The Michigan Insider

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...

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 qu...

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 l...

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 steppi...

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 a...

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...

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...

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...

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 detai...

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 at...

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...

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 perseve...

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 perfor...

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. Af...

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...

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 hist...

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 ques...

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...

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....

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 h...

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 commitmen...

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...

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 posi...

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 Ze...

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 Rayshau...