WTKA Roundtable 1/8/2026: We're Not in the News!

15 snips

Jan 8, 2026

The panel dives into the excitement around the new coaching hires, praising their stability and scandal-free history. They discuss Michigan's recruiting strategy in the portal and its early challenges. A fascinating comparison is made between coaching transitions, connecting Whittingham's arrival to historical shifts in the program. The offensive outlook hints at a run-heavy approach, showcasing innovative uses of players like JJ Buchanan. Special teams and defensive strategies under the new staff also capture attention, promising a more efficient and adaptable game plan.

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INSIGHT

Portal Dollars Shift Recruiting Budgets

Sam Webb and Craig Ross highlight money allocation as a central future conversation because portal buys can cannibalize recruiting budgets.
They warn that paying for one portal target (e.g., Jimmy Rolder) reduces funds available for other position recruiting.

INSIGHT

Run-Heavy, Familiar Offense

Craig Ross expects Whittingham's offense to emphasize running the ball with a strong offensive line and talented backs.
He anticipates only modest differences from prior Michigan offenses and less reliance on inline tight ends.

INSIGHT

Use Big Slot As Receiver, Not Inline TE

Brian Cook and Seth Fisher point out JJ Buchanan is functionally a big wide receiver, not an inline tight end.
They recommend using him flexed in space rather than converting him into a traditional tight end.

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Thing Discussed:

Most excited about the hire: there are adults in the room. Spent 20+ coaching in one place with no scandals.
Impressed that they stabilized the program so quickly.
Portal recruiting happens in December; they're playing from behind because IU was setting up all of these visits weeks ago. Notice they're getting special teams guys because Coombs was already in his job.
Whittingham as Crisler (Brian: [moans]), as an established outsider who locked down Harmon to survive the transition. That was the end of the Yost Cycle, and likewise this is the end of the Bo Cycle. What happens next? How does he develop ways to take advantage of Michigan's place in the new world.
Money allocation is a big conversation going forward. Indiana puts all of its resources into the portal, Michigan will pay a NOB and also pay a Rolder.
New offense: Not a whole lot different under Harbaugh? Utah fans: "get ready to run QB Power!"...okay! "Tell your TEs to prepare to be blockers." Sure. "Don't expect any
Seth: More Urban Meyer approach where it's about efficiency more than explosives. Loaded at OL, have great RBs.
Main feature of Beck is he plays a "tight end" who's really a receiver. Brian points out JJ Buchanan is 6'3"/225 and only played five snaps inline—that's just a wide receiver. Point is they're way more spread than people realize.
In Break: Ryan Mallett (RIP). Craig says Lloyd tried to broker a conference with Mallett's dad and Rich Rod, neither side was interested.
Jay Hill: Has the bona fides, knows where the hashes are, made Weber State a power.
Schematically, going back to more of a Cover-1 look. Notre Dame defense is similar, also a lot like the Ryan Walters stuff where they turn their 4-2 into a 5-1 regularly. Really wanted to keep Cole Sullivan (as a WLB who can DE or S) and Jordan Young (as a nickel who can S or CB) for this system. Think Jyaire or Shamari would be good in that nickel role.
Biggest hurdle for this staff? Probably learning how to recruit as Michigan instead of Utah.