The Michigan – Ohio State rivalry is the gift that keeps on giving.
With respect to the several heated and prestigious rivalries across the sport, the Wolverine-Buckeye clash is widely-regarded as the greatest rivalry in all of college football (and perhaps sports in general).
The upcoming chapter at the end of the 2024 regular season promises to be juicy as usual.
While Ohio State is certainly thought to be the better side this year, the fact of the matter is Michigan is on a three-game winning streak in the series and the pressure is sky-high for Ryan Day to break that trend.
Coming off an undefeated national championship season (and the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh), the Wolverines will be in a unique position to play the game loose and free this year. (Which in many ways, makes them extra dangerous.)
But hey, we still have over five months to go until “The Game,” so no need to deep dive into it right now.
Having said that, the rivalry has found its way back into the headlines this week thanks to comments made by Michigan commit Brady Hart.
The consensus four-star recruit is ranked as the #92 overall prospect and #9 quarterback in the 2026 class.
He decided to choose Michigan over several other big-time offers.
Interestingly, the Florida-native decided to throw himself into the Wolverine-Buckeye rivalry nice and early.
Hart expressed a deep appreciation for Michigan’s culture, which stood out to him in comparison to other schools he visited.
“When I walked out of Ohio State, I realized the culture that Michigan has isn’t everywhere,” Hart told On3 Sports. “There is not a place like Michigan.”
Hart emphasized his desire to compete at a high level and his excitement about Michigan’s potential for national championships.
“The ability to win is a huge thing for me, and the ability to win at a high level and compete for a national championship every year is huge. I can’t wait to be a part of it,” Hart said.
As Michigan transitions under new head coach Sherrone Moore following Harbaugh’s departure, Hart’s eventual arrival in 2026 will add to an already competitive quarterback room.
Having said that, Hart is excited to compete and hopes to become J.J. McCarthy 2.0.
Hart, who hails from Cocoa High School in Florida, turned down offers from numerous top programs including Notre Dame, LSU, Oregon, Clemson, Penn State, Ole Miss, Florida, Florida State AND Ohio State.
In his junior season at Cocoa High School, Hart threw for 3,759 yards and 41 touchdowns, leading his team to a state championship with a 14-1 record.
“Michigan is an amazing place,” he told On3. “It is a place that will push me and squeeze the excellence out of me. I can go there and win a national championship and prepare for the NFL.”
“The people in Ann Arbor are unbelievable,” Hart added. “The visit blew me away and it is the best place for me.
“I want to be challenged and pushed, and I know Michigan will get the best out of me. Michigan is where I want to be, and I am stoked about my decision. I am done with recruiting.”
Hart may be from Florida, but he is starting to sound like more and more of a Michigan Man by the day.
Meanwhile, Day and the Buckeyes figure to be just fine. They have as good of a chance as anyone to win the national title this season.
That’s not to say this hasn’t been a stressful offseason for Day and company – especially after multiple assistants left Columbus to join Michigan of all programs!
(Day reportedly cursed out the latest staffer who made the swap.)
What are your thoughts on Hart’s comments?
Do you think he’s talking too big of a game? … Or do you like his passionate stance?
The 2023 Wolverines are one of the most dominant teams in recent memory. All eyes will be on the Buckeyes this year to see if they can top their hated rivals and be even better.
All of this begs the question: Which is the better program – Michigan or Ohio State???