Ohio State quarterback Will Howard wasted no time taking a shot at Michigan fans following their team’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament. In what has become an ongoing rivalry both on and off the field, Howard used social media to deliver a bit of lighthearted trolling after the Wolverines’ March Madness run came to an abrupt end.Michigan, a program that has long prided itself on basketball prowess alongside its football legacy, suffered an early-round loss, much to the dismay of their fanbase. Howard, who transferred to Ohio State from Kansas State and is gearing up for his first season in Columbus, seized the opportunity to poke fun at his team’s biggest rival. Shortly after Michigan’s elimination, Howard posted on social media, simply writing, “March SADness,” along with a laughing emoji and a scarlet and gray heart.The post quickly gained traction among Buckeyes fans, who eagerly joined in on the fun, flooding the comments with their own jokes at Michigan’s expense. Meanwhile, Michigan supporters were less than thrilled with the quarterback’s antics, with some firing back about Ohio State’s recent struggles against the Wolverines in football.The playful jab is just the latest example of how the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry extends beyond the football field. While these two powerhouse programs are best known for their annual gridiron showdown, the rivalry carries over into other sports, fan culture, and, as Howard demonstrated, even social media banter. In an era where athletes have more direct access to fans than ever before, it’s no surprise to see players engaging in the off-field rivalry in new and entertaining ways.Howard’s decision to stir the pot is particularly interesting given that he has yet to take a snap in an Ohio State uniform. After transferring from Kansas State, where he had a solid career, he now finds himself at the center of one of college football’s most intense rivalries. Buckeye fans have welcomed him with open arms, and his willingness to embrace the Michigan rivalry so early in his Ohio State tenure only endears him further to the OSU faithful.Of course, this type of back-and-forth is nothing new between the two schools. Michigan fans were quick to point out that their football team has beaten Ohio State in three straight matchups, a sore spot for Buckeye Nation. However, as Howard’s post demonstrated, the rivalry isn’t just about what happens on the football field—it’s a 24/7, 365-day affair that transcends sports seasons.Whether or not Howard will back up his trolling with a strong performance on the field remains to be seen, but for now, he’s already making his presence known in Columbus. With the 2025 season approaching, Michigan fans will surely have this moment saved in their memories, ready to return fire should Howard and the Buckeyes stumble in The Game.For now, Ohio State fans are enjoying the friendly banter, and Howard is proving that he understands the culture of one of the most heated rivalries in sports. If his play matches his social media confidence, he could cement himself as a fan favorite in Columbus sooner rather than later.
