Michigan Makes Power Move With GM Dave Peloquin – Episode Notes & Key TakeawaysHosts: T.J. Ronin (main host) and Johnny Olden Jr (co-host)
Format: Live call-in show focused on Michigan Wolverines (primarily football, with significant basketball discussion)
Air date context: February 2026 (current time in prompt: Feb 20, 2026)Opening Banter & Setup

• Casual start: Pistons beating Knicks, warm Michigan weather vs. Florida heat.
• Mic issues fixed early.
• Shout-outs to new members (Drupus, Mizzle Mar / Mar Mar, Quinn, etc.).
• Show rules: Call-in format, every 100 hours adds extra hour, "people's show."

• Previously GM of Athletes First (college division) – an agency/representation firm deeply involved in NIL deals.
• Spent 21 years at Notre Dame in various football operations roles (recruiting, player personnel, film scouting).
• Notre Dame passed him over twice for their GM job → he left for Athletes First to immerse in modern NIL/agent world.

• Strategic, non-settling hire (compared to Whittingham's DL coach hire from Vanderbilt).
• Innovative, proactive, NIL-savvy – exactly what modern college football needs.
• Strong work ethic, organization, network (Notre Dame + agency side).
• Michigan going outside traditional college circles for cutting-edge NIL expertise.
• "Sneaky good hire" – operating like chess players, not checkers (contrast with previous regime).
• Already on the job meeting collectives.

• First time in full GM role (had GM-like responsibilities but not the title).
• Aggressiveness level? Salary-cap philosophy? Market-rate willingness?
• How he coordinates with Whittingham on player types/philosophy.
• Must observe real-world execution.

• Peter Bork (QB recruit) no longer in picture – staff didn't like him / communication broke down.
• Interest in Cameron LaPotti (HS QB from Salt Lake City) – strong arm, good pocket feel, big frame, dual-threat traits.
• Huddle tape shown; mixed reviews (arm strength + pocket awareness praised, mechanics / footwork need work).
• NIL expected to get even more aggressive under Peloquin.

• #1 team in nation, statistically elite on both ends.
• Deep (9-man rotation), versatile, locked-in, can win any style.
• Only one loss (controversial late call vs. Wisconsin?).
• Upcoming huge road game vs. Duke in D.C. (Saturday 6:30 PM).

• Elliott Cadeau (40% 3PT this year, great development under Dusty May).
• Trey McKinney (5-star off bench starting to dominate).
• LJ Cason (starting to emerge, huge second-half vs. Northwestern).
• Yaxel (all-around impact, leads team in pts/reb, high steals/blocks).
• Deep bench makes defense relentless/fresh.

• Elite talent identification (many backups/lower-ranked players thriving).
• X's and O's mastery.
• Culture, player buy-in, composure.
• Turned portal/transfer pieces into dominant unit.

• "Best team money can buy" narrative dismissed – many programs have money.
• Dusty excels at development, fit, coaching – not just buying.

• Multiple callers hyped for basketball run, GM hire, spring game.
• Spring game April 18 – hosts will be there.
• Light-hearted draft idea floated (national title picks for small pot).
• Closing: Go Blue energy, excitement for Saturday's Duke game.

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