Sherrone Moore is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to build a dominant force at Michigan. With his first full recruiting class as head coach, Moore has been making seismic moves—flipping Bryce Underwood from LSU, securing elite talents like offensive lineman Andrew Babalola, and recently locking in five-star offensive tackle Ty Haywood. But recruiting high school talent isn’t the only area where he’s making waves. After losing 21 players to the transfer portal in December, Michigan has been aggressively reloading its roster, and Moore has been leading the charge.
January saw even more departures, with three additional Wolverines entering the portal. However, Michigan has refused to dwell on its losses, instead going on an aggressive recruiting spree, adding 14 transfers for the upcoming 2025 season. The latest name to join the Wolverines is drawing attention not just for his football skills but for his fascinating ties to another major American sport—and a legendary athlete whose name is synonymous with global soccer dominance.
Meet Michigan’s Latest Addition: A Kicker with a Legacy Beyond Football
On Friday, Michigan landed Texas State transfer Beckham Sunderland, its third kicker of the offseason. Given the program’s desperate need for specialists—especially after losing punter Tommy Doman to Florida—Sunderland’s arrival couldn’t be more timely. The Kentucky native saw limited action in 2024, appearing in two games where he nailed his lone extra-point attempt. His biggest contributions, however, came on kickoffs, where he recorded eight kicks for 530 yards (averaging an impressive 66.3 yards per kick) with six touchbacks.
But here’s where things get truly intriguing. Sunderland isn’t just another transfer athlete—his name alone turns heads. Why? Because it’s a tribute to one of soccer’s greatest icons.
The Beckham Connection: A Name Rooted in Soccer Greatness
Beckham Sunderland’s name isn’t a coincidence. His parents named him after global soccer legend David Beckham, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar who now co-owns Inter Miami CF. But that’s just the beginning of Sunderland’s deep ties to the world of soccer.
Before switching to football full-time, Sunderland was a promising goalkeeper for FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer (MLS). He played five games for the franchise between 2020 and 2021 before transitioning to college football. His brother, Lawson Sunderland, is also a professional soccer player, currently playing for FC Dordrecht in the Netherlands. Given this background, it’s no surprise that Beckham’s kicking ability caught Michigan’s attention.
While he may not be Michigan’s go-to kicker just yet, Sunderland is expected to carve out a key role. The Michigan Sports Talk podcast recently speculated on his future, saying:
“Michigan already has one of the best field goal kickers in the country in Dominic Zvada, so Sunderland will likely take on the role of kickoff specialist this season.”
Even with the presence of former UCLA long snapper Trent Middleton—a five-star prospect ranked as the No. 7 long snapper nationally—Sunderland’s versatility could give him a leg up in Michigan’s special teams unit.
Sherrone Moore’s Relentless Pursuit of Excellence
As Michigan moves into a new era under Moore, it’s clear that the first-year head coach refuses to settle for mediocrity. His approach has been aggressive, strategic, and unapologetically ambitious. The program is already seeing the results of his hard-nosed recruiting efforts, particularly in the transfer market.
But it’s not just about players—Moore is making significant coaching staff moves as well.
A Legendary Coach Returns to Ann Arbor
Michigan’s newest acquisition isn’t just on the field—Moore has also secured the return of a coaching icon. Reports confirm that Erik “Soup” Campbell, one of the most respected wide receiver coaches in the nation, is back in Ann Arbor.
Campbell previously served as Michigan’s wide receivers coach from 1995 to 2007, during which he helped develop a long list of elite pass-catchers, including David Terrell and Braylon Edwards. After spending time at Bowling Green as the pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach, Campbell is making his way back to Michigan, where his expertise will be invaluable.
For Moore, this move is a game-changer. Not only will Campbell elevate Michigan’s receiving corps, but his presence will also strengthen recruiting efforts, making the Wolverines an even more attractive destination for top offensive talent.
Sherrone Moore’s Mission: Cementing His Legacy
As 2025 kicks off, Sherrone Moore’s stock continues to rise. On February 3, On3 analyst Ari Wasserman released his Top 25 College Football Coaches rankings, placing Moore at No. 19. While he didn’t crack the top 10, the trajectory of his program suggests that it’s only a matter of time before he climbs higher.
With an aggressive recruiting strategy, strategic portal additions, and elite coaching hires, Moore is proving that Michigan isn’t just aiming to stay relevant—it’s aiming to dominate. And with players like Beckham Sunderland and seasoned coaches like Erik Campbell joining the fold, the Wolverines’ future looks brighter than ever.
