Michigan Podcast

Steve Deace breaks down Michigan basketball's dominant run to the Final Four, steamrolling Tennessee by 33 points and reminding everyone why this Wolverines squad could be the greatest in program history, and one of the best college teams ever by KenPom metrics and strength of schedule. Joined by former Michigan QB David Cone, they preview the massive Final Four showdown vs. Arizona, discuss team poise, key players like Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, and Roddy Gayle, plus why this team has "the eye of the tiger" again after resets. They also dive into spring football updates with new head coach Kyle Whittingham and more.

Steve argues why the Wolverines—boasting the nation's #1 defense and a historic Big Ten run—are primed to win it all, with the recent Purdue loss serving as the perfect reset to reignite their edge in a favorable Midwest Regional path.He delivers proven bracket tips that crushed last year, from KenPom trends (like fading conference tourney first-round losers) to historical upset patterns and efficiency rankings that point to strong title contenders.

Michigan Podcast dives into the Wolverines' pivotal 2026 spring football preview under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Steve Deace breaks down the five biggest questions facing the team, including Bryce Underwood's development, the revamped receiving corps, defensive line emergence, and special teams rebound. Mark Rogers joins in to talk about about coaching culture, spring practice relevance, and realistic expectations for a tougher schedule.

Steve Deace dives into Michigan's finalized 2026 football schedule: a tough but strategically paced slate featuring Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, and Oklahoma, with six near-locks and a rhythm that gives the Wolverines their best shot at surviving the gauntlet. With Kyle Whittingham now in charge, Steve breaks down why this draw (including home games against the toughest foes) sets up a real chance to stay in the playoff conversation, plus early portal momentum and why the team could be much better positioned than last year. Mark Rogers joins to compare Michigan's path to Ohio State's even harder draw and discuss what Whittingham's proven track record could mean in year one.

Steve Deace celebrates Michigan landing Hall of Fame-bound Kyle Whittingham as the 22nd head coach, calling it a cosmic upgrade over the previous staff and a perfect fit for Michigan's culture. Mark Rogers joins to discuss Whittingham's Urban Meyer connection, the immediate recruiting momentum, and why this hire erases the drama of the past two years.

Steve Deace wraps 2025 with a blunt look at where Michigan stands after a weird 9-3 season: Sherrone Moore's seat is officially warm, 2026 is playoff-or-bust and why the Citrus Bowl vs. Texas isn't about winning a meaningless game. Former Michigan QB David Cone joins to break down exactly what Bryce must show in those 15 bowl practices to prove he can be elite in Year 2.

Steve Deace gives no excuses after Michigan's soul-crushing 27-9 loss to a far superior Ohio State team: the Wolverines were outclassed in every phase, Bryce Underwood clearly regressed despite a full year of reps, and Sherrone Moore now faces a prove-it-or-bust 2025 with the playoff as the bare minimum or he's gone. Mark Rogers joins to break down the talent gap, the failed freshman QB experiment, and why better coaching would have made a dramatic difference this season.

IT'S HERE. The 121st edition of The Game. Michigan vs. Ohio State — with snow in the forecast, a 4-peat on the line, and BOTH teams starting the #1 overall recruit from the last two classes (Julian Sayin vs. Bryce Underwood). Mark Rogers and Steve Deace break it ALL down.

Michigan just pulled off something historic at Wrigley Field: first time EVER the Wolverines win a game while committing FIVE turnovers (and going minus-5 in turnover margin). Steve Deace breaks down the wild 40-31 escape over Northwestern that felt like 2017 all over again. Mark Rogers from The Voice of College Football joins the show with his take.

Can Bryce Underwood be fixed before The Game? Steve Deace dives deep on this week's Michigan Podcast! After back-to-back duds vs. Michigan State and Purdue, the true freshman QB is regressing. Steve lays out the data: Michigan's offense has systemically improved, but Bryce's stats are nearly identical to last year's QBs. Joined by Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, they debate QB development, Ohio State's elite defense, and why weather could be Michigan's X-factor.

The panic button is ENGAGED after Michigan's ugly win over Purdue. What was supposed to be a laugher turned into a nail-biter, exposing cracks in the Wolverines' armor. Bryce Underwood is regressing, the passing game is nonexistent, and injuries have decimated the roster. Steve calls this a poor man's 2021 team, with elite run game, elite defense, but no stabilizing QB and no margin for error. With Ohio State looming, he warns: this just might not be Michigan's year. Joined by Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, they debate the passing scheme's complexity, the talent gap, and why the playoff might actually hurt more than help.

Steve Deace injects some (what he says is) MUCH-NEEDED optimism on this week's Michigan Podcast! After a gritty 31-20 win over Michigan State, Steve pushes back on the fanbase's meltdown. Context matters: Michigan is 6-2 with a true freshman QB, three redshirt freshmen on the O-line, and no playable tackles left. They just beat Sparty on the road with 80 points in two straight trips to East Lansing, the most since the early 80s. Joined by Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, they break down Bryce Underwood's growth, the flattened parity of CFB, and why this team is exactly where it should be.

Michigan saves its season with a statement win over Washington, and Steve is fired up. The Wolverines answered the call after a humiliating USC loss, turning the tide with a second-half rout sparked by Cole Sullivan's game-changing interception. Steve breaks down how Michigan's 38-22 time-of-possession dominance and defensive adjustments shut down Washington's high-flying offense, holding them to under 250 yards. Joined by Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, they discuss Bryce Underwood's jaw-dropping throws, the youngest roster in the Big Ten, and the evolving chaos of college football's NFL-like randomness.

The Wolverines were exposed in a prime-time beatdown, raising existential questions about Sherrone Moore's leadership. Steve breaks down three glaring problems. As Washington comes to Ann Arbor, Steve calls this the most critical game of Moore's tenure. Joined by Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, they debate the stakes, Michigan's identity, and the "quit factor" looming against Michigan State.

It's the quarter pole, and Aaron McIntire and Noah Deace are breaking it all down on this week's Michigan Podcast. With Steve out, Aaron (an Iowa fan) and Noah dive into a bye-week reflection, playing "Buy, Sell, or Hold" on Michigan's playoff and Big Ten title chances. Are the Wolverines true contenders? Noah buys both, citing a favorable schedule and Justice Haynes' explosive play. They also tackle player props: Will Haynes break Michigan's rushing record? Can Bryce Underwood double his TD passes? Will Rod Moore lead in interceptions? Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football joins for an extended round, debating Michigan's identity and Ohio State's road test at Washington. Plus, poll results on Haynes' record chase and fan feedback on the stretch-run offense.

Michigan went OLD SCHOOL to dominate Nebraska on the road, and Steve points out how Michigan leaned on a punishing 300-yard rushing attack, led by Justice Haynes, while the defense racked up 30 pressures and seven sacks on Dylan Raiola. Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, joins the program to discuss the ceiling for this team, the receiver struggles, and what's next with a bye week looming. Plus, poll results from a wild halftime poll and fan feedback on Haynes' national recognition.

With Steve out, Aaron McIntire and Noah Deace take the wheel on this week's Michigan Podcast. Coming off a 63-3 rout of Central Michigan, the focus is once again on Bryce Underwood. Aaron, an Iowa fan, brings an outsider's perspective, questioning if Sherrone Moore will fully unleash Underwood's explosive talent in Big Ten play or rein him in against top foes like Nebraska or Ohio State. Noah breaks down the offensive line's critical role in Michigan's ceiling, while Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football joins for the 10-Minute War, debating Michigan's identity and Underwood's potential. Plus, poll results on Underwood's aggression at Nebraska and fan feedback on Moore's approach.

Michigan got manhandled by Oklahoma, and Steve is not holding back on this week's Michigan Podcast. The Wolverines were physically dominated in a stunning Week 2 loss, exposing cracks in the offensive line and a lack of identity on offense. Steve dives into the coaching missteps, Sherrone Moore's conservative approach, and why Michigan must make Bryce Underwood the focal point to salvage the season. Joined by Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, the two dissect the bullying in Norman, the injury toll, and what's next against Central Michigan. Plus, poll results on the fan mood and Steve's raw response to whether his "instant nihilism" is an act (spoiler: it's not!).

Bryce Underwood stole the show in his Michigan debut, and Steve is ALL IN on this week's Michigan Podcast! The true freshman lit up New Mexico with poise, precision, and 250+ passing yards—prompting Steve to wonder if he could indeed be the next generational talent, and say Saturday's road test will reveal if Underwood is "HIM." The Voice of College Football, Mark Rogers, breaks down Underwood's sensational performance, Michigan's balanced attack, and what to expect against Oklahoma's defense. Plus, the dup recaps Ohio State's upset over #1 Texas.

Game week is HERE, and Steve Deace is fired up on this week's Michigan Podcast: Is Bryce Underwood the ONLY key to Michigan's 2025 season? Steve says yes—but not in the way you think. Joined by Brett Ciancia of Pick Six Previews and Mark Rogers of The Voice of College Football, MP dives into why Underwood needs to be a "JAG" (just a guy) rather than a superhero to unlock Michigan's potential. Also discussed is the Wolverines' elite defense to the critical early road games, and a preview of the massive Ohio State vs. Texas opener and poll results on whether to play Underwood longer in a blowout.

In this week's episode, Steve delivers a fiery take on why the NCAA's "hammer" never came for Michigan football and why the Wolverines' future is brighter than ever. Steve is joined by Isaiah Hole from Wolverines Wire and Locked On Wolverines, and they dive deep into the Connor Stalions saga, the NCAA investigation, and why the so-called "SignGate" is a farce.

SPECIAL EDITION of Michigan Podcast: The NCAA's final report on Michigan's "Signgate" saga is here, and Steve's got the instant reaction. From recruiting restrictions to Sherrone Moore's extended suspension and Jim Harbaugh's 10-year show cause, Steve breaks down why this "hammer" is more like a feather. He calls out the NCAA's weak case, Michigan's mishandled defense, and the exoneration of Tim Smith and Chris Partridge. Plus, a fiery message to Bucknuts and Sparties stuck in their online cults.

In this week's show, Steve dives into the hype surrounding Bryce Underwood and whether he needs to be the savior of Michigan football (or if the Wolverines even need one). With the season just two weeks away, Steve breaks down Michigan's #14 ranking in the AP preseason poll, reflects on the team's historic success, and tackles the quarterback woes of last year. Can Bryce Underwood be "just a guy" (a JAG) and still lead Michigan to the playoffs? Plus, a lively discussion with Mark Rogers about the upcoming season, the Big Ten landscape, and Ohio State's quarterback battle.

This week's Michigan Podcast dives into the five biggest insights from Michigan's appearance at Big Ten Media Days. From the hype surrounding QB Bryce Underwood to the deepest defensive line since 2021, Steve breaks down what it all means for the 2025 Wolverines. Mark Rogers joins the show to discuss Underwood's potential, the receiver room challenges, and the end of Michigan's flag-planting one-year tradition. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/MichiganPodcast

Steve Deace dives into his 2025 college football predictions on Michigan Podcast. He shares Michigan Wolverines outliers and top 25 picks with Mark Rogers from The Voice of College Football. They talk three-loss playoff teams, coaching moves like Ryan Day to Lane Kiffin, and surprises like TJ Metcalf leading interceptions and Max Bredesen outscoring tight ends. Leave your predictions in the comments and check out https://www.patreon.com/MichiganPodcast for exclusive picks!

Steve Deace breaks down how Michigan Football is ON FIRE in recruiting, and what's behind the uptick! Steve is joined once again by Mark Rogers "The Voice of College Football" as they break down Michigan's historic 2026 recruiting run, the impact of NIL, and why the Big Ten is dominating college football like never before. Plus, Steve drops his TOP 9 win total best bets for the 2025 season, including Air Force, Boise State, Oklahoma, and more.

In this episode of Michigan Podcast, Steve discusses the recent self-imposed suspension of Michigan's head football coach, Sherrone Moore, and the betrayal by the university's administration. He shares his personal connection to Michigan athletics and expresses concern over the mismanagement of the Connor Stalions saga, highlighting failures in negotiation with the NCAA. Deace criticizes Athletic Director Warde Manuel's leadership and calls for a reevaluation of the administration's approach to protect the legacy of Michigan football.

Steve reacts to Michigan basketball's incredible run in the NCAA tournament. Mark Rogers joins in to discuss a key metric that implies Michigan could go to the College Football Playoff in Bryce Underwood's first year.

Steve lays out his baker's dozen tips and trends for NCAA tournament bracket picks. He and Aaron lay out their game by game predictions.

Steve breaks down his top five questions that need answers for Michigan football during spring football. Mark Rogers reacts.

Steve gives his State of the Disunion address on the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. Mark Rogers joins in for his take and to talk about his book "Disputed National Champions."

Steve reviews his crystal ball predictions for the 2024 season. Mark Rogers is the judge.

Steve is back for the new year and says you just witnessed the best 5-loss season, ever. Mark Rogers, The Voice of College Football, gives his take.

Steve has a message for Ohio State (and Michigan State) fans. Mark Rogers previews the College Football Playoff for his Buckeyes and the rest of the Big Ten.

Steve says Michigan has psychologically broken Ryan Day and Buckeye-dom. Mark Rogers reacts.

Steve discusses the flipping of five star quarterback Bryce Underwood from LSU to Michigan. Mark Rogers joins the program to preview The Game.

Steve says he's at a loss for words on Michigan football. Mark Rogers reacts.

Steve says the season isn't saved, but Sherrone Moore desperately needed that win against Michigan State.

Steve says all signs are pointing to an abrupt coaching stint for Sherrone Moore at Michigan. Mark Rogers joins the show with his take.

Steve says this Michigan program is heading nowhere good -- and fast.

Steve looks back at Michigan's survivalist win over Minnesota, and says they have an even bigger challenge ahead of them in Seattle as they take on the Huskies. Mark Rogers joins the show to provide his take.

Steve breaks down Michigan's big win against USC; Mark Rogers joins the show to share his take.

Steve says the QB change to Alex Orji is a good thing, but it's time to adjust your expectations for this Michigan football squad. Mark Rogers joins the program with his take.

Steve breaks down the road forward for Michigan football after a humiliating home loss to Texas. Mark Rogers provides his take.

Steve says he has some major concerns about this Michigan offense. Mark Rogers says he thinks Davis Warren improve.

Steve says there's really only one thing that matters in Michigan's season-opener against the Bulldogs. Mark Rogers joins the show to share his take.

Steve makes some specific predictions regarding Michigan football's record, standout performers, and the CFP.

Steve talks about four Michigan football players we could be hearing a lot about in the upcoming season. Mark Rogers joins the show with his take, and the duo briefly discuss the Connor Stallions fiasco.

Steve is back with his top 25 predictions for the upcoming college football season, along with his conference and College Football Playoff projections.