The Michigan Insider

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 second half of the episode, they look at some key takeaways from the defensive side of the ball. They discuss why the box score might not be as pretty as expected, but why that may not matter much moving forward. They look at New Mexico’s success on screen plays and in play-action, but also Michigan’s palpable speed and depth on defense. They also discuss the Wolverines’ special teams blunders, Jaishawn Barham’s suspension, penalties and other observations from the season-opening win. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Union, underscoring the value of effective budgeting, as well as from David Himich of The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley, who spoke on long-term financial planning. The discussion then returns to football, where Hausmann describes building rapport with position coach Brian Jean-Marie and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, his performance improvements following early-season challenges against Texas, and his emergence as a pivotal contributor to a defense that ultimately overcame Ohio State. The episode concludes with Hausmann discussing his leadership role in mentoring younger teammates and highlighting the team's commitment to preparation for the upcoming season, emphasizing their collective pursuit of high standards, robust competition, and another national championship run. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 linemen like Aidan Hutchinson while also maintaining his own style. Guy then recounts the transition period to Wink Martindale, which was bumpy at first before meshing later on, ultimately leading to another victory over Ohio State and a successful season. Attention shifts to insights gleaned from Behind the Uniform's financial literacy boot camp. Guy shares lessons learned from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar with the University of Michigan Credit Union, stressing the importance of budgeting, and David Himich from The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley on long-term financial planning. The interview concludes with Guy sharing his excitement for the upcoming season and the team's potential to be special. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 discussed Underwood’s transcendent talent. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 players and position groups they are most excited to see. Along the way, they handle some subscriber-submitted prop bets, and make their final score predictions for Saturday's game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Attention shifts to insights gleaned from Behind the Uniform's financial literacy boot camp. Marshall shares lessons learned from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar with the University of Michigan Credit Union stressing the importance of budgeting, and David Himich from The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley on long-term financial planning. The interview concludes with Sullivan looking ahead to the season and sharing his thoughts on the depth and potential of the linebacker group, the defense, and the entire team. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 valuable insights gained from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar hosted by the University of Michigan Credit Union, highlighting the importance of budgeting, as well as guidance on long-term financial planning provided by David Himich of The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley. Returning to football-related discussions, Curtis elaborates on his versatility and ambitions to contribute across multiple defensive roles, drawing inspiration from prominent players such as Isaiah Simmons and Kyle Hamilton. He concludes by expressing confidence in both the team's depth and versatility—particularly within the defensive backfield—and shares his expectations for a distinguished season for the Wolverines. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 uncalled offensive pass interference. The discussion further addresses Smith’s assertion that Ohio State will not lose to Michigan again during his tenure. The conversation then shifts toward financial literacy, as Berry shares insights gained from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar conducted by the University of Michigan Credit Union, emphasizing budgeting strategies, as well as from David Himich of The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley regarding long-term financial planning. Concluding the interview, Berry looks forward to the upcoming season, noting the anticipated development of defensive teammates such as TJ Metcalf, Mason Curtis, and Brandyn Hillman, and offering early observations on freshman standout Bryce Underwood. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, how he's embracing them, and his belief that the defense won't suffer any drop-off in performance due to the improvements he and several others have made. Benny specifically praises the depth of the defensive line, including new transfers Tre' Williams and Damon Payne. He also shares insights from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar with the University of Michigan Credit Union stressing the importance of budgeting, and David Himich from The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley on long-term financial planning. The interview concludes with Benny sharing his impressions of Bryce Underwood and looking ahead to what he expects to be another year of stellar Michigan defense. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 team-wide predictions, including projected first-team All-Big Ten players, Michigan's game-by-game record, final record and postseason result and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 skills that he's tried to learn from past Wolverine standouts like Aidan Hutchinson. Moore highlights the growth of the current Michigan defense, attributing it to the depth and hunger of younger players like Cam Brandt, Dom Nichols, and the Metcalf brothers. He also shared his motivation, driven by his mother's sacrifices. The episode concludes with Moore looking ahead to a successful season, with eyes for a Big Ten championship and another national title. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 close the episode with a look at which players might be most in the mix at punt- and kick-returner, and what to expect from Michigan’s special teams room overall this fall. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 which three safeties make their projected starting lineup, and what each candidate brings to the room. They discuss breakout players and expectations for Michigan’s top five safeties this fall. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 also shared insights from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar with the University of Michigan Credit Union stressing the importance of budgeting, and David Himich from The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley on long-term financial planning. He praised the growth and leadership of teammates like Jordan Marshall and noted the competitive spirit within the offensive line. The conversation concludes with Bredeson sharing his early impressions of what he expects to be another great year for the Michigan defense. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 over Ohio State. The conversation concludes with Moore highlighting the growth of young players like Brandyn Hillman and newcomers like TJ Metcalf. He then looks ahead to his own return and what he expects to be another exceptional year of Michigan defense. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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-factor that Jo’Ziah Edmond could bring. They continue by looking at the position battle for the No. 3 cornerback role, pick breakout players and make predictions for the room this fall. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the bowl game against Alabama before attention shifts to insights gleaned from Behind the Uniform's financial literacy boot camp. Marshall shares lessons learned from the "Playbook for Prosperity" seminar with the University of Michigan Credit Union stressing the importance of budgeting, and David Himich from The Himich Group at Morgan Stanley on long-term financial planning. The interview concludes with Marshall discussing his readiness for a leadership role in the offense, sharing his early impressions of Bryce Underwood, and sharing his reaction to Jeremiah Smith's promise that Ohio State will not lose Michigan again as long as he's in a Buckeye uniform. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 to expect from the room’s underclassmen. They also look at position battles within the room, breakout players and season expectations for the group in 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the top four and a look at Derrick Moore’s potential in 2025. They also look at the biggest breakout players in the room, and make predictions for the position in 2025.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices