Michigan Podcast

Steve Deace kicks off season 10 of Michigan Podcast as the Kyle Whittingham era begins against Western Michigan. Former Michigan QB David Cohen joins to break down Bryce Underwood's development, why this might be the toughest opposing quarterback schedule in program history, and the "triangle" of defense, offensive line, and QB play that will determine if Michigan makes a playoff run. Plus, a look at breakout newcomers like J.J. Buchanan and Chris Bracey as the Whittingham-Utah pipeline starts paying dividends.

Steve Deace wonders why the national media is completely ignoring Michigan heading into 2026, then brings on Mark Rogers (Voice of College Football) for a brutally honest, data-driven breakdown of the Wolverines' brutal pass-defense schedule. Plus: Bryce Underwood's stunning captain vote from his own teammates, and why the Oklahoma showdown in Week 2 could define Michigan's entire season.

Steve Deace breaks down why Michigan's 2026 schedule features the toughest collection of opposing quarterbacks in program history, from Dante Moore and Julian Sayin to John Mateer, and what it means for Bryce Underwood's crucial leap forward. Plus, Mark Rogers joins to react to Kyle Whittingham's take on dialing down the hate in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, and whether the media will let him get away with it.

Steve Deace kicks off Season 10 by breaking down Michigan's 8.5 win total and why everything hinges on Bryce Underwood matching up against elite QBs like Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and John Mateer. Then Steve unveils his annual 25-point crystal ball, predicting Oregon wins the natty, Ryan Day bolts for the NFL, Wisconsin fires Luke Fickel, and more chaos across college football, plus his take on Warde Manuel's complicated exit as Michigan's AD.

On the season finale of Michigan Podcast, Steve Deace delivers a no-holds-barred breakdown of Bryce Underwood's disappointing spring game performance and what it really means for the 2026 season under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Former Michigan quarterback David Cone joins the show to give his expert take as someone who's lived the spring game experience, while they also celebrate Michigan's historic national championship basketball season and look ahead to the tougher 2026 schedule.

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.