The Michigan Insider

Latest Episodes:

Michigan football's most important players, position battles to watch in fall camp Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down their annual ranking of Michigan football's most important players for the upcoming season, then discuss the biggest position battles and potential breakouts in fall camp.

They open with a look back at their annual rankings of the Wolverines' most important players. They discuss the top group being solidified, which players may have been ranked too low, and which players outside the top 25 could end up being more important than expected.

In the second half of the episode, they discuss which position battles they'll be watching most closely as fall camp gets underway, as well as which players whose development in the next couple weeks has their attention the most.

Michigan football's most impactful newcomers for 2026: Top transfers, freshmen to know ahead of fall camp Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the top newcomers for Michigan football ahead of the 2026 season, discussing the Wolverines’ key transfers and early-impact freshmen.

They open with a look at Michigan's transfer portal class, which includes more than half a dozen projected starters for the Wolverines this fall. They discuss the top-line guys, such as John Henry Daley and JJ Buchanan, underrated impact players like Chris Bracy, Jonah Lea'ea and Trey Butkowski, and sleeper adds like Jaime Ffrench.

In the second half of the episode, they try to assess where the freshmen fit in. They set expectations for Savion Hiter, and offer early projections for several Michigan freshmen expected to crack the two-deep this fall.

Takeaways from Michigan, Kyle Whittingham's time at Big Ten Media Days Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Alejandro Zuniga break down their takeaways from covering Michigan at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.

They open with a look at Kyle Whittingham’s press conference appearances. They discuss their overall impressions, Michigan’s revamped approach to strength and conditioning, Bryce Underwood, Whittingham’s approach to the rivalry and his season expectations.

In the second half of the episode, they discuss Whittingham’s depth chart breakdown, and what the players had to say while speaking in Chicago.

Warde Manuel to step down as Michigan Athletic Director: What happened, what is Manuel's legacy, what's next for U-M athletics? Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Alejandro Zuniga break down the news that Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel will step down at the end of the calendar year after more than a decade leading the University's athletic department.

They open with a look at the timing of the news, which came after a week of outside speculation that Michigan's investigation into the athletic department's culture had found Manuel culpable. They discuss Michigan releasing an abbreviated outline of the findings, and why it's time for Manuel to step down, regardless of the results of this specific investigation.

They then pivot to look at Manuel's tenure with Michigan, which began in 2016. They discuss both the high amount of scandals and championships under Manuel's watch, including multiple NCAA investigations, 80 Big Ten titles and national titles in both football and men's basketball.

They close with a look at what Michigan should look for in its next athletic director, and how the University should balance the financial and traditional component of the athletic director role.

EXCLUSIVE: Warde Manuel Addresses his future at Michigan Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

In an exclusive interview with The Michigan Insider, Michigan Athletic Director Warde Manuel sits down with Sam Webb to discuss the latest surrounding all of the happenings around Ann Arbor including questions on his own future with the program.

Other topics covered include his performance as athletic director and Dusty May's recent departure for the NBA.

Wolverines score big recruiting win over Ohio State and discussing what's next Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode, Sam and Brice discuss Michigan's recent big recruiting win for the Wolverines as they landed four-star defensive back Monsanna Torbert over Ohio State and Indiana among others.

They also discuss what's next for the Wolverines on the recruiting trail with summer official visit season now in the rear view mirror.

Reaction: Dusty May leaves Michigan for NBA, Mike Boynton likely named interim head coach Jun 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz discuss the bombshell news that Michigan head basketball coach Dusty May would be departing for a head-coaching job with the Dallas Mavericks, and that assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. would likely be named the interim head coach.

They open with a discussion about May's departure. They discuss the shock level, why it happened, the role Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel played in it, what it says about college basketball and more.

In the second half of the episode, they look at Michigan's likely decision to promote Boynton to interim head coach. They discuss Boynton's career and role with the Wolverines, whether it's the right decision for Michigan, what a pursuit of other candidates might have looked like and what to make of the Wolverines' 2026-27 outlook without May leading the charge.

Recapping official visits + Joshua Dobson visit preview Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

In the newest edition of the Michigan Recruiting Insider podcast, Steve and Brice discuss Michigan's most recent official visitors in four-star defensive lineman Seth Tillman and three-star offensive lineman Lincoln Mageo (mun-gow). Where do the Wolverines stand in those races coming out of the weekend?

Attention then turns to five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson, who will officiallly visit campus this weekend. The Wolverines are battling Texas A&M and Auburn among others for his commitment; can the Wolverines seize the lead in an important race at a position of need?

The episode concludes with a few questions from our message board and the audience.

Steady Droppin Dimes - Will Cadeau & McKenney be nation's best backcourt?; Is Cunningham NBA MVP? May 11, 2026

Show notes

(Receorded 5/8/26) On the latest episode of Steady Droppin Dimes, Sam Webb and Daniel Horton look ahead to the next college basketball season now and discuss just how good Trey McKenney and Elliot Cadeau will be. They also recap the latest NBA playoff action and weigh in on whether Cade Cunningham is the NBA's MVP.

Wolverine247 spring football takeaways, what we learned about Michigan's offense May 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down what they learned, and what they still want to know about each position group on Michigan's offense following spring practices.

They open with a discussion about the Wolverines’ quarterback room. They discuss Tommy Carr’s big spring, what that means for Carr and Michigan and how much stock to put into a strong first impression. They also look at Bryce Underwood’s spring, what Michigan is doing to help him develop and what they learned about him this spring. They continue with a look at the running back room, including Savion Hiter’s strong spring showcase, and what the rest of the room may look like.

In the second half of the episode, they look at the Wolverines’ wide receiver room, which is as revamped and improved as any on Michigan’s roster. They discuss Andrew Marsh, JJ Buchanan, Salesi Moa, Jaime Ffrench and the rest of the room so far. They continue with a look at the depth of the tight end room, and close with a look at a bigger, more experienced offensive line, and how things may shake out up front.

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