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Michigan Wolverines relieved to get key reinforcements back ahead of monumental Big Ten conference slate

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By AJ Schulte | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 4:24 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines have battled injuries on both sides of the ball to start their 2025 season, losing two key offensive linemen and taking some hits in the secondary. However, as the biggest stretch of their Big Ten conference slate begins, they are finally getting some good news on the injury front ahead of their matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers.

According to head coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines are gearing up to have a few key players on both sides of the ball this week. Offensively, starting left guard Giovani El-Hadi is close to returning after missing Michigan's last two games due to an injury he suffered against Oklahoma. He remains up in the air for Wisconsin, but sources say he's close and it could be a game-time decision. Right guard Brady Norton, who started the first two games of the season, also returned to the field this week, but his job may be in jeopardy due to a rising youngster that the Wolverines are very high on.

With a matchup against Wisconsin's number-one ranked rushing defense, the Wolverines needed the "dudes" up front to help maintain their strong rushing attack (eighth in rushing yards per game) in this underrated conference matchup. However, it's the returners on the other side of the ball who could be the biggest difference makers for Michigan this weekend.

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Michigan's Secondary Gets A Major Boost

Safety Rod Moore returned to his starting role against Nebraska, playing just 21 snaps in his 2025 debut. With another couple of weeks of rest, it's safe to assume he will be back as a full-time starter, helping solve some of the Wolverines' biggest issues in the secondary.

Additionally, senior cornerback Zeke Berry seems set to make his return to the starting lineup after also missing the last two games. Berry has been battling an ankle injury he suffered in their loss to Oklahoma. His return would be monumental for the Wolverines, who were forced to rely on three freshman cornerbacks by the end of their game against Nebraska. Meanwhile, Jyaire Hill seems set to play against Wisconsin after going down with an injury late in the Nebraska game, though that one is more up in the air.

If Hill and/or Berry can't go, Michigan is still confident in their youngsters to fill in. Jayden Sanders has started the last two games, while Elijah Dotson and Shamari Earls have rotated in and played well off the bench. Each have made strong cases to have more playing time moving forward.

While these injuries might not be a huge factor this week against Wisconsin's somewhat-middling passing offense, the Wolverines will need all hands on deck next week against the USC Trojans high-octane offense.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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