Video Basics
- Host: John D'Adamo (speaking from a hotel in Louisville; he won't attend live).
- Context: Less than 24 hours until the Michigan Wolverines spring game (Maize vs. Blue).
- Game Details:
- Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern.
- Broadcast: Big Ten Network (also free to attend at The Big House with tailgates).
- Postgame: TJ Ronin and the Avengers will host a live Michigan postgame show from Ann Arbor (studio setup on site); possible special guests.
- Call to Action: Like, subscribe, hit the bell for weekly content ("all gas, no breaks").
Three Keys / Things to Watch
John outlines three main things to focus on during the spring game, which will be very basic/no-contact (like a Thursday practice — base defense, limited exotic looks, no blitzing).
- First Look at Jason Beck's Offense
- New offensive coordinator Jason Beck (came from Utah, where he built a top-5/6 offense nationally).
- Bryce Underwood (and most starters) expected to play only in the first quarter, no-contact.
- What to look for:
- RPOs (run-pass options) — watch Bryce's decision-making and choices post-snap.
- Improved footwork and fundamentals from Bryce Underwood.
- Overall offensive flow vs. the previous "Frankenstein's monster" of conflicting influences (e.g., Sherrone Moore + Chip Lindsay era).
- Scheme notes: Primarily 11 personnel (3–5 wide receivers), but will mix in some 12 personnel, eye formation, two-tight-end sets, and two-RB sets.
- Expect some physicality/run game elements to fit current personnel (many players from 2023–2025 teams are used to a physical style).
- Beck is the sole play-caller — first time in a while Michigan has had one clear voice (possibly since Rich Rodriguez or Al Borges eras; Harbaugh and Moore years had multiple inputs).
- Quarterback rotation: Bryce in Q1; Tommy Carr in Q2 and one half; Chase Herbstreit (likely a walk-on or developmental QB) in the other half of the second half — good battle to watch.
- Other notes: Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan likely limited after Q1. Offensive line will be without some players due to injury (e.g., Evan Link, Andrew Babalola).
- Showcase for Savon (Savion) Hiter
- Highly touted 2026 recruit (5-star, nation's top RB prospect) — exceptionally fast per high school film (possibly one of the fastest Michigan has seen).
- This will be his first game action at The Big House.
- Questions: How does his speed translate to college level? Can the offensive line (depleted by injuries/sit-outs like Evan Link and Babalola) create enough separation?
- Expect heavy showcasing, especially if Jordan Marshall (potential starter) sits — look for carries for Hiter, Bryson (likely Kudstall or similar), and other young RBs.
- Overall: First chance to see if he can "break out" in a Michigan uniform.
- Defense (Ahead of Offense, as Expected) + Jay Hill's Scheme
- Reports throughout spring: Defense has been ahead of the offense (standard and not concerning; opposite would be more worrisome).
- Kyle Whittingham noted the defensive line is currently ahead of the offensive line (partly due to injuries).
- Jay Hill (new DC, possible future head coach candidate) installing his system — likely a 4-2-5 base (Ravens-influenced elements?).
- Differences from prior Michigan 4-2-5 or 4-3 defenses: Watch for nuances in this "brand new" look.
- Game plan: Very base, hang-back, no blitzes or exotic looks (protecting the new offense from over-exposing schemes in front of fans/TV).
- Key questions: With stars like Will Johnson/Smith Snowden and others likely limited, who steps up?
- Potential standouts: Zeke Barry, Shamari Earles, or other young/backup defenders.
- Goal: See how the unit performs in a controlled setting while implementing new concepts.
Additional Context from John
- The spring game is a low-stakes first public look — not full contact or game-speed, but still valuable for evaluating scheme fit, QB decision-making, young talent (especially skill players), and depth.
- Personnel adaptation: Beck knows he can't just install a Utah-style offense wholesale; he must adapt to Michigan's current roster strengths (physical run game roots).
- Excitement level: First real Michigan football action since the previous season — even if it's Michigan vs. Michigan.
Promotion in the Video
- New article on Voice of College Football (vocfb.com) with a more fleshed-out version of these points.
- Regular shows: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.
- Go Blue!
These notes capture the full ~10-minute video cleanly. The spring game itself is today (April 18, 2026) — enjoy the broadcast on BTN and the postgame coverage from the VOCFB crew!
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