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Nation’s Top Player? Michigan Coach Sherrone Moore Weighs In

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 10:27 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines saved their best performance for last during the 2024 college football season as they held the Ohio State Buckeyes to ten points in a stunning 13-10 upset in Columbus, Ohio.

The win punched Michigan's ticket to the ReliaQuest Bowl and gave coach Sherrone Moore a signature victory in his first season as Michigan coach.

On Thursday, Moore spoke at Big Ten Media Days about the upcoming season, sounding confident about his team's chances and giving respect to his biggest rival's most well known player.

Moore took the occasion to compliment Ohio State's super sophomore, Jeremiah Smith.

"He's probably the best college football player that's out there," Moore said. "He's elite."

Michigan held Smith to 35 yards and a touchdown on five catches during 'The Game' last year at the Horseshoe, just before Smith reeled off back-to-back 100-plus yard, two touchdown games against Tennessee and Oregon in the College Football Playoff.

Smith previously spoke on the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry and didn't hold back his true feelings.

"I feel like they crazy," Smith said. "A rivalry is a rivalry. I don't care what you're talking about.

"You can say, oh, we lost, but we won the championship. I feel like it's a rivalry. I feel like we should still win that game. I take every game seriously..."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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