The Michigan Insider

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Michigan vs. New Mexico preview: Behind Enemy Lines Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

Behind the Uniform with Zeke Berry - Michigan's Swiss Army DB's hot finish in 24 was no fluke Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

Behind The Uniform with Rayshaun Benny: Healthy, bigger, stronger, & ready to break out for Michigan Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

Fifty predictions about Michigan's 2025 season Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

Behind the Uniform with Derrick Moore - Chasing greatness in final season at Michigan Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

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.

Michigan football 2025 position group preview: Special teams Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

Michigan football 2025 season preview: Safety Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

Behind the Uniform with Max Bredeson - Michigan's captain back to help lead team's return to the top Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

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.

Behind the Uniform with Rod Moore - Setting the injury record straight; Ready for one last ride Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

Michigan football 2025 position group preview: Cornerback Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

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