defense. While splitting time in 2022 and 2023 with the likes of Jaylen Harrell and Braiden McGregor, and being cast in Josaiah Stewart’s shadow for most of 2024, this season presents a unique opportunity for Moore.

He is a prime candidate to experience a breakout from a national perspective in 2025. Michigan fans have known about and appreciated Moore’s efforts for years now, but the national media has largely ignored him. Expect that to change this season, as he should wreak havoc on Big Ten backfields.

While Moore and his edge rushing teammate TJ Guy have capable backups ready in Cameron Brandt and Dominic Nichols, expect Moore to play as much as is heart desires (and the coaches allow). I would not be surprised to see him garner a First Team All-Big Ten selection with eight or more sacks.

Additionally, Moore has the requisite size, strength and speed to turn heads at the NFL level. I would not expect him to be a first-round pick next spring, but a Day 2 selection is more than possible should everything go to plan.