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.