Michigan football senior edge Derrick Moore is taking steps to the next level.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pound leader of UM’s defensive line will declare for the 2026 NFL Draft on social media on Saturday, Dec. 20.
advertise
It’s unclear whether he will play in the Wolverines’ Cheez-It Citrus Bowl game against Texas on Dec. 31 (3:00 p.m., ABC). The post made no mention of his involvement, and he began by thanking God, his family, friends and mentors.
“It is truly an honor to say that over the past four years, I was a two-time Big Ten champion, Rose Bowl champion, national champion, team captain, and two-time All-Big Ten selection while also having the opportunity to graduate from the University of Michigan,” the post began. “I want to thank Coach. [Jim] Harbaugh and coaches [Sherrone] Moore gave me this opportunity and showed me what it truly means to be a Michigander. “
Moore also thanked his teammates and the “brotherhood” they have built over the past four years, saying that through these battles they were able to create “lifelong lasting bonds that will never be broken.”
“With that being said, I am pleased to announce that I have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft,” Moore wrote.
advertise
What’s next: How is Michigan football’s coaching search going now?
Michigan tight end Derrick Moore (8) celebrates a sack of Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the second half, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Moore was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2025, when he racked up 30 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks while also recording three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a tackle for loss. Moore played in three straight games midway through the season — Washington, Michigan State and Purdue — and had two sacks in each game.
“We all saw it,” senior linebacker Ernest Houseman said of Moore after the Purdue game. “He had a great career at Michigan. His impact on the game at any given time, his playmaking ability was world-class.”
advertise
Moore played in 53 games during his UM tenure, recording 62 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss and 21 sacks.
It’s an expected departure and one of many that could happen in the coming weeks as the Wolverines search for a new head coach and some upperclassmen weigh their options between joining the NFL, returning to Ann Arbor or entering the transfer portal.
Moore is considered a Day 2 selection in next April’s draft.
Tony Garcia is the Wolverines news writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Michigan football senior captain Derrick Moore declares for NFL draft