The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is one of the most storied and intense in all of college football. And while the fireworks typically explode on the field each November, the Wolverines have found a way to keep the rivalry simmering year-round — this time through social media. In a recent post that quickly gained traction among fans and recruits alike, Michigan took a subtle, but unmistakable jab at their archrival by featuring No. 1 quarterback prospect Bryce Underwood in a message that many believe was aimed squarely at Ohio State.
Underwood, a five-star quarterback in the class of 2025 out of Belleville, Michigan, committed to the Wolverines in January, choosing Jim Harbaugh’s program over a slew of national powers — including heavy interest from Ohio State. The Buckeyes had pursued Underwood for years, viewing him as a potential successor to the long line of elite QBs who have thrived in Columbus. Losing him to Michigan stung. And now, Michigan appears to be twisting the knife just a bit.
The social media post in question came from Michigan’s official football account and featured a graphic of Underwood in a Wolverines uniform, standing confidently in the Big House with the caption: “Leaders Choose Leaders.” The message, seemingly innocuous on the surface, drew immediate attention from fans and media due to its timing and subtext — specifically the use of the word “leaders,” a term often associated with Michigan’s famed “Leaders and Best” mantra, and one that subtly contrasts with Ohio State’s well-known recruiting pitch around “developing NFL talent.”
But what really caught the eye of fans was the backdrop of the image — a stylized scoreboard with a final score reading “30-24,” referencing Michigan’s dramatic win over Ohio State in 2023, the third straight win for the Wolverines in the rivalry. To the untrained eye, the numbers might seem like an arbitrary design choice. But to followers of the rivalry, the implication was crystal clear.
College football Twitter exploded with commentary shortly after the post went live. Michigan fans praised the creative shot, calling it a “chess move” in the ongoing recruiting battle between the two blue bloods. Ohio State fans, meanwhile, called it “petty,” “classless,” or in some cases, “obsessed.” Either way, the post did exactly what it was intended to do: generate buzz, reaffirm Underwood’s commitment, and remind everyone — especially in Columbus — that the Wolverines aren’t backing down.
Recruiting analysts say the move is part of a broader strategy by Michigan to signal a new era of dominance and confidence in the rivalry. Since Harbaugh finally broke through against the Buckeyes in 2021, the tone around the program has changed dramatically. Once viewed as the underdog, Michigan is now recruiting — and branding — like a program that believes it sits atop the Big Ten
