Open Letter from Jeremiah Smith to the Michigan Wolverines: A Call for Respect, Rivalry, and Collegiality
Dear Michigan Wolverines,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Jeremiah Smith, and while my role here is not that of a coach, a recruiter, or even a fan in the conventional sense, I find myself compelled to reach out to you at this moment in time—one filled with both triumphs and challenges, both celebrated victories and lingering questions about the future of college sports, especially college football.
I am writing to acknowledge the immense history, tradition, and passion that surrounds the Michigan Wolverines—one of the most storied programs in all of college athletics. But more than just acknowledging that history, I write with a call for reflection, for respect, and for a renewed sense of understanding. For all the ferocity that exists on the field between teams, it is important to remember that this rivalry—this collection of individual and collective pursuits—is built not just on competition but on a larger fabric of sportsmanship, mutual respect, and pride in what it means to represent one’s alma mater.
It is easy to be swept up in the intensity of a rivalry. The adrenaline, the crowd, the media. But behind it all, there is an important question: What are we really competing for? To some, it’s the glory of a national championship, the legacy of a legendary coach, or the pride of defeating an opponent. But to those of us who hold sports close to our hearts, we know that the truest measure of success is not in the trophies that fill a case, but in the values that we carry forward, even beyond the final whistle.
I write this letter in the spirit of that understanding. And in that spirit, I want to offer a few thoughts about the rivalry between your team—the Michigan Wolverines—and the other great teams in college football. To frame this in a way that is both respectful and honest, I hope to foster a dialogue about the conditions that shape the modern landscape of college sports and the necessary cordiality that should define not just the Michigan-Wolverines relationship, but the relationships that all teams, players, and fans must strive to maintain.
The Legacy of the Michigan Wolverines
Let us first take a moment to reflect on the history of the Michigan Wolverines. For anyone who has followed college football for any length of time, the very mention of Michigan conjures up images of greatness. From the monumental leadership of legendary figures like Bo Schembechler and Lloyd Carr, to the mesmerizing performances by players like Tom Brady, Charles Woodson, and Desmond Howard, the Michigan program has continually been a beacon of success, resilience, and determination.
Your program’s commitment to excellence on the field is unparalleled. The Wolverines have won more than 900 games, claiming national championships and conference titles that stand as a testament to the team’s legacy. More importantly, Michigan’s impact goes beyond the wins. The school’s academic reputation and the integrity of the players it has produced offer a model of what it means to be a student-athlete. You have stood as a symbol of the balance between academic achievement and athletic prowess, and that is something that deserves acknowledgment and respect.
Beyond the headlines, the culture that has been cultivated at Michigan is one rooted in pride, tradition, and unity. Every time that iconic maize and blue helmet steps onto the field, it is a reminder that this team is more than just a collection of talented individuals—it is a living, breathing institution with a history that ties together generations of fans, alumni, and students. The Big House, with its deafening roar, is both a sanctuary of memories and a crucible for future greatness.
The fierceness of the Michigan Wolverines on the field is matched only by the loyalty of the fanbase. From the moment the team takes the field, to the final moments of a hard-fought game, the devotion of Michigan fans is palpable. In times of victory, the pride and jubilation are overwhelming. In times of defeat, the collective resilience and hope for next season is just as profound. This sense of unbreakable connection between the team and the people is what makes Michigan football so special.
The Rivalry That Defines Us All
Of course, no conversation about Michigan can be had without acknowledging the rivalry that exists between the Wolverines and the other great college football programs—none more enduring and fiercely contested than the one with Ohio State. This rivalry, which has captivated the attention of college football fans for decades, is a microcosm of what makes the sport so special. It is, in every sense of the word, a battle of wills.
But I write today not just to speak about Michigan’s rivalry with Ohio State, but to address the broader context of all rivalries in college football. At the heart of every rivalry is a sense of shared history, tradition, and, importantly, respect. When we speak of rivalries, we often speak in terms of passion, of hard-fought battles, and of the pride of victory. But these rivalries are not defined solely by competition. They are also defined by a certain recognition of the worth of the opponent—a recognition that, despite being fierce competitors, we are all part of something much larger than any single team, player, or season.
It is in that spirit that I reach out to you, Michigan. Let us ensure that, while the intensity on the field remains as high as ever, we never lose sight of the bigger picture. Rivalries can be powerful forces for unity, bringing together passionate fans and players alike. But they can also be a destructive force if taken too far. The line between competition and animosity is razor-thin, and it is important that, as athletes and fans, we strive to keep that line intact.
Respecting the Conditions of Rivalry
In recent years, college football has undergone dramatic changes. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the transfer portal, and the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, there is no denying that the dynamics of competition have evolved. As a result, rivalries that were once based purely on regional pride and historic matchups are now influenced by new factors. The growing commercialization of college football and the pressure it places on players, coaches, and institutions has introduced new challenges that must be navigated carefully.
This is where the need for a cordial, respectful rivalry becomes most urgent. Michigan, as one of the most influential programs in the country, has an obligation not only to maintain its excellence on the field, but also to set an example for how other programs should approach competition. While the intensity of a rivalry game should never be diminished, we must recognize that the players involved are, at the end of the day, young men and women striving to achieve their best both academically and athletically. Their sacrifices, their effort, and their dedication deserve respect, regardless of the color of their uniform.
In this modern era of college football, where the stakes are higher than ever before, it is imperative that rivalries are not allowed to devolve into hostility or bitterness. The fan bases, as passionate as they may be, must also embrace this shift. Sports should be a celebration of what we can achieve together as a community, not just of our differences. Let the field be where we compete—let the stands and the conversation afterwards be places where we appreciate the beauty of the game, no matter who comes out on top.
A Future Built on Shared Values
Looking to the future, I am optimistic about the potential for a new chapter in Michigan’s storied rivalry history—a chapter that places a premium on camaraderie, shared respect, and mutual growth. The world of college football is evolving, and with it, the nature of rivalries. This is an opportunity for us to redefine what it means to compete.
In a world where personal and professional interests are increasingly interconnected, it is important to build relationships that transcend the field. Rival teams can be strong allies in the fight for fair treatment for athletes, for improved student-athlete support systems, and for the continued growth of the sport in a way that values tradition but embraces innovation.
We cannot forget that the Michigan Wolverines, like all teams, are part of a much larger ecosystem. Your success on the field is, in many ways, tied to the success of all college programs—our collective successes are what sustain the game we love. It is up to us, as stewards of this game, to ensure that the rivalry between teams remains healthy, competitive, and, above all, respectful.
Closing Thoughts: A Call to Action
In closing, Michigan Wolverines, I urge you to continue your legacy of greatness both on and off the field. Be a model for others to follow—not just in terms of athletic excellence, but in the way you interact with your competitors. Let the rivalry be defined by excellence and honor, by competition and respect. We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of college football. Let us make sure that, as fierce as our rivalries may be, we never lose sight of what truly matters: the shared love of the game, the commitment to integrity, and the bonds we build as a community.
Let us not just be competitors; let us be colleagues in this pursuit of greatness. For in the end, it is not the final score that defines us—it is the way we treat each other before, during, and after the game. The future of college football will not be written solely in touchdowns and championships, but in the relationships we build along the way. And I have no doubt that the Michigan Wolverines, with all their history, pride, and tradition, will lead the way.
With respect and admiration
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