The football rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is rich in tradition. A tradition in which a line is drawn in the sand and nobody dares to cross it.

One of those who is fully aware of the tradition is Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith. On Wednesday, Smith didn't mince words in expressing his disgust for the maze and blue, per Dan Morrison of On3Sports.

“Hate. You know. With everything in me, I hate them” Smith said.

However, this isn't the first time. In June, Smith's hatred for Michigan is a motivator for wanting to avenge the Buckeyes lost to the Wolverines last November 13-10.

“I’m not a sore loser, but I hate losing, and losing to that team up north was pretty crazy,” Smith said. “In the end, I think it really helped us play the way we did in the playoffs. But I didn’t want to go to Ohio State and lose to That Team Up North. I just hate them. 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.”

The history of the “hate” between Ohio State and Michigan

It turns out, the longstanding rivalry has been going on since 1898, when both schools met for the first time.

Ever since, the Ohio State and Michigan game is one of the most anticipated in all of college football. The players, coaches, fans, and media often exaggerate the tensions between the two schools.

The height of the rivalry came during the “10 year war” 1969-1978. During that time, Ohio State coach Woody Hayes and Michigan coach Bo Schembechler duked it over ferociously and drew those hard lines.

Furthermore, the rivalry has produced some of the greatest games. The 1950 “Snow Bowl”, the 1969 upset by Michigan, and the 2006 “Game of the Century” who both were undefeated and the top two teams.

As of now, Michigan leads with a record of 60-52-6

More NCAA Football News
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrate on the podium after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the 2025 Rose Bowl college football quarterfinal game at Rose Bowl Stadium.
Ohio State football WR Jeremiah Smith’s bold claim may have Emeka Egbuka feeling slightedJackson Stone ·
Penn State football head coach James Franklin smiles during a practice session outside Holuba Hall on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in State College.
James Franklin reveals what he just asked Nick SabanJake Faigus ·
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt interviews Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Joel Klatt bashes NCAA over Michigan football punishmentScotty White ·
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning walks off the field as the Oregon Ducks face the Ohio State Buckeye, in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
3 Oregon Ducks make ESPN’s top 100 players listBenedetto Vitale ·
LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) holds up the MVP trophy during a post game interview of the game against the Baylor Bears at NRG Stadium. The Tigers defeat the Bears 44-31.
Where does LSU football QB Garrett Nussmeier land in ESPN’s top 100 players?Jackson Stone ·
Alabama Crimson Tide players and coaches participate in a media day with reporters and fans at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility. Wide Receiver Ryan Williams speaks to members of the media.
Where does Alabama football’s Ryan Williams land in ESPN’s top 100 players?Jackson Stone ·