Malachi Moore Won’t Play Against Michigan

Tuscaloosa, AL - Alabama's secondary has been hit hard this offseason, with two defensive backs, DeVonta Smith and Jahlil Hurley, entering the transfer portal as well as Alabama losing Keon Sabb earlier in the season.

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Greg McElroy reported on his radio show that Sabb broke his foot during the Tennessee game, and would miss the remainder of the season. Now, Alabama is dealing with another injury in the secondary, as Malachi Moore will not play in the bowl game on December 31 against Michigan due to an injury, head coach Kalen DeBoer told the media on Wednesday.

Malachi Moore has exhausted his eligibility, meaning he will not play in his final game at Alabama. Moore's last game was at home in the Iron Bowl, when Alabama defeated Auburn 28-14.

DeBoer said Moore will also have surgery on Wednesday to repair the issue.

Moore, a fifth-year senior from Birmingham, Alabama, was a critical part of the success of Alabama's defense in 2024, totaling 70 tackles, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and one sack in 2024.

According to the Bleacher Report, Moore is viewed as a ball-hawking safety with very good range as a deep safety. Bleacher Report grades Moroe as a second-round prospect in the 2025 NFL draft.

DeBoer was asked about potential replacements for Moore in the secondary against Michigan, "It will be kind of mix and match," DeBoer said. "It will be the young guys; there's been some moving pieces...We moved Zay Mincey, someone you're probably not even thinking about much, but a guy that has been moved to safety since about midseason. I think he's going to be a guy down the road that is someone who we will be counting on and getting more opportunities to get those reps."

"There's more guys as well, so exactly who that will be and how that will play out, we're going to do that in the next week or two."

Alabama and Michigan will face off in the Reliaquest Bowl on Decdmber 31. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. CT.