Kyle Whittingham is stepping into a critical coaching role this November. After 22 seasons with Utah, he has joined the Michigan Wolverines, following Sherrone Moore’s departure. Whittingham brings a wealth of experience, but Michigan’s rivalries, particularly with Ohio State, present new challenges.

Though Whittingham has participated in two Rose Bowls, his upcoming games with Michigan mark a new era. The intensity of Michigan’s rivalries is well-known, especially the fierce competition with Ohio State.

During a recent Big Ten Media Day, Whittingham shared his thoughts on the season. “I haven’t learned much more than I already knew. It’s a national game. Everybody knows about it. It’s ‘The Game’ as we call it. It’s of great importance to both sides obviously. But I’m an old-school coach. We got 11 games that we play before that, so we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves,” he remarked.

Whittingham acknowledged the importance of the Ohio State match. “Make no mistake, I understand the implications that it has. Very well-versed in what it means, the intensity of it, the national allure it has. Our players are the same. Everybody knows that game’s looming out there. I think the best-case scenario, it comes down to that 12th game. That’s for all the marbles in the Big Ten. I think that would be ideal. Hopefully, that happens,” he commented.

When asked about his feelings towards Ohio State, Whittingham was careful with his words. “Hate’s a strong word,” he said. However, he made his competitive spirit clear. “But I want to win that game as badly as anybody in Ann Arbor. And like I said early on, what better scenario would there be if that game came down to the championship in the Big Ten? That would be outstanding. We’ll see what happens.”

The rivalry’s intensity was evident in 2024 when Michigan, against expectations, defeated Ohio State in Columbus. The victory led to conflict, with a brawl breaking out following the game.

After Ohio State won the national title following this incident, the rivalry continued to heat up. In November, Ohio State ended a four-game losing streak at The Big House, a move that Michigan players did not take lightly. They guarded their logo to prevent any reenactment.

Whittingham is poised to lead the Wolverines through a challenging season. He remains focused on winning, especially against Ohio State.