The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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12 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JANUARY 2026 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS U-M OPENS PROBE INTO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT The University of Michigan has commissioned a full investigation on the practices and culture within the athletic department centered around how its bevy of scandals have been handled over the last few years, first reported by The Detroit News. The investigation will be done by Jenner & Block, a Chicago-based law firm that has worked with the school in recent years, including the initial investigation into whether football head coach Sherrone Moore engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He was fired for exactly that on Dec. 10. Sources told ESPN that the firm opened an inquiry earlier in the fall about Moore's conduct after an anonymous tip was sent to U-M. In an open letter to staff and faculty, the university's interim presi- dent Domenico Grasso confirmed that it would be looking into the matters within the athletic department further. "When the findings of a university investigation into Coach Moore's behavior were presented on [Dec. 10], we immediately terminated his employment," Grasso wrote. "There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None. "I have been in close communication with the Board of Regents, and we are united in committing to doing what is right. "This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in the situation. Yet our swift and decisive action reflects the univer- sity's staunch commitment to a campus culture of respect, integrity and accountability. All of the facts here must be known, so the uni- versity's investigation will continue." U-M Regent Jordan Acker made his statement on the matter on X after The Detroit News revealed the investigation would take place on Dec. 13. "Like so many Michiganders, fans, and alumni, I was shocked and disgusted by the revelations this week," Acker said. "As I've taken more time to gather facts and understand the failures that led to this moment, one thing is clear: The University of Michigan must be a leader and the best in all areas, including ethics, accountability, and transparency. "The decision to retain Jenner & Block as an independent third party to thoroughly investigate what happened and how it was al- lowed to happen is a necessary first step. My expectations are clear: the findings of that investigation must be made public. Transpar- ency is essential to restoring trust and meeting the expectations of the people of this state, our students, our faculty, our alumni, and everyone who believes in the values this university is supposed to represent. Anything less would fall short of who we claim to be." Jenner & Block has a long-standing relationship with U-M, includ- ing a 2022 investigation that revealed school president Mark Schlis- sel had also held an inappropriate relationship with a university employee. That led to his removal from office. 149 STUDENT-ATHLETES RECEIVE FALL ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN HONORS The Big Ten announced its 2025 Fall Academic All-Big Ten honorees on Dec. 10 with 149 U-M student-athletes from seven sports earn- ing the nod. Criteria for making the Academic All-Big Ten team include being at least in their second academic year with the institution and holding a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. The breakdown of the seven sports includes 44 from football, 20 each from women's cross country, field hockey and women's soccer, 18 from men's cross country, 14 from men's soccer and 12 from volleyball. Six Wolverines had perfect 4.0 GPAs during the fall, including five from the women's cross country team in sophomore Emily Cescon, senior Leah Hill, sophomore Anjali Hocke Singh, junior Brooke John- ston and sophomore Katelyn Watkins, along with women's soccer sophomore Beanie Harshe. BASEBALL ANNOUNCES SIGNEES, INCLUDING STATE'S TOP PLAYER The Michigan baseball program added nine players during its 2026 signing period, it announced on Dec. 12. The group includes right-handed pitcher/third baseman Ethan Arm- strong (Garden City, Mich.), ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the state of Michigan by Prep Baseball and third overall in the state by Perfect Game. He was joined by catcher Kristopher Desantiago (Gilbert, Ariz.), right-handed pitcher Dylan Iwanyk (Spring Lake, N.J.), shortstop Caden Matusak (Crown Point, Ind.), left-handed pitcher Jack Perry (Missis- sauga, Ontario), shortstop Drake Roa (Chesterfield, Mich.), LHP Jackson Smith (Festus, Mo.) and utility man Parker Smith (San Marcos, Calif.). "Our 2026 recruiting class brings a well-balanced blend of pitch- ing, hitting and defensive talent" head coach Tracy Smith said in the release. "We look forward to seeing this group on campus. Their col- lective skill, competitiveness, and character should allow the group to make an immediate impact." — Anthony Broome MAIZE AND BLUE NOTEBOOK U-M interim president Domenico Grasso and the Board of Regents have commissioned the law firm of Jenner & Block to conduct a full investigation on the practices and culture within the athletic depart- ment centered around how its bevy of scandals have been handled during the last few years. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN PHOTOGRAPHY