In Saturday’s win against the New Mexico Lobos, Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham was ejected in the 3rd quarter after a hit on New Mexico’s quarterback, Jack Layne, was ruled a targeting penalty.
On Monday, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore confirmed that the targeting call was upheld and that Barham will miss the first half of their upcoming game against No. 18 Oklahoma. This is a huge loss for Michigan’s defense in a tough game on the road. Last season, Barham totaled 66 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack.
The targeting call was not one without controversy. Moore said Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and Big Ten VP of football operations A.J. Edds both disagreed with the targeting call.
“It’s a rule we have to get changed,” Moor said. “Just for the game, the toughness of the game, how you want to teach tackling.”
Moore said Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and Big Ten VP of football operations A.J. Edds both disagreed with the targeting call. "It's a rule we have to get changed … just for the game, the toughness of the game, how you want to teach tackling."
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) September 1, 2025Here’s a look at the play that got Barham ejected for targeting.
Targeting is the worst rule in sports.Jaishawn Barham just got ejected for this play. Horrific officiating. pic.twitter.com/0F8XVN7KLE
— Brandon Koretz (@BrandonKoretz) August 31, 2025Whether or not the play should be ruled targeting, it was, and Michigan will be without one of its key defenders for the first half of their game against No. 18 Oklahoma.
Oklahoma opened its season against Illinois State and won the game 35-3. After 3 seasons at Washington State, John Mateer is the new Oklahoma quarterback, and he started his season off strong, throwing for 392 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Michigan will travel to take on Oklahoma on Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Key Michigan defender to miss first half vs. Oklahoma due to controversial targeting call Saturday Down South.
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