In short
Hour 2 of The Rich Eisen Show live from Plymouth, Michigan at the Champion Circle Golf Classic, focusing on Michigan football’s new head coach Kyle Whittingham and the team’s 2025 outlook, plus interviews with WR Andrew Marsh and RBs Jordan Marshall and Savion Heider.
Guests (backgrounds)
- Kyle Whittingham: New University of Michigan head coach; previously led Utah.
- Andrew Marsh: Michigan wide receiver; freshman season described as among the best in program history; from Katy, Texas (Houston area); father died of cancer when he was seven.
- Jordan Marshall: Michigan running back; from Ohio; says he didn’t grow up an Ohio State fan (Georgia family); recruited with Tony Alford/TA.
- Savion Heider: Top RB recruit; played linebacker too; from Michigan’s running back legacy; says Whittingham told him “we’re always going to be a family.”
Key claims
- Whittingham: NIL is essential; wants an “NFL minor league” model with a salary cap/players as employees; expects more plug-and-play due to roster turnover; Bryce Underwood is the QB “our guy”; John Henry Daly is fully healthy and will pressure the edge.
- Marsh: “Grinding” daily; community helped him choose Michigan; chemistry with Bryce “always been there”; new offense will be “open” and more explosive.
- Marshall/Heider: Running back room built to keep both on-field; goal is Big Ten + national championship; Heider wants to be a captain and team-first; Marshall credits TA and Michigan culture.
Notable examples
- Whittingham cites Daly leading the nation in sacks through Week 10 before injury.
- Marsh models his game after DeAndre Hopkins (two-foot/contested catch precision) and mentions Julio Jones, Justin Jefferson, Devontae Adams.
- Heider says he took an interception “to the house” while playing linebacker.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOSetting the Scene
1:30 to 2:16
Rich Eisen discusses the significance of being live from Michigan.
“Michigan, the men's basketball national champions.”
Introducing Kyle Whittingham
2:16 to 2:40
Kyle Whittingham, the new head coach of Michigan football, joins the show.
“Elliott Cadeau and Trey McKinney and the new coach Mike Boynton.”
Transition to Michigan
2:40 to 3:49
Whittingham shares his transition from Utah to Michigan.
“Kyle Weddingham, is here to kick off our number two.”
NIL and Champion Circle
3:49 to 5:42
Discussion on the significance of NIL and the Champion Circle for college football.
“And so when you wound up, how would you term that you became available, coach?”
Challenges in College Football
5:42 to 7:58
Whittingham speaks about the challenges coaches face in the evolving landscape of college football.
“And so, you know, having that in place was a big factor.”
Proposed Changes to College Football
7:58 to 9:21
Whittingham suggests changes to create a fairer college football system.
“Just a few more minutes on this subject matter, if you don't mind.”
Player Development and Retention
9:21 to 11:38
Discussing player development, retention, and the effects of NIL on college athletes.
“And that would be with, obviously, other conferences or something like that?”
Quarterback Insights
11:38 to 14:00
Whittingham discusses the quarterback position and expectations for Bryce Underwood.
“So I've got the head coach of University of Michigan football, Kyle Whittingham, here on the Rich Eyes Show a few more minutes before I send you out to the golf course for the golf event today.”
Coaching Insights on Bryce Underwood
14:00 to 20:16
Explore Kyle Whittingham's coaching strategies for quarterback Bryce Underwood.
“No, he's got, you know, everybody's got players or guys that handle him and that type of thing.”
Defensive Player Expectations
20:26 to 20:40
Discussion on John Henry Daly's impact and the defensive strategy for Michigan.
“That's Kyle Whittingham right here on The Rich Eyes Show.”
Show all 20 chapters
Friendship with Urban Meyer
22:00 to 25:00
Kyle Whittingham discusses his long-standing friendship with Urban Meyer.
“The challenge, finding that person without sorting through resumes.”
Introducing Andrew Marsh
25:00 to 28:00
Andrew Marsh reflects on his freshman season and his journey to Michigan.
“One thing she always said is, you take care of the on-the-field stuff, and I'll take care of the off-the-field stuff.”
Personal Growth and Skills Development
28:00 to 28:40
Discussion on the player's growth and improvements since last season.
“How are you different now than you were the last time you stepped on a field for Michigan?”
Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics
28:40 to 30:20
Insights into the impact of coaching changes on player maturity and team structure.
“I would say really just being able to keep working every day, and I think that that's huge.”
Offensive Strategy Insights
30:20 to 33:10
Exploration of the new offensive strategies and their expected impact on the game.
“Who's the guy you model your game after?”
Introduction of New Players
33:10 to 33:50
Brief introduction and excitement about new recruits joining the team.
“And then, you know, almost honestly, the way that you played your freshman year, it's very rare to see anybody play like that.”
Introduction of New Players
33:51 to 35:14
Brief introduction and excitement about new recruits joining the team.
“No matter what you need, we have thousands of professional parts people doing their part to make sure you have it.”
The Champion Circle Event and Player Insights
35:18 to 42:01
Wrap-up from the Champion Circle event featuring insights from players about their journey and team spirit.
“And the top recruit in all of the land at the position, Savion Hyder, is here on the program.”
Goals and Aspirations of Michigan Players
42:01 to 45:28
Learn about the personal visions and goals of Michigan football players Savion Hiter and Jordan Marshall.
“And sometimes you get these five-star guys that's not how they're wired.”
Player Skills and Team Contributions
45:29 to 47:18
Discussion on Savion Hiter's skills and contributions as a player, including insights from Coach Whittingham.
“winning the conference, and beating our rivals, and then winning a national championship.”
Transcript
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0:48Save time and maximize efficiency with adjustable shelving customized to your business's needs. Shop and save on pro-grade storage at the Home Depot. how pros get more done. This is The Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to three Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment. Now, on with the show. Live from Plymouth, Michigan.
1:32Can the Wolverines survive and advance? This is the Rich Eisen Show. Michigan, the men's basketball national champions. The Rich Eisen Show. In this hour, Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham. Michigan football receiver Andrew Marsh. Michigan running backs Jordan Marshall and Savion Heider. and now it's Rich Eisen.
1:59Rich Eisen:Hour number two of the Rich Eisen show is on the air live from the great state of Michigan down the road from the campus of the University of Michigan. We're here for the fourth annual Champion Circle Golf Classic. We talked in hour number one a lot of basketball with the national champion basketball players Elliott Cadeau and Trey McKinney and the new coach Mike Boynton. now that our friend Dusty May has moved on down the road to Dallas. A lot of movement here on the campus of the University of Michigan, and that's why we're now finally landing on the football team since this Champions Circle Golf Classic features none other than the new head coach of the University of Michigan football program, Kyle Weddingham, is here to kick off our number two.
2:42Rich Eisen:Good to see you, Coach. How are you? Good. How's it going? Going good. It's great to see you in that block. Yeah, it feels good. Is it you used to it yet? I am you are really okay. How long did it take you to get used to a few months a few months? But we've settled in and and I can't wait to get the season going. We'll be here before you know it I guess I mean, it's kind of right here I mean what what next week is you is when yeah coaches come in next week early in the week players midweek and then we start fall camp Practice and then September 5th is the opener. Okay. I mean it cuz again, obviously coaches, all the coaches that I've come across, you know, you're all guys who like to control what you can control.
3:22Rich Eisen:And I'm just wondering, you know, how getting into a new program at this stage of your career, or at least bringing your program into a new school at this stage of your career, did you see something like that coming for yourself? You know, I hadn't ruled it out. You know, I wasn't sure what direction I was going to go, but I knew there was about half a dozen schools that if the opportunity arose, couldn't say no. And this was definitely on that list. That was on that list for you. And so when you wound up, how would you term that you became available, coach? How would I term it? Okay. Well, I felt like, you know, Utah, you know, we'd done just about everything we could there and had a nice run, time for somebody else to be and have the opportunity to lead the program.
4:12So I stepped down. Didn't use the word retirement and still don't. But, you know, just the way the sequence of events after I decided to step down, you know, the stars aligned. I mean, the things that happened and transpired and the opportunity to, you know, interview for this job. And it just seemed to all fit. It all fit in place. And here I am.
4:39Rich Eisen:So when the opportunity became available to you, you thought what? What hit your mind? Well, I had already known that or already made the decision. You know, my wife and I, if the opportunity did come, it was a no-brainer. And so it wasn't like, okay, well, let me think about it and consider it. It was, okay, let's go. I'm in. So what about this program school always intrigued you potentially? What not about it? I mean, this place has got everything. We talk about resources, winningest program in college football history, the tradition, the history, the academics. And the academics here are incredible.
5:20And so, you know, it's just attractive, really, from every angle.
5:25Rich Eisen:And then obviously we're here with the champion circle. How do they play into a decision, something like that? Yeah, well, they're vital. I mean, in this day and age of college football, it's all about NIL and having the funds to put a roster together. And without an entity like Champion Circle, you've got no chance. And so, you know, having that in place was a big factor. And, you know, we're still, it's competitive. And, you know, every year you're trying to, you know, get your NIL resources where they need to be to be competitive. And we're there at Michigan. How many times in your coaching career with the NIL world?
6:02Rich Eisen:has somebody come into your office and said, I want to be paid more? How many times? You can't count them. Are you serious? Yeah. It's, it's, uh, you know, that's what it's all about right now. And, and not only, uh, recruits that you're after, but, uh, you know, players on your roster, everyone wants to, to be treated fairly. And, and, uh, fortunately, you know, we have a general manager and, uh, and, uh, someone that is go between for me. So I don't deal with that directly anymore. But before that person was in place, you dealt with that all the time. Is that right? So how do you handle something like that?
6:40Well, now, like I said, I just defer to the general manager.
6:44Rich Eisen:His office is right next door. Go ahead and have a conversation. But in terms of that, just Dusty May, who I'm sure you got to meet a couple of times. Actually, I was at an event with you in Southern California. It was the last time I saw him. I had no idea. It was the last time I'd see him as the Michigan basketball coach. But the reason why I bring it up is that the conversations nationally are like, hey, when the NBA knocks on your door and says contracts are a contract here in the NBA, schedules are a schedule in the NBA, off seasons are an off season in the NBA. It's tough to say no to something like that if the money and everything else in the roster is right.
7:21Rich Eisen:I'm not sitting here and saying, do you think of the NFL? I'm sitting here thinking, how do you does that weigh on you at any point in time like you just want to coach yeah you know there is a lot going on in college football and there's more to come i can tell you that it's not settled in by any means but uh that is a factor and and you're right there's a lot more consistency stability uh you know whatever the word you want to use to you know at the nba level or the nfl level but but uh you know i love coaching i love working with college athletes and uh to me you You know, you got to be able to change with the times.
7:54You either change with the times or you become irrelevant. And so it's something that I'm embracing and that, you know, it's not going away at least anytime soon. And so you just roll with it.
8:05Rich Eisen:Just a few more minutes on this subject matter, if you don't mind. Kyle Whittingham here on The Rich Eisen Show. So what do you want to see done? If you could wave a wand. I know, again, you're a coach. Yeah. But you clearly have been around this game for a long time. Now multiple programs. as the HC. You haven't coached an actual game here yet, but you've been exposed enough. So what do you want to see done if you could have your way? Just in college football in its entirety? Yes, sir. I think it's got to be an NFL minor league model. We have a salary cap and the players are employees. I think as distasteful as some of that is, I don't think there's any other way that is better than that.
8:48and right now it's out of control. I mean, we're going to have probably a dozen teams in the next recruiting cycle with$50 million rosters and there's such a disparity between the haves and the have-nots and I think that the only way to get that evened out and level the playing field is to go ahead and pattern it after an NFL, like I said, a minor league NFL model and a super league, if you will, and you'll probably see 48 to 60 teams survive the cut and be on the right side of the line in the sand and proceed forward.
9:21Rich Eisen:And that would be with, obviously, other conferences or something like that? Yeah, I believe so. Well, I mean, you're already hearing Greg Sankey in the SEC say it's no posturing here that we might want to take our... It's a reality. Yeah, no doubt. And you think it would make for a better, fairer, more... I guess, in that respect, it's fairer and even if everybody plays by the same rules that are delineated by a governing body that runs the thing, right? Yeah, exactly. Exactly. And, you know, if you had a super conference that breaks away and has their own commissioner and runs it again, just, you know, almost a carbon copy of what's going on in the NFL, then I think you get a chance.
9:57Rich Eisen:That would maybe also mean you have unions and collective bargaining. It's part of it. And that's where it would have to go. I don't see any other way around it if it goes that direction. Now, you know, private equity is starting to enter the picture as well. And where that goes, you know, who knows. But there's got to be some guardrails. There's got to be some ability to get control of the thing because the NIL is going up 20%, 30%, 40 % a year, and it can't continue that way. It's not sustainable. How has the game on the field changed from the first time you grabbed a headset? Not a lot. I think you do have to simplify your schemes a little bit because most teams in the country have about 50 % of their players new every year, 50%, 55 % players.
10:41That's very common. And so you got to be more plug and play than you used to be. You can't have a guy that comes and soaks in the system for two or three years and then he's ready to go. You got to have systems that are user friendly and the guys can adapt to right away and get on the field.
10:57Rich Eisen:Maybe, how about this, bringing kind of all full circle, is that you might have players stick around collegiately more. Right. Because they look at how much a second or third or a fourth round draft choice makes in the NFL. they could make more money here at the University of Michigan potentially with the champion circle help. You've already started to see that. Guys that maybe five, seven, eight years ago would have opted to come out, those guys are opting to stay, those guys that are right on that borderline because you're exactly right. Now with the five-year eligibility clock, then that gives you one more year to make that.
11:32You can make a pretty good living for five years. And so I think you're going to see more and more players stay and less and less obviously go to the NFL early.
11:40Rich Eisen:So I've got the head coach of University of Michigan football, Kyle Whittingham, here on the Rich Eyes Show a few more minutes before I send you out to the golf course for the golf event today. The quarterback room right now, how do you see it in terms of who's starting? Well, Bryce is our guy. Okay. And, you know, to be fair, he was a barely turned 18-year-old true freshman last year and thrust into the situation that he was. And even though there's a lot of room for improvement, still won nine ballgames and put up some decent numbers. And he's still, we believe in Bryce. And he's got all the tools in the toolbox.
12:21He's 6 '4", 230, runs like crazy, has a big arm. And so we feel like he's got a big upside and has made a ton of progress so far in the offseason. Fall camp will be important for him, obviously, as it is for everybody. But Bryce is our guy. Tommy Carr had an exceptional spring. And, you know, true freshman, just, you know, should have been in high school, but he graduated early and really did some good things. So he was impressive. But going into the season, Bryce Underwood is our guy.
12:48Rich Eisen:So what has he already improved on? Well, mechanics, you know, footwork, pocket presence, decision making, you know, just tightening up his whole game. And that needs to continue. It's our job to put him in position to succeed and tailor things to what he does best. and that's what we're paid to do as coaches. Is there anything, I'm sorry to put you in this position, but is there anything that you were surprised that he already hadn't had in his toolbox yet? Well, yeah, in fairness to Bryce, we talked about his youth. He also didn't have a dedicated quarterback coach last year, and so that was something that might have not allowed him to progress as much as he could have during that freshman year.
13:32And so we felt like we were getting a guy that almost was like straight out of high school.
13:37Rich Eisen:And so he's now up to speed, sophomore year? He's getting closer. He's getting closer. He's getting closer. And I'll tell you one thing, there's nobody that wants to be great more so than Bryce Underwood. He does. He's a workaholic. He's in the film room constantly. He's out on the practice field by himself throwing balls. He's working with Joe Burrow, guys around the country, trying to pick their brain and do everything he can to be the best player he can be. Did you hook him up with that sort of? No, he's got, you know, everybody's got players or guys that handle him and that type of thing. So he had that going outside.
14:13Rich Eisen:Okay. With an outside throwing coach. Yeah. Okay. So I'm going to ask you a fan question now, straight up. As somebody who watched a lot of Bryce Underwood last year, are you going to let him throw on the run more? because that is, honestly, I've rarely seen somebody his age, his size, be that accurate throwing on the run with that amount of zip on the throw as well. He's kind of remarkable in that respect. Not to jump into your playbook a little bit here publicly on Disney Plus and ESPN Radio, but is that in the cards a little bit more? We'll move the launch point around and get him out of the pocket.
14:57That's one thing he is, well, there's a number of things, but that's one of the things he's really good at is extending the play. And you're right, to be throwing on the move as accurately as he does is something that if we didn't implement that, we'd be stupid. So, yeah, that'll be part of it.
15:12Rich Eisen:Good to know. And defensively, we have John Henry Daly, who obviously you're very familiar with having coached him at Utah. Now he's, if you will, followed you here. What is your expectation level for him, and what can you tell Michigan folks about the defense coming into this year? Well, first of all, John Henry is completely healthy now. He had a pretty severe lower leg injury. He's back to 100%. Last season, he was leading the nation in sacks all the way through Week 10, I believe it was, and he got injured, I believe it was Week 11, and so ended up in the top four or five in the country. But he's a guy that I think the Michigan fans are going to love.
15:54He's got a motor that just never stops. He plays the game the way it's supposed to be played. He's a throwback. He's a tough guy, and they're going to be excited about what he brings as far as his edge pressure. Defense in general, Jay Hill is a proven commodity on the defensive side of the ball as a coordinator, and we've got some good players, a little thin at some positions, but I think the top 11 players are going to be very formidable.
16:19Rich Eisen:What concerns you about the thinning? A little thin in the secondary as far as guys that have accumulated a lot of reps. Same with linebacker. We've got some really good young players, but not a lot of reps accrued in that position group either. Okay. Last couple for you here. What's it going to be like for you, you think, when you put the headset on in the big house on the opener? I put a headset on in the big house three times. I know that, but not on this particular sideline. Yeah. You know, coaching's coaching. When you get in your coaching mode and game mode, my anticipation is it'll be business as usual.
16:59I mean, that's just how it is. You can't be in awe of the crowd or the surroundings or any of that. You just, you get zoned in and you go into, you know, that mode, like I said, of just analyzing the game and making decisions. and you're not really thinking about much else.
17:15Rich Eisen:Okay. And then I'm just new. One follow-up question to the last time I spoke with you. Have we weaned ourselves off of the Urban Meyer friendship yet? At all? At all? No? You know, Urban's been a close friend of mine for, what, 20-plus years? I know. But this is this. Now is now. I'm molding him. Let's put it that way. I don't think he's moldable on this question. Well, it's a little bit of give and take. How about that? But Urban's been a great supporter and a great friend of mine for years and years. And, you know, football is obviously football, but friendships and those bonds are pretty strong.
17:59Okay, so I haven't thought about it this way.
18:00Rich Eisen:Is it possible? If you're saying that you're molding him, is it possible you're going to bring him over from the dark side? Oh, I don't know if I'm going to go that far. where you know i mean inroads though he's you're his friend he roots for you he wants your success yeah he's a friend who wants your success yeah right like do you think maybe we can get him a little bit uh we've got a few gold blues out of him oh yeah over the past year but okay can you record that and send it to me he probably wouldn't want that in fact i probably shouldn't have said anything but but uh okay it's uh it's been fun and uh like i said he's a he's a guy that was really instrumental in my career.
18:42Rich Eisen:Well, I'll just say it to you here in front of everybody. You come to this program at a very crucial time. Obviously, the athletic director is now leaving. I'm wondering, does that concern you in any way, shape? You know, it's college football. I mean, people come and go and, you know, grateful to Ward, gave him the opportunity to coach this program. And we will have the opportunity to spend this season together. So that's a positive. But But that's the nature of the business. I mean, you just got to block everything out and minimize distractions and just stay focused. Right. And then in terms of that, again, you come here at a very crucial time.
19:17Rich Eisen:And you and who you are and who you stand for and what you stand for is so important for this football program and for everybody like me who roots for it and who has their emotions affected and whose pride in their school and ability to puff a chest out. it's so important that your success is going to happen and the fact that you are here right now I thank you for that I appreciate that, thank you I do and I look forward to seeing what you do and how you do it and I wish you nothing obviously but the best of luck thanks for being here go blue to you that's Kyle Whittingham right here on the Rich Eisen Show before we take a quick break if you'll indulge me A SoFi personal loan is here to help you achieve something once thought impossible.
20:04Rich Eisen:That's overcoming high interest credit card debt. Walk the tightrope of your finances with one low fixed rate monthly payment, no fees required, and as soon as the same day funding. Pull off your own debt defying stunt right now with a SoFi personal loan. Visit SoFi.com slash trick to learn more. Loans originated by SoFi Bank and a member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Hit him straight, sir. Hit him straight today. That's Kyle Whittingham right here on The Rich Eyes Show. Andrew Marsh from the wide receiver room is coming up next.
20:35Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show podcast.
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23:35Rich Eisen:How are you approaching this season coming off of what you just did? I would say just grinding. Trying to stay focused, I would say, is the main thing. One thing I kind of always try and say to myself is just keep going every day, no matter what's going on in life or off the field or on the field, just being able to come in and work every day, focus on the task ahead. How does a kid from Katy, Texas, the Houston area, wind up in Ann Arbor, Michigan? How did that happen? I'm not sure, to be honest. It's a long way from home. But I would say kind of just the community here. The community here has always been so welcoming.
24:11Really, the people, the staff, the community. It really just opened my eyes to life after ball and all the possibilities outside of football.
24:20Rich Eisen:Life after ball is what you already had on your mind as a 17-year-old sifting through your options. Yes, sir. Pretty much. Who helped you sift through your options? Really me and my mom. Yeah, she helps me with a lot of stuff. Those who know her know that she gets a lot of stuff done for me. But really just, I would say, having a tight group around you to help you narrow down things is big. If I'm not mistaken, you lost your dad to cancer very early in life, right? You were seven when your dad passed away? Yes, sir. So what did your mom do for you to get you to this spot? A lot. I mean, she took me around to different camps, different events, and making sure I was always having the stuff I needed to perform at the highest level.
25:04One thing she always said is, you take care of the on-the-field stuff, and I'll take care of the off-the-field stuff. So I feel like it's worked out pretty well.
25:12Rich Eisen:So when did you realize you wanted to play football? When did that happen for you? I would say from a young age. I mean, I always knew I wanted to do something with sports. I was running around the house at an early age. I think soccer was like the first sport I ever played. It was the earliest sport they let me play. I started at like three years old. Other than that, I just picked up everything, basketball, baseball. But obviously I kind of fell in love with football. I was just always, that was kind of what I was better at. And as I got older, it just became what I put my focus towards. Well, living in the state of Texas will kind of focus you on that sport, I imagine.
25:49Rich Eisen:But how long were you playing the other ones, though? Because I think it's kind of important, right, like playing multiple sports as a kid. Probably until high school. Because when I got to high school, coaches wouldn't let me play no board. And then my mom, she was kind of like, nah, we're going to focus on football and stuff like that. I ran track still, but really just football. Receiver always, though? Was it always receiver? I used to do a little bit of everything. Quarterback, running back, kicker, safety. Safety was big for me. Kicker? Yeah. Used to just kick it and go tackle somebody. In a pinch?
26:21Rich Eisen:Heaven forbid? on this team, what do we got? How far can we flip the uprights from? What do we got? Oh, the uprights. Oh, so you were talking punting? Yeah, more like punting, kicking. Okay. Oh, so you weren't like a place kicker. No, no, no. Okay, but punting, that could be in a... Listen, I'd rather you... I'd love... Maybe. I'm happier seeing you receive those. Yeah. As opposed to you... It's more where I'm comfortable at. That's more of your lane, I'm sure. So let's talk about Bryce a little bit here. What sort of chemistry did you guys immediately notice between you and your fellow at the time, freshman, when you first came in?
27:00I would say it's always really been there between us. I mean, we came in together. And really just ever since we've been here, making sure we're getting lots of hours, lots of extra practice and stuff. And I would say kind of throughout the season, as I started to play more, it just started to click. As we would go through different games, either making a pass or missing a pass, but just getting better off of that rep. was big for us and really coming into this year just being able to stack days and really just putting a lot of work travel and train different places with some different trainers and stuff like
27:32Rich Eisen:that so did you guys talk about coming here together at times or no we did um so it's kind of funny i i really committed before he he was ever committed oh i know that but i know he i always knew he he he liked it here so that was kind of one thing i tried to focus on after i committed was making sure we had a good quarterback well i mean he's from here he is and so when he was talking about lsu and went there yeah and everyone around here is like what wait a minute hold on a minute what what why not stay home and then eventually that that happened did you did you kind of push him in that in that window i would say definitely talk to him for sure um definitely let him know like i'm one of them guys that's gonna be here and i'm really looking forward to just what we could build.
28:18Rich Eisen:How are you different now than you were the last time you stepped on a field for Michigan? I would say I'm just different in every way. Bigger, stronger, faster. A lot of stuff in my game I've kind of tried to work on, like just being able to create more separation, running cleaner routes, and kind of just expanding my route tree and being better off the line and releases and stuff like that. Well, I mean, Bryce is coming on here in about an hour and we just said goodbye to coach who said uh i don't know if this is news or not but you know when he first took the job over he's like i'm gonna see everything here what what's what's this what's that before i make a decision on anything he said bryce is our guy yeah he literally just said that from that chair about 10 minutes ago does that surprise you anyway no it doesn't surprise me i mean everybody can see the work that he puts in and kind of where he's at and really just the maturity from him and the rest of our team from this year or from last year to This year has been crazy, and I'm really just excited to see it.
29:15Rich Eisen:To what do you owe that, the maturity? I would say really just being able to keep working every day, and I think that that's huge. It's a testament to who he is as a person just to come in. It really just helps our team as a whole. Okay, and what about the new coaches around here? How does that help? I like them. I mean, they've come in. They've kind of added structure to some places of the team, and I think that has really helped us as well as their scheme. I love the scheme that they're bringing in. What can you tell me? I feel like it's going to be open. It's going to be explosive. Guys will be flying around the field and really kind of just have more freedom throughout the offense.
29:50Rich Eisen:As opposed to last year? As opposed to last year. Okay. I'm dying to get something different here. What do we got? What do you mean? I just feel like this year you'll definitely see the ball in the air more. We'll be able to throw the ball around more, get it in different guys' hands, and really just be more explosive as a whole. and I think that'll open up the running game as well. Okay. You're not speaking that into existence, are you? That's really going to happen? I mean, receivers like talking about it. Yeah, I love to talk about it. Who's the guy you model your game after? There's a few guys.
30:26I kind of try not to get too caught up on one person, but really growing up, I've always watched DeAndre Hopkins. Just his catch rate is amazing. Another guy, Julio Jones and Justin Jefferson, Those are guys that I've kind of always watched, and Devontae Adams, of course.
30:43Rich Eisen:Well, you just named some very physical receivers as well. Do you like that? Kind of a little bit of both. Guys that can be a little physical, like Julio Jones, but then also guys that can win off the release and kind of be more elusive, like Devontae Adams and stuff like that. The thing about, because from my world of being with the NFL Network, being around DeAndre Hopkins is his ability to always get his feet down. It's crazy. It is crazy. It's unlike anything that I've seen. And I know I'm saying this because he might be the best I've ever seen at it. Where there's a contested catch on the sideline back at the end zone.
31:24Rich Eisen:Never once am I thinking the replay is going to show like his foot is out of bounds. Ever. He knows exactly where his feet are. is that something you're you're also working on um i think it is i feel like i've always had good good body control and good awareness of my feet um and really just some i've kind of always tried to harp on like guys always told me like oh one foot is good and in college but even like as a high schooler i always said i mean nfl is the goal so being able to get two feet down all the time is really the goal and so did you ever think of leaving when you know coach moore was gone and um not really uh to be honest I mean as obviously it was some guys who had to go do what was best for them but as far as like the guys that are here we really wanted to keep the team together um and that was kind of big for us obviously we lost coaches and some players but really keeping the majority of the team together keeping the tradition the same and based off of the position I feel like I was in from last year kind of the spot I set myself up at um I didn't really want to go anywhere I feel like this is kind of where I wanted to be I wanted to play with the guys and really just rock it out.
32:28Rich Eisen:And Savion's going to be joining with Jordan Marshall next, just real quick on Savion. I'm hearing he's electric. I'm excited. Electric, right. Yeah, I'm excited to see him. He can run the ball. He runs physical. He runs hard. He's a real big 10 running back. What would it mean to win this trophy for yourself? It mean a lot. I feel like as well as all the guys in the locker room, I mean, this is what we chase after all year. One thing we kind of always say is we go get that, everything else will work out. So that's kind of big for us. Yeah. I mean, for you to obviously this was one that the year before you arrived, right?
33:03Rich Eisen:You come on campus here and it's a whole new situation. Now it's again another whole new situation for yourself. So I wish you the best of luck on that. Yes, sir. You got it. And then, you know, almost honestly, the way that you played your freshman year, it's very rare to see anybody play like that. I could see your skill set. And it's great to meet you here in person and see the side of the guy that you are. and, you know, I might, if I had hair, I would throw it like you, the Frosted. Yes, sir. You could rock it. You think so? Yeah, you could pull it off. Careful, because there's some people who are probably putting that together on some sort of...
33:33Rich Eisen:Yeah, a little Abbey or something. Yeah. Great to see you, Andrew Marshall. Yes, sir. Good to see you. Thank you. You're back here on The Rich Eisen Show. Savion Hyder and Jordan Marshall will join us. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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35:21Rich Eisen:Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Joining us here to wrap up our number two from the Champion Circle fourth annual Champion Circle golf event with Kyle Whittingham for the first time as the featured headline guest are two of Coach Whittingham's running backs after a terrific first full season at Michigan. Jordan Marshall is here. And the top recruit in all of the land at the position, Savion Hyder, is here on the program. Good to see you guys. How are you? Good, how are you? I'm doing all right. Can't complain. How's your golf games? To be honest, straight up, what do you got? I would say out of 10, probably a five.
36:01A five? Yeah. Okay. Savion? I can't even say anything. What do you mean? My golf swing is not there. Why? I go to Topgolf relatively, but not really.
36:16Rich Eisen:Not at all? No. So your lane is football? Yeah. Would you say that? Yeah. I can play a little basketball. I can shoot a little bit. Okay. But no. But like McKinney and Cadell shooting? Oh, okay. Not that type of shooting. Not that type of shooting. No. Okay. So when you say your game's a five, Jordan, what do you mean? Like you can break 90 or you break? No, I'm saying like I'll have a, if we're scrambling, I'll have a good shot. I'll pick up the slack. Okay. Well, that's what today is a scramble. Yep. So you could be a factor is what you're saying. Yeah. Off the tee, putting, whatever. I would say putting and chipping.
36:51Rich Eisen:Okay. Yeah. So around the green. Yeah. But from the tee. No, no, not so much. What if you catch one? You can catch one. I either catch one or I either smoke it straight and just line drive straight into the ground and ride a little bit. Well, let's not, we need to positively visualize here. I'm going to have a great day today. Okay. Well, let's jump into the football aspect of things. Let's start with you, Jordan. So you are from the state of Ohio. Yes, sir. You were Mr. Ohio football. Yes, sir. And yet you're here in the so-called team up north. what happened? You know, uh, my mom always told me to just lead with my heart and, um, I never grew up an Ohio state fan.
37:37Actually, I grew up a Georgia fan. My dad's from outside of Atlanta. Okay. Um, but I don't know. I just, I came up here and I fell in love with it with how hardball did things, the community around here and the people truly, it was just the people for me when I was done playing football or something happened to me, where, where would I want to be at right um coming back up here every single time you you have that feeling it's like you go to a school my high school for example i walk in there i had that feeling you meet people and you're like somebody like savi i'm like that's my guy like you just know right away with certain people certain places you go and that's what it was when i walked into michigan and is it
38:14Rich Eisen:true savi on you also told ohio state no thanks is that true is it okay i like you too You guys had me at hello. Michigan's the only place to be. Why? I mean, the love here is different. I mean, like what Jordan said, meeting people like him and meeting people like T.A. T.A. is like the best running back coach in the country. Tony Alford you're referred to, right? Yes, sir. And he also left Ohio State, if I'm not mistaken, as well. He was there for a while. Is that where you guys first came across Coach Alford? Yeah, so I've had a good relationship with him since Ohio State. Right. People were like, oh, he chose Mike Hart over you.
38:56Never really was true. I liked both of them. I just didn't love Ohio State, and I love the culture and what Harbaugh brought to the table. And then I just remember TA getting the job, and it was like I don't have to start over again. I was close to his family, and it was just, again, and he's a great guy and one of the best in the country. I think the best.
39:20Rich Eisen:Let me just be straight up then. The fact that he was retained here by Coach Whittingham, is that a crucial reason why you guys are sitting here in this room at this event for Champion Circle today? Would you say that? I would say so, yes. I would 100 % say so. I think that says something about his character and who he is and the trust Coach Whittingham and the staff have in him. What happened before we get to you, Savion? What happened, well, I guess for you too, when there was everything that happened with Coach Moore and everything that happened with Whittingham coming in, did you guys think for a split moment what's going on?
39:59I mean, I think there's always that split moment. Right. I've had the opportunity. I have a decent amount of coaching change throughout high school, college. This would technically be my third head coach with Harbaugh recruiting me. Right. but I feel like I've learned that you find out who men really are when they stay in those tough situations or when things aren't going their way, what do they lean back on? And I didn't want to be somebody who ran from something or I love this place and truly love it, and that's the reason why I came back is just because the love I have for this place, and I couldn't see it in Illinois or Michigan not at the top, and that's what I'm striving, and the staff is striving to do is put Michigan back at the top.
40:47Rich Eisen:Savion, what did Coach Whittingham say to you when he first jumped on board? And clearly, you know, you're a valuable, valuable recruit. I said it twice. You're no longer a recruit now as you're sitting here. Yes, sir. But what did he say to you that you needed to hear from him? I mean, we're always going to be a family. That's what Michigan is. When you think about family, that's what Michigan is. the black M is so strong and anywhere you go you're gonna get go blue go blue I mean that's what you got to love here and so what did he tell you about what what's expected of you I mean me and Jordan in the backfield dynamic duo so that's all I really got to say are you guys going to be on the field together I think you might see some some glimpse of that sure okay I don't not only get you in trouble the coach is gone by now so but yeah I would say he's probably on the golf course right now?
41:42It's cool the way they're doing things and how they look at our room, not even just me and Savion, but Kuz, who played a big role last year. And there's other guys in our room that can play too. And they're trying to find every single way to get me and Savion, Savion and Kuz on the field. They want to utilize the running back room as much as they can. And that's a testimony to what we've built in our running back room and the legacy of our running
42:09Rich Eisen:back room what's your goal savi on so many michigan fans seeing you choose michigan to bring your game to this school this offense what is your personal vision of what you can do well first of all i want to i want to win a national championship first and then i want to build a family of being a captain being being whatever i need to be for the team you know i I got to build myself up and build the team up at the same time. It's not all about me. It's about the team. You're nodding your head too, Jordan. Yeah, I mean, that's what he's done. He came here and he worked. And sometimes you get these five-star guys that's not how they're wired.
42:55And it's humbling to have somebody like this and wants to learn. And I think our generation has learned not to do that. They're always about their self or it's always me, me, me. and it's so refreshing to see people are willing to learn and shoot if he rushes for four touchdowns in a game and I have zero who cares as long as we win that game that's all that matters to me and putting my team first just like he said and that's something that excites me about him is he's so willing to he's about his team and that's what it should be that's what the game of football is about that's what when I talked to John Harris when I talked to all these people they're like You have a team and people around you.
43:36It's never just about yourself. So that's helped me a lot. I know I can't do it by myself or I'll be hurt in game three or four or five. To have a room around you is beautiful.
43:48Rich Eisen:Well, I just remember when you first hit the field in earnest against Alabama in the last day of 2025 or the last day of 2024 leading into 2025. I forget which year it is anyway. but it was last year, the year before your big year, and you dominated. I was turning to my son. I'm like, where the hell is this guy all year long? You know? And you crushed it that day. And then last year you got hurt towards the end of the year. What is your goal for this year? My goal is to be healthy. Right. Just be healthy for my team and make it to Ohio State. Right. But that happens one week at a time. and honestly I just want to win I don't I want to put Michigan back on top I want to lead this team whether that's with the ball in my hand without if I'm on the sideline um win national championship I mean that's that's what you come here for and that's the standard we've set here at Michigan I mean you just you just said before the show is Michigan basketball when that puts good pressure on you.
45:01It does. It's when you see somebody else and you're happy for them, but it also, it stings too because you want that. And even celebrating and seeing all the basketball guys out there happy, you go back home and you're like, I got to get one of those. And that's my mindset. I think we've done a good job as everybody's on the same page on our team. Everybody's connected, and we're reaching that one goal of Big Ten champs, winning the conference, and beating our rivals, and then winning a national championship.
45:35Rich Eisen:Okay. And Savion, with you, I noticed, did you have an interception? You played defense as well? Yeah. Okay. I played linebacker. All right. I played linebacker. Did you take it to the house? Yeah.
45:51Rich Eisen:Wow, what sort of question is that? I don't know. Well, like if you caught it in the middle of the field, somebody hit you. You took it to the house? Yes, sir. Okay. I don't mean to offend. No, that's all I did. I know, but you like the house calls is what you're saying. Yeah, of course. Okay. I'm a running back, so that's what I got to do every time. Have you pitched? I like that. Have you pitched Coach Whittingham to play defense as well? I should. I really should. I really should. You should? Yeah. Okay. What about special teams? Yeah. Of course I would do special teams and kickoff return. Stuff like that.
46:27Rich Eisen:All right. Very good. Have you seen him do something? Listen, you're a Mr. Football in your own right here. Have you seen him do something so far? Yeah. Where you're like, okay, now I get it with Savion? Yeah. Because that's all I've heard from you, by the way, secondhand. I haven't met any of your practices, haven't seen it. And all I keep saying, keep hearing is, I'm sorry to talk about you like you're not sitting there. His moves are second to none in many ways. Even seeing him do movements, he's really explosive, and I don't even think he knows how explosive he is yet. But just a twitchy, fast.
47:01He's a fast guy. Is it fair to say that you don't know how good you are just yet? Defense is going to figure out defenses like our opponents and people that are on our schedule. Okay.
47:14Rich Eisen:Well, good luck to you both. Thank you. I really appreciate it. Hour number two is in the books. Our number three is coming up with John Henry Daly and Bryce Underwood as we wrap up our day here. The Rich Eisen Show podcast. You know when you're locked in, focused and fearless. Welcome to the WNBA. Your vision narrows. You can't look away. Every assist, every stop, every logo three. From beyond the logo. Every did you see that moment? What records are going to be broken this season? All of it right here. Lock in. It's the WNBA on ESPN. All season long.
From the publisher
Live from Michigan where Rich sits down with new Wolverines Head Football Coach Kyle Whittingham who reveals it was an easy decision to take the UM job after he stepped down at Utah, if he has any concerns about the impending departure of Athletic Director Warde Manuel in the wake of an internal investigation, why college football needs an NIL salary cap, and his expectations for sophomore QB Bryce Underwood following an up-and-down freshman season.
Michigan WR Andrew Marsh and Rich discuss his chemistry with Wolverines’ QB Bryce Underwood, why fans should expect a more explosive UM offense under new HC Kyle Whittingham, and more.
Wolverines RBs Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter join Rich on-location where Marshall, the 2023 Ohio Mr. Football award winner, reveals why he snubbed his home state Buckeyes to play for their arch rival Michigan, and Hiter, the #1 running back in the 2026 recruiting class, lays out his freshman year goals that could see the 5-star player make an immediate impact in Ann Arbor.
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