Michigan Loses Appeal, LB Jaishawn Barham Suspended First Half vs Oklahoma

Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham was ejected in the third quarter of the Wolverines' 34-17 season-opening win over New Mexico due to a targeting penalty after a controversial helmet-to-helmet hit on quarterback Jack Layne. Initially, Barham appeared to cause a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, but officials ruled Layne was down before the fumble and assessed the targeting call, wiping the touchdown and giving New Mexico a first down that led to a Lobos score. Barham's ejection means he will miss the first half of Michigan’s upcoming game against No. 18 Oklahoma, per NCAA rules, though Michigan plans to appeal the suspension, disputing the call and its explanation. Head coach Sherrone Moore and players like safety Brandyn Hillman have expressed disagreement with the targeting penalty, calling the hit clean and football-related. In Barham’s absence, Michigan’s depth at linebacker, including players like Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder, showed promise by stepping up effectively in the New Mexico game. The appeal process will begin with the Big Ten and could potentially clear Barham to play in the first half against Oklahoma if successful.