Michigan Tuesday: New Prez from Nashville

University of Michigan is expected to name Vanderbilt Provost C. Cybele Raver to be its next President.  

Couple of facts on Raver:

• She is a psychologist researcher 
• 2nd female President in UM history 
• Seemingly beat out former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
• Prior to Vandy, she was the Deputy Provost at NYU and a professor of applied psychology 
• Raver's research focuses on self-regulation and school readiness in young children
• She has degrees from Harvard and Yale 
• Prior to NYU she held academic positions at Cornell and University of Chicago. 
• Her sister is actress Kim Raver 

Sounds like a strong hire!  

Michigan Monday: Some Scrimmage Buzz

This past Saturday marked 3 weeks before the WMU game in the Big House.  Thank goodness its not in Germany.  3 weeks is very much the halfway point of Fall Camp, but it's also starting to feel like football will be back soon.   This past Saturday the Wolverines gathered in the Big House for the first "live" scrimmage of the year.    

There is not a ton of intel coming out of Schembechler Hall but it sounds like the true Freshman Travis Johnson and the Offensive Line had a good day.  Johnson continues to get good reviews from camp insiders and it sounds like he is heading for the WR#3 spot with Marsh and Buchanan.    We shall not forget, Texas transfer Jaime Ffrench who will also have something to say about that 3rd WR spot.   Others might be wondering about 5 star WR Moa? Sounds like he has put a few solid practices together and is in the mix for some playing time at one of the backup WR positions. 

The most important fact coming out of the scrimmage is the team left the field 100% healthy. 

• Sorry I missed this when it happened but Chris Wormley retired a week or so ago.  I loved the Worm at Michigan and he had a nice run in the NFL.  I also read he just got a new gig with BTN as an analyst.   Go Worm!

• Ryan Day is moving Senior Day to Week 1 so the focus can be on the Wolverines.  At least we are not in Ryan's head 24/7.

• 2028 Cass Tech QB Donald Taborn II commits to Texas A&M

Michigan Friday: Keep The Money In-State

I believe Michigan and Ohio State have a responsibility to keep some of the money they make on a gameday and keep that money in State.  Michigan will continue do that as they have scheduled Central Michigan for 2028 and 2031 dates in the Big House.  They of course open against Western and if the pre-season joint practice or preseason game ever gets approved, EMU will fill that role nicely. OSU of course isn't really interested in playing UC as they are in the Big 12 now.  There are of course many MAC options instate for the Buckeyes to pick from. 

• Tarik Black had a 24 yard catch for a TD in the Lions preseason game last night. 

• 2028 4-star QB Tristin Gaines will make a visit to Ann Arbor this season

• CB transfer Chris Bracy is getting some camp buzz.  More talented DB's in a good thing! 

• Jim Harbaugh is rooting for Coach Whitt and his Wolverines.

• Savion had a viral social clip by blowing up a blocking sled 

Michigan Thursday: Where is the LB Help Coming From?

Most insiders are in agreement that Michigan's weakness this season is at LB.  With two unexpected losses from last year team with Rolder to the Detroit Lions and Sullivan to the Sooners.  Michigan has big needs to fill at the LB position. 

Who are the candidates to fill the spots?

• Troy Bowles, son of NFL head coach and been with the program for over a year after transferring from Georgia.  Time for the light to go on for him and be a really good LB! 

• NOB, former 5 star LB from last years class.  Is he ready?  Talent is there but experience reading offensive plays might not be.  We will still need him this year and I hope he gets good playing experience early and often.  (

  Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng)

• Aisea Moa, transfer from MSU and BYU prior, only 29 career tackles, would seem to be a depth player. Brother is also a 5-star true freshman WR. 

• Chase Taylor, is just a sophomore but maybe a starter.  He played in 10 games last year and lets hope his development this off season has gotten him ready for the season.

• Nathaniel Staehling, might be the biggest wildcard and the best chance for Michigan to have success at this position this year.  He is a 4 year transfer from North Dakota State and played a ton of football.  He was injured in the Spring but he could step in as a Day 1 starter if he is healthy and has a good fall camp.  Of course, this is a different level of football and we will see if his talent translates to this level. 

• Max Alford, a transfer from BYU with 5 starts last year.  Max will see the field this year and knows Hill's defense Michigan will be playing this season! Max has 28 games experience. 

Guys I don't expect to start but could contribute:

• Aden Reeder, Freshman  
• Markel Dabney, Freshman 
• Kaden Catchings, Freshman 
• Ndi, Etta, Freshman 
• Zach Ludwig, Junior Nephew of former coach Ben Herbert
• Adam Bazzi, Junior 
• Christian Pierce,  Sophomores transfer from Illinois State, Trey's brother.