Last season was a rough one for the Michigan Wolverines, largely due to the significant talent they lost following their national championship win. Still, the Wolverines finished the year strong with wins over both Ohio State and Alabama.
Now, Michigan is turning the page as it enters the Bryce Underwood era at quarterback—and there’s reason for excitement. If Underwood is indeed named the starter, he’ll be tasked with continuing the win streak against Ohio State come November.
The Buckeyes have lost four straight games to Michigan. Still, that didn’t stop star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith from making a bold promise—one he may not be able to keep.
“I’m not a sore loser, but I hate losing, and losing to that team up north was pretty crazy,” Smith said, via The Athletic. “In the end, I think it really helped us play the way we did in the playoffs. But I didn’t come to Ohio State to lose to that team up north. I just hate them. There’s just something about them. For the next two years, I promise you, I will not lose to them. I can’t lose to them in the next two years.”
Ohio State’s superstar wide receiver Jeremiah Smith: ‘I’m not finished’
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) July 1, 2025
I had a chance to spend some time around @Jermiah_Smith1 and his Dad on Sunday at the OT7 Playoffs. Even after a sensational freshman year, he’s still the same humble guy https://t.co/Oms7vcIs0I
Smith has only played against Michigan once—last year as a freshman—and he scored the Buckeyes’ only touchdown in Michigan’s 13-10 victory. There’s nothing wrong with having confidence, and with Smith’s talent, he should believe in himself. But Michigan seems to have Ryan Day’s number, and four straight losses in The Game are hard to ignore.
Ohio State hasn’t beaten Michigan in nearly half a decade. And while they may have won a national title last season, the pressure is mounting for them to get over the hump and reclaim bragging rights in the rivalry.
As for the Wolverines, they should now be aiming to make Jeremiah Smith eat his words.
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