ESPN’s Way-Too-Early All-America Team is exactly what it sounds like—an early projection of the nation’s best players heading into the next college football season. While the list isn’t set in stone, it’s historically been a strong indicator of which players will dominate the national conversation. In past years, Michigan has seen multiple players land on this list and go on to have massive seasons—guys like Blake Corum, Aidan Hutchinson, and J.J. McCarthy have all earned spots before turning in All-American-caliber campaigns.
This year, Rod Moore and Dominic Zvada made the cut. Here’s why they belong.
Rod Moore | Safety
Michigan fans didn’t get to see Moore suit up in 2024, but his impact on the team was undeniable. After tearing his ACL in spring practice, the senior safety still held the respect of his teammates, earning the honor of being named a team captain despite missing the entire season. ESPN noted just how much he means to the Wolverines:
Moore didn’t play a down last season for Michigan after suffering a noncontact ACL tear in spring practice, but he was still named a captain, an indication of what he means to the Wolverines. Moore announced last month that he would return for his senior season after earning All-Big Ten honors in both 2022 and 2023. He has made 27 starts going back to his freshman season and has the experience and versatility to shore up any defense.”
Had Moore stayed healthy, he would have likely been the first safety off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, his return gives Michigan’s secondary a much-needed anchor after losing Makari Paige, Quinten Johnson, and Wesley Walker at safety. With his elite instincts, leadership, and ability to play multiple roles in the defensive backfield, Moore’s presence will be crucial in keeping the Wolverines’ defense among the nation’s best.
Dominic Zvada | Kicker
If Michigan had one glaring strength in 2024, it was its special teams—specifically, its star kicker. Zvada was a machinelast season, yet somehow found himself snubbed in the Lou Groza Award voting, despite a near-perfect campaign. ESPN highlighted his importance heading into 2025:
“The Wolverines’ special teams got a huge boost when Zvada decided to return for his senior season. His ability to make long field goals is an offense’s best friend. Zvada was 7-of-7 on attempts of 50 yards or longer a year ago and was 21-of-22 overall. His 95.5% conversion rate set a school record, and no field goal was bigger than his 21-yarder to beat Ohio State with 45 seconds to play.”
