**USA Today Places Sherrone Moore Near Bottom of Big Ten in 2025 Head Coach Rankings**
Despite taking over one of college football’s premier programs, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore finds himself ranked near the bottom in USA Today’s 2025 Big Ten head coach rankings. The outlet released its annual list this week, evaluating all 18 head coaches in the newly expanded conference, and Moore landed in the bottom third—raising eyebrows across the college football landscape.
Moore, who was officially named Michigan’s head coach in early 2024 following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, led the Wolverines to a solid 10-win season in his first year at the helm. Still, USA Today cited his limited experience as a full-time head coach and Michigan’s slightly diminished postseason performance in 2024 as reasons for his relatively low placement on the list.
“Moore stepped into an incredibly high-pressure job and did well, but he’s still unproven compared to more established names in the Big Ten,” the article stated. “With coaches like Ryan Day, Kalen DeBoer, and James Franklin ahead of him, Moore has more to prove before cracking the upper echelon.”
The ranking is likely to fuel debate, particularly among Michigan fans who witnessed Moore stabilize the program and maintain high standards in the wake of Harbaugh’s departure. Moore earned the trust of players and fans alike during his interim stint in 2023—when he went 4-0, including a win over Ohio State—and followed it up with a respectable 2024 campaign, which included a top-10 finish.
Critics of the ranking argue that Moore deserves more credit for keeping Michigan competitive while navigating a major coaching transition, new Big Ten scheduling formats, and the increased competitiveness following the additions of USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington.
Still, Moore himself has taken the slight in stride. When asked about the ranking during a spring press conference, he responded with his trademark calm.
“Rankings are what they are—we’ve got a job to do,” Moore said. “We focus on our players, our preparation, and continuing the Michigan standard. Everything else takes care of itself.”
With another strong recruiting class and a veteran-laden defense returning for the 2025 season, Moore will have the opportunity to climb those rankings quickly. The Wolverines open the season against Texas A\&M, a matchup that could provide an early statement for Moore and his critics.
Until then, the first-year head coach remains focused on proving that he belongs—not just as Michigan’s coach, but among the Big Ten’s best.
