Michigan Football Names Six Captains for 2025 Season, Moore and Bredeson Earn Historic Second Term..

Michigan Football Names Six Captains for 2025 Season, Moore and Bredeson Earn Historic Second Term..

As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Michigan Wolverines have officially named their team captains—and the group reflects both tradition and fresh leadership. Safety Rod Moore and tight end Max Bredeson headline the announcement as two-time captains, joining a prestigious list of only 20 players in program history to hold the honor more than once. Alongside them, offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi, tight end Marlin Klein, defensive end Derrick Moore, and transfer linebacker Ernest Hausmann round out the six-player leadership council.

This combination of veterans and new voices gives head coach Sherrone Moore a balance of experienced program builders and fresh perspectives, a formula Michigan believes will be critical in a season filled with both promise and high expectations.

Rod Moore’s return as captain carries symbolic weight for Michigan. The senior safety suffered a major injury last season, forcing him to miss crucial games. Yet, his presence around the locker room remained strong, and his teammates’ decision to elect him again underscores their respect for his resilience and leadership. Moore is widely recognized as a vocal motivator on defense, setting high standards in both practice and film study.

For Max Bredeson, the honor runs deep in family tradition. His older brother, Ben Bredeson, also captained the Wolverines during his collegiate career before moving on to the NFL. That legacy adds another layer of pride to Max’s selection. Known for his steady presence and versatility, Max has developed into one of the team’s most respected leaders. Being chosen twice cements his reputation as a glue guy whose influence extends far beyond the stat sheet.

“Rod and Max represent everything Michigan football stands for—toughness, accountability, and leading by example,” Coach Moore said during the announcement. “Having them back as captains for a second year gives us a strong foundation to build from.”

While Moore and Bredeson bring continuity, the four first-time captains showcase the Wolverines’ evolving leadership structure.

Giovanni El-Hadi (Offensive Line) – A battle-tested lineman, El-Hadi has earned a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the weight room and a player who commands respect for his consistency. Michigan’s offensive success often starts in the trenches, and El-Hadi will now lead the unit that sets the tone for the team’s physical identity.

Marlin Klein (Tight End) – Standing tall as a versatile pass catcher and blocker, Klein has steadily grown into a locker room voice. His emergence as captain signals the program’s trust in him as both a playmaker and a leader who can connect across position groups.

Derrick Moore (Defensive End) – Known for his explosiveness off the edge, Derrick Moore’s playmaking ability is matched by his growing leadership role. Teammates credit him with bringing relentless energy to practices and setting the example for Michigan’s defensive front, which will be central to the team’s success this season.

Ernest Hausmann (Linebacker) – Perhaps the most remarkable captaincy story belongs to Hausmann. A standout transfer, Hausmann becomes just the second transfer in Michigan history to be named captain, a rare achievement that underscores how quickly he has earned the respect of teammates and coaches. His combination of athleticism, maturity, and football IQ made him an instant fit in the Wolverines’ defensive scheme.

The mix of captains highlights Michigan’s emphasis on tradition while also embracing the evolving dynamics of modern college football. In today’s era of transfer portals and NIL opportunities, building locker room unity requires not only established veterans but also newcomers who can quickly become cultural leaders. Hausmann’s inclusion reflects that shift.

The captains also cover nearly every critical phase of the game: leadership in the secondary (Rod Moore), strength in the trenches (El-Hadi, Bredeson), offensive versatility (Klein), defensive pressure (Derrick Moore), and linebacker leadership (Hausmann). It’s a cross-section designed to ensure that every unit on the field has a direct voice in the leadership circle.

Michigan enters the 2025 campaign with both pressure and opportunity. Coming off recent years of high-level competition in the Big Ten and playoff contention, the Wolverines are expected to contend once again despite roster changes and the introduction of true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.

For the captains, the responsibility goes beyond pregame speeches or coin tosses. They are tasked with setting the tone every day, ensuring that discipline, focus, and unity remain intact through the ups and downs of a demanding season.

As Coach Moore summarized: “Captains aren’t chosen lightly at Michigan. It’s one of the most sacred honors in our program, and this group represents the heart and soul of our team. They’ll be the ones who carry the torch.”