Michigan Football Suspensions: Barham and Moore

The first week of the season has already been defined by a Michigan football suspension, not the Wolverines’ victory over New Mexico. Linebacker Jaishawn Barham, who totaled 66 tackles in 2024, will miss the first half at Oklahoma after his targeting appeal was denied. Head coach Sherrone Moore, fresh off helping lead Michigan to a national title, is preparing to serve a three-game NCAA suspension tied to the sign-stealing scandal.

Michigan opened with a 34–17 win, but instead of celebrating, the team entered Week 2 under scrutiny and short-handed.

Michigan Football Suspension: The Barham Fallout

Barham’s play against New Mexico looked like a momentum-changer. In the third quarter, he blasted quarterback Jack Layne, scooped up the football, and crossed into the end zone. For a moment, it seemed like a defensive touchdown.

Replay overturned the call, ruling Layne down before the fumble. Officials then flagged Barham for targeting, which erased the score and ejected him from the game. Michigan appealed, pointing to angles that showed Barham leading with his shoulder. The Big Ten upheld the ruling. Because the foul came in the second half, NCAA rules require Barham to miss the first two quarters of the next game.

Moore voiced frustration afterward, saying the staff “completely disagreed” with the decision.

The Targeting Rule Explained

The NCAA targeting rule is one of the most debated in college football.

• Definition: Any forcible hit to a defenseless opponent’s head or neck, or initiating contact with the crown of the helmet.

• History: Introduced in 2008 and strengthened in 2013 to include automatic ejections.

• Enforcement: All targeting fouls go to replay. If they occur in the second half, the player must also serve a suspension to begin the next game.

The intent is safety, but the application is inconsistent. The Michigan football suspension of Barham highlights how quickly a judgment call can alter the course of a game.

Michigan Football Suspension Hurts vs. Oklahoma

Even two quarters without Barham is a big loss. Oklahoma’s offense pushes tempo, spreads the field, and tests linebackers in space. That is where Michigan will feel his absence most.

Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who joined the Wolverines after years running NFL defenses, will rely on Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan. Both are capable, but neither brings the same production as Barham, who had 66 tackles, 3.5 for loss, a sack, and two pass breakups in 2024.

This Michigan football suspension forces Martindale to adjust schemes. If the defense can survive until halftime, Barham’s return could tilt the momentum. If not, the Wolverines may be playing from behind all night.

Michigan Football Suspension: Moore’s Ban

The other half of the Michigan football suspension saga is on the sideline. Moore is set to serve a three-game NCAA ban. He will miss two contests this fall, against Central Michigan and Nebraska, as well as the 2026 opener. Along with the suspension, the NCAA issued a two-year show-cause order that restricts his recruiting and coaching duties.

For Moore, it is a sharp turn. Just months ago, he was praised for guiding Michigan to a championship. Now he is bracing for absences that will test his staff and players. For the Wolverines, it means navigating a season without their head coach for important stretches.

Michigan Football Suspension Under the Microscope

Together, Barham’s targeting penalty and Moore’s NCAA punishment place Michigan under heavy scrutiny.

On one hand, the roster is loaded and expectations remain high. On the other hand, these suspensions create distractions at a time when rhythm and focus are crucial. Barham’s case shows how officiating calls can swing games. Moore’s ban reminds fans that past controversies still cast long shadows.

The Michigan football suspension narrative has made clear that more than just wins and losses will define 2025.

What to Expect in Norman

Michigan still has the roster to win. But the first half at Oklahoma will be telling.

• If Rolder and Sullivan hold steady, Barham’s return could shift momentum.

• If Oklahoma seizes control early, the deficit could be too steep.

This is the balancing act: replacing production on defense while preparing for leadership gaps on the sideline.

Final Thoughts

One week into the season, three themes are clear.

• The targeting rule continues to spark controversy and has now sidelined one of Michigan’s best defenders.

• NCAA discipline against Moore proves that off-field issues still impact the present.

• And above all, the Michigan football suspension storyline will shape September as much as any scoreboard.

The Wolverines remain talented enough to compete for another title. Their challenge now is proving they can navigate adversity while keeping their edge.

Stat Box: Jaishawn Barham (2024 Season)

• 66 tackles

• 3.5 tackles for loss

• 1 sack

• 2 pass breakups

• 5 quarterback hurries