THE BLUE PRINT: A podcast on the Michigan Wolverines

On the latest episode of The Blue Print, Jake Butt and Devin Gardner have some thoughts on Bryce Underwood’s claim that he’s “the best player ever to come out of Michigan.” Are we sure it’s a good idea for him to be saying things like this? Is he putting an even greater target on himself coming into the season? And which NBA player does Devin see as the guy Bryce should try to emulate when it comes to his public persona? The guys weigh in on all of it! Then: EA Sports has released its list of the 20 toughest stadiums to play at in all of college football. So, how’re we feeling about Michigan coming in at #12? Too low? Too high? Just right? The guys also talk about the inherent SEC bias in lists like this and they give you some of their most underrated stadium experiences from their time as players.

On the latest episode of The Blue Print, Jake Butt and Devin Gardner are giving you their top 5 Big 10 offenses for the upcoming 2026 season. Does Michigan have enough to make cut? Or are their questions at quarterback a little too prominent to beat out some of the elite competition? Plus, we open up the Michigan mailbag to answer your questions on other programs that may have “Brady Hoke-esque” locker room rules, the possibility of Bryce’s backups seeing some time and the incredible challenges that this season’s schedule presents.

On the latest episode of The Blue Print, Devin Gardner and Jake Butt talk about the new culture that Kyle Whittingham is instilling within the Michigan football program, most notably at the QB position. Devin shares his insight on incoming quarterback Colin Hurley and how he could potentially push Bryce Underwood for the starting job while Jake looks back on how internal competition brought out the best in him. Then, we’re joined by the winningest head coach in Michigan hoops history, John Beilein! John talks about the values he was looking for when putting a team together and how much more difficult team building is in today’s college sports environment. John also reveals how Dusty May wound up as the team’s head coach and how much the program has changed – for the better – from when he took over in 2008 to where it’s at today.

On the latest episode of The Blue Print, Devin Gardner and Jake Butt share their thoughts on Indiana’s incredible rise and why accusations of “cheating” might just be the biggest compliment that you could pay them. The guys also discuss the need for Bryce Underwood to take a page from Curt Cignetti’s book and begin emphasizing process over results. Then, as the Wolverines welcome a new coaching staff to the program, Devin and Jake reflect on the coaching changes that occurred while they were members of the team. Devin explains the story behind Brady Hoke’s “phone box” while Jake reveals some of the behind-the-scenes changes that Jim Harbaugh instituted immediately upon arrival. And finally, we’ll take a look at Demond Williams’ situation with the University of Washington. Were the Huskies right to welcome him back and can you really fault Demond for wanting a $2 million raise?? All that and more on the latest edition of the Blue Print!

On this episode of The Blue Print, we react to the stunning news out of Ann Arbor as Michigan hires longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham to lead the Wolverines. We break down why Michigan targeted Whittingham, what he brings to the program, and how his physical, disciplined, defense-first brand of football fits perfectly with Michigan’s identity and the demands of the Big Ten. The conversation also dives into what this hire signals about the future of recruiting, NIL, and Michigan’s place in the evolving college football landscape. Plus, we set expectations for Year 1 and beyond as Whittingham takes over in Ann Arbor and what success could look like for the Wolverines under his leadership. Make sure to like, subscribe, and drop your thoughts in the comments—did Michigan make the right move?

On the latest episode of The Blue Print, Devin Gardner and Jake Butt are joined by legendary head coach and current co-host of the Stampede podcast, Mack Brown. Coach Brown shares some of his comparisons between Bryce Underwood and Vince Young and explains how he would coach a high-profile QB in the NIL era. Coach also reveals some of his gripes with today’s college football climate from rampant greed to the lack of a coherent system for player compensation. Devin and Jake also share their thoughts on Michigan’s coaching search including the Kalen DeBoer and Kenny Dillingham rumors as well as the need for the university to rebuild overall trust in the program. Subscribe to The Blue Print for weekly Michigan football breakdowns, film analysis and in-depth discussion from lifelong Wolverines insiders.