The Ohio State–Michigan football rivalry is etched in stone as the fiercest and most consequential rivalry in all of college sports. Every year, when the Buckeyes meet the Wolverines in “The Game,” it’s more than just about gridiron supremacy—it’s about pride, tradition, and legacy. And now, a bold declaration from Ohio State’s star freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has reignited the fire once more. His vow? “We’ll never lose to Michigan again.”
But it didn’t take long for Michigan alum and renowned NFL Network host Rich Eisen to deliver the kind of clapback that embodies the deep-seated animosity between these two programs: “Wanna bet, freshman?”
The three-word jab didn’t just trend online—it lit a bonfire of competitive spirit across fanbases, players, alumni, and national media. The rivalry, already scorching hot after Michigan’s three-game win streak over Ohio State from 2021 to 2023, has now reached a fever pitch again in 2025, thanks to Smith’s unapologetic confidence and Eisen’s veteran sass.
The Young Phenom’s Bold Declaration
Jeremiah Smith, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class and a South Florida native, entered Ohio State’s program with immense hype. A generational talent with a blend of size, speed, and route-running ability rarely seen in a true freshman, Smith didn’t take long to turn heads in spring ball and is expected to be a focal point of the Buckeye offense this fall.
But at Big Ten Media Days, when asked about the importance of the Michigan game and the pressure of maintaining Ohio State’s elite standard, Smith didn’t mince words:
“I hate losing. And I hate losing to them. That won’t happen again. We’ll never lose to Michigan again while I’m here.”
It was a statement of intent, filled with the kind of fire that Buckeye fans have been yearning for. After suffering three straight losses from 2021–2023—a streak that deeply wounded Ohio State pride—Smith’s words felt like a thunderclap. In 2024, the Buckeyes reclaimed the rivalry with a 31–27 win in Ann Arbor, a cathartic moment for head coach Ryan Day and the entire Buckeye Nation. Smith wants to ensure the momentum never shifts back to the maize and blue.
But while Buckeye fans hailed Smith’s words as a long-overdue battle cry, others saw it as rookie brashness.
Rich Eisen Fires Back
No voice in media wears Michigan allegiance more proudly than Rich Eisen. A University of Michigan alum and longtime host of the NFL Network’s The Rich Eisen Show, Eisen is never one to shy away from taking jabs at “That School Down South.”
So when Smith’s comments went viral, Eisen didn’t let the moment slide. With a smirk during his morning show, Eisen delivered his response with surgical precision:
“Wanna bet, freshman?”
Three words. No yelling. No long rant. Just enough edge to cut deep. The internet exploded.
On social media, the post racked up millions of views within hours. Michigan fans flooded replies with clips from their recent victories—like Aidan Hutchinson’s domination in 2021 or Blake Corum’s Heisman-worthy performance in 2022. Buckeye fans, in turn, reminded everyone of the decades of dominance under Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer.
The line quickly became a meme, a T-shirt slogan, and a rallying cry on both sides.
Rivalry Rekindled: Past, Present, and the Coming Storm
Ohio State vs. Michigan has never needed external drama to elevate its status. But every so often, a moment—an exchange, a comment, a gesture—fans the flames just enough to make The Game feel even bigger.
We’ve seen it before:
- In 2006, it was the “Game of the Century” between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan.
- In 2016, it was “The Spot,” when JT Barrett’s controversial 4th-down conversion sparked outrage.
- In 2021, it was Jim Harbaugh finally breaking through with a win over Ryan Day, reshaping the narrative.
- And in 2025, it might be “Wanna bet, freshman?”
Jeremiah Smith’s proclamation fits into a long history of confident declarations by Ohio State stars. In 1994, running back Eddie George said they’d “never let Michigan steal one again.” In 2018, then-quarterback Dwayne Haskins promised to “go up there and shut them up”—which he did, with 396 yards and 6 touchdowns.
But Michigan players have had their clapbacks too. Remember Mike Hart’s “Little Brother” comment about Michigan State? Or Aidan Hutchinson’s 2021 vow to change the culture in Ann Arbor—and deliver a win over Ohio State?
Smith and Eisen have simply added another spark to the historical ledger.
A New Era: Ohio State’s Rebirth?
Ohio State is entering a critical season under Ryan Day. Despite a 56–8 record as head coach entering 2025, Day has faced heavy criticism for not consistently winning The Game. Even with College Football Playoff appearances and national recruiting dominance, fans viewed losses to Michigan as near-fatal wounds.
But 2024’s win, coupled with a loaded 2025 roster, has quieted some critics. Now, Day enters this season with five-star talents across the board—including quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Devin Brown, running back Quinshon Judkins, and a receiving corps led by Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss.
Jeremiah Smith is expected to be not just a contributor, but a game-changer. His chemistry with the starting quarterback and ability to produce in high-pressure moments will be key—not only for national title aspirations, but for the final Saturday in November when the Wolverines come to Columbus.
The Michigan Perspective
While Smith’s comments grabbed headlines in Columbus, Ann Arbor wasn’t rattled.
Under new head coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines believe their program has staying power. Moore guided Michigan to a national title in 2023 after Harbaugh left for the NFL. His physical brand of football, elite defensive front, and ability to develop offensive linemen has continued Michigan’s resurgence.
Veteran linebacker Ernest Hausmann responded subtly when asked about Smith’s vow:
“He hasn’t played in one of those games yet. When he does, he’ll understand what it takes.”
Michigan’s roster is still stacked. Quarterback Jadyn Davis has matured quickly, and the running back duo of Benjamin Hall and Cole Cabana is expected to produce big numbers. Most notably, Michigan’s defensive backfield—a top unit in the Big Ten—will relish the challenge of facing a hyped-up receiver like Smith.
Social Media Eruption
Following Eisen’s “Wanna bet, freshman?” retort, social media lit up with reactions from fans, former players, and media personalities:
- Desmond Howard, Michigan legend and ESPN College GameDay analyst: “That Buckeye confidence… always cute in July.”
- CJ Stroud, former Buckeye QB and current NFL star: “Let my boy cook Jeremiah built for this.”
- Barstool Big Cat: “If this doesn’t end in an all-out war in Columbus, I don’t want it.”
Even sportsbooks got involved, offering early odds on Michigan–Ohio State, with the Buckeyes slightly favored (-2.5) at home in 2025.
Bigger Than Football
This isn’t just about Jeremiah Smith or Rich Eisen.
It’s about culture, loyalty, and the perpetual tug-of-war between two institutions whose histories are intertwined in grit, hatred, and obsession. When an 18-year-old freshman makes a vow and a 54-year-old broadcaster bites back, it’s not because either one is insecure. It’s because both deeply care about this game. This rivalry.
The passion is generational.
Grandfathers who remember Woody Hayes punching Clemson’s Charlie Bauman. Sons who grew up watching Troy Smith torch Michigan in the early 2000s. Daughters who watched J.J. McCarthy silence The Shoe in 2022. And now, the next generation—led by Jeremiah Smith—ready to write a new chapter.
Looking Ahead: Nov. 29, 2025 – Circle the Date
This year’s edition of The Game will be played at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
It will be:
- Jeremiah Smith’s first start against Michigan
- Sherrone Moore’s second trip to The Shoe
- Ryan Day’s chance to go 3–3 against the Wolverines
- Possibly a Playoff-berth decider again
And while many games will be played between now and then, the words of a freshman and the echo of a veteran broadcaster have already ensured that this clash will be among the most anticipated matchups in college football history.
Final Thoughts
Jeremiah Smith spoke with confidence, echoing the swagger that has long defined Buckeye greats. Rich Eisen responded with the dry wit and veteran pride of someone who’s lived through every twist of this rivalry.
In the end, it’s all fuel.
Fuel for the fire that burns from Columbus to Ann Arbor. Fuel for the players who bleed scarlet or maize. Fuel for fans who live and die with every snap.
