The Michigan Insider

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's road trip to take on No. 18 Oklahoma, and keys for the Wolverines on both sides of the ball.

They open with a look at what Michigan’s offense needs to accomplish in the game, including withstanding the crowd noise, getting freshman Bryce Underwood comfortable, pass-blocking on the edge, establishing a run game both to the left and right and more.

In the second half of the episode, they discuss the biggest keys for the Wolverines’ defense, and how they can limit the...

Michigan football faces its biggest non-conference test as the Wolverines travel to Norman to square off against the Oklahoma Sooners.

What can U-M expect from the new-look Oklahoma offense and QB John Mateer? What's the plan for Cal transfer RB Jaydn Ott? And can Oklahoma's offensive line hold up against Michigan? All that, plus how Brent Venables will make life difficult for Bryce Underwood, on Behind Enemy Lines.

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In this week's episode Vance and Sam discussed Michigan's defensive performance in its 34-17 victory over New Mexico, and preview the Wolverines' road matchup with no. 18 Oklahoma. Bedford praised Michigan's speed and aggression at linebacker but noted the need to build more depth at cornerback. Bedford emphasized the importance of simulated pressures to protect the secondary against Oklahoma's quarterback, John Mateer. He also mentioned the potential impact of young players like Nate Marshall and Cole Sullivan versus the Sooners, and the challenges of playing in a hostile environment in Norman. Bedford predicted a close game, ultimately favoring Michigan.

In this week's episode Al and Sam discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 34-17 victory over New Mexico, and preview the Wolverines' road matchup with no. 18 Oklahoma. They praised Bryce Underwood’s successful debut, as Borges highlighted his footwork, throwing mechanics and timing. The discussion also focused on the balance between traditional Michigan plays and new offensive elements like RPOs, tempo, and spread principles by new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsay. Borges noted 16 RPO variations and successful stretch plays. The conversation shifts to the challenges of preparing for Oklahoma, emphasizing the need for high-percentage throws and a balanced run-pass approach. Al...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's 34-17 win over New Mexico to open its 2025 season.

They open with a look at the Wolverines’ offense. They break down what they saw from Bryce Underwood in his collegiate debut, what it could mean for the rest of the season, as well as the significance of some key returning pass-catchers and offensive linemen stepping up. They also discuss Justice Haynes’ star-caliber Michigan debut at running back, and why that could arguably be a bigger deal than Underwood’s debut.

In the se...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3, senior linebacker Ernest Hausmann is featured. Recently named captain, Hausmann reflects on his transition from Nebraska to Michigan, detailing his decision to enter the transfer portal and join the Wolverines. He elaborates on how overcoming adversity... particularly being adopted from another country at a young age... has shaped his outlook and approach to football. Hausmann emphasizes the significant influence of those around him, especially his adoptive parents, expressing sincere gratitude for their support. He also offers key takeaways from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar with the University of Michigan Credit...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature senior edge TJ Guy. An expected breakout star for the Michigan defense, Guy discussed his physical transformation, starting as a raw athlete at just 230 lbs., to a more stout 250 lbs. Guy reflects on coming from an area often overlooked for football talent in the Northeast and feeling overlooked himself, and praises Michigan for looking beyond the obvious and finding hidden gems from his home region, such as Mike Sainristil, Josaiah Stewart, Zak Zinter, and Cornelius Johnson. The conversation then shifts to traits he emulates from past Michigan...

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel made his way to The Michigan Insider studio Wednesday morning (8/27) for another exclusive 1-on-1 conversation with Sam Webb to share his first public reaction to the NCAA's penalty for “sign-gate” and share his initial impressions freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Manuel expressed frustration with the NCAA's decision to tie penalties to postseason bans and fines, calling it “antiquated.” He also mentioned ongoing internal discussions about the appeal process. Manuel highlighted the potential of an international game against Western Michigan in Germany, emphasizing the long-term financial benefits. He praised head coach Sherrone's growth and leadership and discusse...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's season-opener, and what to watch for from the Wolverines against New Mexico.

They open with a look at what would count as a successful weekend for Michigan's offense. They discuss their expectations for Bryce Underwood, their belief that the Wolverines should rep the passing game even with a lead and other factors to consider with the run game also having new faces leading the way.

In the second half of the episode, they look at Michigan's defense, and some of the...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature sophomore linebacker Cole Sullivan. The Keystone State star discusses his journey from an under-the-radar recruit to a player who's expected to be a key contributor for the Wolverines this season. He recounts his recruitment, highlighting Michigan's early interest, and his decision to attend despite state school pressure. Sullivan details his physical transformation, now standing at 6-3 and 230 lbs., and his improved performance on the field. He reflects on the challenges of staff turnover, why he stuck with Michigan anyway, and discusses his chemistry with the current staff...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3, sophomore safety Mason Curtis is featured as an emerging talent within Michigan's secondary. Curtis reflects on his breakout freshman season and outlines his aspirations for the future. He notes his physical progress, currently standing at 6-4 and weighing 213 lbs., and emphasizes his adaptability to various coaching styles and positions. Curtis attributes his continued commitment to Michigan, following Coach Jim Harbaugh's transition to the professional ranks, to the trust he placed in the coaching staff. The episode also examines key takeaways from Behind the Uniform's financial literacy boot camp. Curtis discusses...

Welcome to a new season of Michigan football, and a new season of Behind Enemy Lines!

This week's episode dives into the New Mexico Lobos, which bring a new coaching staff, a bevy of Big Sky up-transfers and the element of surprise to Ann Arbor as they aim to spoil Bryce Underwood's collegiate debut.

Sean Reider of the Albuquerque Journal gives the inside scoop on what to expect from Jason Eck and the Lobos.

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In this episode of Behind the Uniform – Season 3, junior defensive back Zeke Berry is featured as he reflects on his progression throughout the season. Berry discusses his experience beginning the year as the starting nickel, navigating the collective highs and lows with the defense, and ultimately transitioning to a prominent role as cornerback on a highly regarded unit. He highlights how perseverance and adaptability, reinforced by personal faith and mentorship from position coach Lamar Morgan, enabled him to meet early challenges. Berry recounts the matchup against Jeremiah Smith, referencing the touchdown allowed in connection with what he maintains was an...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature senior defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny. The former Oak Park high standout reflects upon his career to this point, including his recovery from a major knee injury in the Rose Bowl during Michigan's run to the national championship. Benny recounts his grueling rehab and the time it took for him to return to pre-injury form, and the performances he and his teammates put on en route to beating Ohio State and Alabama last year. The conversation then shifts to heightened expectations for his level of play this season...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz conduct their annual season predictions episode, in which they predict how they expect the Wolverines' season to transpire on offense, defense and as a team.

They open with a look at Michigan's offense, making predictions about the Wolverines' passing game, Bryce Underwood, rushing attack, leaders in key statistical categories, award-winners and more.

After the offense, they flip to the other side of the ball, and discuss statistical leaders, top players and award-winners on Michigan's defense.

In the second half of the episode, they expand to...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature senior edge Derrick Moore. "He reflects upon last year's early season struggles on defense, and how he and the other veteran players helped lead the unit and the team back from the brink after the loss to Indiana. Moore opens up about the difficulties that came with the turnover in coaching staff, and how he played a role in helping the players and coaches gel in time to beat Ohio State. Moore shares his expectations for the 2025 season, highlighting the improvements he needs to make and the...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their annual position group preview series, taking a look at the Michigan football team's special teams room. The episode can be heard in the embedded link below.

They open with a look at the room’s biggest strengths, including the preseason All-American kicker Dominic Zvada, who is coming off of one of the best seasons in collegiate kicker history. They then turn to the question marks of the room, including the uncertainty in a punter position battle between relative unknowns Hudson Hollenbeck and Hunter Robertson. 

They clo...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their annual position group preview series, taking a look at the Michigan football team's safety room.

They open with a look at the room’s biggest strengths, including the high level of depth that the room possesses, including four safeties with power-conference starting experience and others rising up the depth chart.

They then turn to the question marks of the room, including the returns of Jaden Mangham and Rod Moore from injury, and what Moore’s timeline might look like this fall. They then look at whic...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature senior fullback Max Bredeson. A returning captain and leader for the Wolverines, Bredeson discussed his journey and role on the team. He reflected on his early days, and the lessons he gleaned from his older brothers' athletic journeys to Michigan and beyond. Max emphasized the importance of leadership, teamwork, and maintaining belief during adversity, citing past victories over Ohio State and Alabama. The conversation turned to the new offensive strategies under new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, balancing physical play with explosive elements in the passing game. Max...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature senior defensive back Rod Moore. The fifth-year Wolverine reflects upon his harrowing surgery and rehab experience, setting the record straight once and for all on the reason for his second surgery, where he is in the rehab process, and the timeline for his return. Moore reflects his role in leading the team while sidelined last season. He detailed the journey the defensive players and coaches had from friction during the first half of the season to gelling the second half of the season, culminating in the victory...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their annual position group preview series, taking a look at the Michigan football team's cornerback room.

They open with a look at the room’s biggest strengths, including the high level of athleticism and energy that the room possesses in its starting lineup, two-deep and beyond. They discuss the room’s recruiting wins over the years, and the high talent level in the room. 

They then turn to the question marks of the room, including the consistency of Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry, and the potential X-fac...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature sophomore running back Jordan Marshall. The former Ohio high school player of the year reflects upon his decision to commit to Michigan over Ohio State, emphasizing the culture and people in Ann Arbor among the key reasons why. He recalls the emotions he felt during the coaching staff changes and explains why he maintained his commitment. The conversation turns to his freshman season, the memorable victory over Ohio State, and the significance of the rivalry especially to players from those states like himself. Marshall highlights his performance...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their annual position group preview series, taking a look at the Michigan football team's linebacker room.

They open with a look at the room’s biggest strengths, including the physical, efficient duo of Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham, their tackling success, the improved depth of the room and the group’s size and strength.

They then look at some of the biggest question marks of the room, including a look at how some of that depth is utilized, the next steps for Hausmann and Barham and what...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their annual position group preview series, taking a look at the Michigan football team's edge room.

They open with a look at the Wolverines’ exceptional pass-rushing ability, led by Derrick Moore and TJ Guy’s decisions to return to college for another season. They also look at Cameron Brandt and Dominic Nichols, who are next in line at the position.

They then turn their attention to the question marks of the room, including a fairly unproven group in stopping the run, questions about the players outside of t...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature freshman cornerback, Shamari Earls. One of the top ranked prospects in Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, Earls discusses adjustment to college ball and his anticipation that he'll contribute significantly this season. He highlights the impact of film study and mentorship from coaches and teammates like Rod Moore, Brandyn Hillman, and Zeke Berry. He also reflects on his humbling and shining moments in practice, his growth in the playbook, and his physical growth thanks to Michigan's strength & conditioning and nutrition programs. The interview concludes with Earls sharing details of hi...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their 2025 position group preview series, turning over to the defensive side of the ball and looking at Michigan’s defensive line room.

They open by looking at the strength of the room, highlighting the Wolverines’ exceptional size in the room, as well as plethora of college-ready players to hold down the key positions. They also discuss Rayshaun Benny’s star potential, as well as a seemingly strong core of six rotation players.

They also look at some of the biggest question marks of the room, including how mu...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position group preview podcast series, taking a look at what to expect from Michigan football’s offensive line this fall.

They take a look at two strengths of the room. Shaw outlines why the Wolverines have two of their team’s better leaders on the interior, and why that can make a difference during fall camp and the season ahead. Lorenz discusses the room’s overall talent level, depth and several players Michigan heavily pursued in recent recruiting classes.

In the question-mark segment, Shaw takes a look...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position group preview series with a lookout what to expect from Michigan’s tight ends this season.

They open with a look at the room’s strengths, including a captain and blocking force at H-back in Max Bredeson, a rising star at H-back in Jalen Hoffman and the all-around blocking that the room is expected to bring this fall. 

They then turn to look at the question marks of the room, including what to expect from Marlin Klein this fall, and a look at the depth...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their 2025 series previewing Michigan football at each position group, with an in-depth look at the Wolverines’ wide receiver room.

They begin with a look at Michigan’s improved numbers at the position, and the efforts the coaching staff put in to improve the room’s depth, size, experience and athleticism. They also look at some of the expected top-one receivers, and what they can bring this fall.

They continue by looking at the question marks of the room, including a debate over how much the room has im...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature freshman offensive lineman, Andrew Babalola. One of the centerpieces of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, Babalola discusses both the excitement and the challenge of competing for a starting position in his first season as a Wolverine. He opens up about the beginning of his transition from high school to college during the spring. He highlights technical growth he's gained from Juan Castillo's tutelage. He also discusses the tough, physical, temperament he brings to the field thanks to his mother. The interview concludes with Babalola sharing his feeling that hi...

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their annual position preview series with a look at the Michigan football team's running back room.

They open with a look at the biggest strengths of the room, which include Alabama transfer Justice Haynes, former top-100 recruit Joran Marshall and the verified athleticism the two combine to bring to the top of the room. They discuss how the two are both primed for breakout seasons, and how they can complement each other.

They also look at the biggest question marks of the room. Included is a...

With the Michigan football team's fall camp underway, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz are conducting their annual position group preview series. Over the course of August, they look at all 11 position groups, identifying strengths, question marks, position battles, breakout players and expectations for each room.

While looking at quarterbacks, the two discuss how transfer portal additions and the addition of Bryce Underwood raise the floor of the room this fall, while Underwood raises the ceiling of what the room can be this fall. They also look at some question marks still surrounding the room, what to watch...

In this episode of Behind the Uniform - Season 3 - we feature freshman wide receiver, Andrew Marsh. One of the centerpieces of Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, Marsh reflects upon the beginning of his transition from high school to college as an early enrollee. He recalls his first significant play in spring ball and expresses his readiness to contribute to the passing game. He praises the growth of the receiver room and mentions the support from quarterbacks and shares his early impressions of freshman signal caller Bryce Underwood. Marsh also touches on his financial literacy education thanks to counsel from Mo...

Ahead of the Michigan football team's 2025 fall camp, Zach Shaw and Alejandro Zúñiga break down some of the biggest storylines they're watching in fall camp.

They open, naturally, with a look at Bryce Underwood, and Michigan’s quarterback battle entering fall camp. They discuss Underwood’s physical traits, his noteworthy maturity, what teammates and coaches are saying about him and his preparedness for the job. They also discuss why the competition is still open.

They continue with a look at the most important position battles are for Michigan to sort out in fall camp. Among...

Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore made his way to The Michigan Insider set Tuesday for an exclusive 1-on-1 conversation with Sam Webb. He reflected upon his inaugural season helming the Wolverine program, highlighted by his team's upset victory over Ohio State. He detailed the elements that contributed to that outcome, including the film the team watched the night before for inspiration. The conversation then shifts to his early impressions of Bryce Underwood and the freshman quarterback's growth during his first seven months on campus. The position battles at left tackle and right guard are next on the docket. Moore...

On this week's sf The Michigan Recruiting Insider, Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, and Brice Marich react to the breaking news that Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga edge Carter Meadows committed Michigan -- a development forecasted Friday night on TheMichiganInsider.com. The crew broke down Lou Esposito's outstanding recruiting strategy, dissected Meadows game, and projected his impact. The conversation then turn to the Wolverines' pursuit of Deuce Geralds and Julian Walker and what could be the great defensive line class in Michigan recruiting history. Will the fireworks continue? Next the crew recapped the commitment of Markell Dabney before focusing attention on...

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Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel made his way to The Michigan Insider studio Thursday morning for another exclusive 1-on-1 conversation with Sam Webb. In this latest exchange he reacts to the House vs. NCAA settlement, which will distribute $20.5 million in revenue to student-athletes, and its impact on the athletic department's budget. He also addressed the challenges of corralling the current NIL chaos with rampant litigation and differing legislation from state to state. He also answers questions about how much of a voice student athletes have now and should have in the future in determining how NIL in governed. From...

On this week's special live edition of The Michigan Recruiting Insider, Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith wideout Travis Johnson and his mother Tiffany Johnson joined the show to recap his official visit to Michigan with Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, and Brice Marich. The Top247 pass-catcher reflects upon his Maize & Blue courtship over the past year, highlighting the growth of his relationship with would-be position coach Ron Bellamy, and his appreciation for the new offense being installed by new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. Meanwhile his mother offers tremendous insight into her view of Michigan, what she's looking for in the school...

On this week's special edition of The Michigan Recruiting Insider, Chicago (Ill.) Simeon Top247 edge McHale Blade joined the show to announce his commitment to the Wolverines with Sam Webb and Brice Marich. Blade highlighted the impact of his long-standing relationship with Coach Lou Esposito and Michigan's combination of strong academics and player development on his decision. 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu also joined the broadcast to offer in-depth analysis on Blade's talents on and off the field, and did Simeon head coach Sinque Turner. TMI's Steve Lorenz later joined the show to discuss the impact of the...