Sun Sep 07 01:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham will be suspended for the first half of the upcoming game against Oklahoma due to a targeting penalty called in the previous game against New Mexico. The penalty, initially ruled as a fumble recovery touchdown, was overturned due to a high hit on the quarterback. Michigan appealed the ruling, but it was upheld by the NCAA despite disagreement from the Big Ten commissioner and Vice President of Football Operations. Coach Sherrone Moore expressed his disagreement with the targeting rule itself and advocated for changes. Cole Sullivan, who replaced Barham in the previous game, performed well.

**News Article:**

**Michigan LB Barham to Miss First Half vs. Oklahoma After Targeting Appeal Fails**

ANN ARBOR, MI – Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham will be sidelined for the first half of Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup against No. 18 Oklahoma after an appeal to overturn a targeting penalty was denied. The penalty occurred during the third quarter of Michigan’s season-opening victory over New Mexico when Barham made contact with Lobos quarterback Jack Layne.

Initially, the play appeared to be a fumble recovery by Barham, who returned it for a touchdown. However, officials flagged the play for targeting due to a high hit on Layne. According to NCAA rules, a targeting penalty in the second half results in ejection from the remainder of the game and suspension for the first half of the following contest.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore expressed his frustration with the ruling, revealing that Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti and A.J. Edds, the league’s vice president of football operations, also disagreed with the call. “It’s a rule we have to get changed and have to look at in college football, just for the game,” Moore stated on Monday. “The toughness of the game and how you want to teach tackling…completely disagree with it.”

Barham, a transfer from Maryland and a key defensive player for the Wolverines, led the team in tackles last season. The Big Ten forwarded Michigan’s appeal to the NCAA, but the organization upheld the ejection, citing helmet-to-helmet contact.

Sophomore Cole Sullivan stepped up in Barham’s absence against New Mexico, recording an interception, a sack, and five tackles. Sullivan is expected to fill the void in the first half against Oklahoma.

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