Michigan Fans Face Unthinkable Dilemma: Root for Rivals Notre Dame or Ohio State?

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- As the College Football Playoff Championship game approaches, Michigan fans find themselves in a perplexing position—caught between their deep-seated animosity for Ohio State and a begrudging acceptance of Notre Dame. For decades, Michigan's rivalry with the Fighting Irish has been marked by a mutual disdain that coach Bo Schembechler once summed up with a resolute "To hell with Notre Dame." Yet, in the face of Ohio State's persistent dominance, a surprising number of Wolverines are rallying behind the Irish as they gear up to face the Buckeyes. The animosity towards Ohio State has reached a fever pitch in light of the events that followed Michigan's stunning victory over the Buckeyes last November. The scene—players proudly planting flags at midfield followed by a chaotic fracas—has only intensified the rivalry, provoking emotions that run deep in the hearts of Michigan fans. With the Buckeyes now positioned for a shot at national glory, many Wolverines find themselves in the unthinkable position of rooting for their historical rival, Notre Dame. Alex Fultz, a young Michigan supporter from Warren, epitomizes this internal conflict. "I'm actively rooting for Notre Dame," he admits, reflecting a sentiment echoed by numerous fans across social media. This unexpected wave of support for the Fighting Irish highlights the extent of Michigan's disdain for Ohio State, so much so that fans are willing to overlook decades of rivalry with Notre Dame. As fans navigate these tumultuous emotions, the rivalry between Michigan and Notre Dame, though not as consistent in recent years due to scheduling irregularities, remains steeped in history. Their first encounter dates back to 1887, and while the animosity has ebbed and flowed, memorable moments—like Rocket Ismail's explosive kickoff returns or Desmond Howard's gravity-defying touchdowns—still linger in the memories of both fan bases. Yet, some Michigan loyalists, like 1991 graduate Mark Peterson, find it impossible to root for Notre Dame. "I'd root for the ground to open up before I root for Ohio State or Notre Dame," Peterson quips, reaffirming his loyalty to the Wolverines above all else. This sentiment is not uncommon; many fans would prefer both teams lose rather than see either claim the championship. Adding layers to this complex narrative is the emerging respect for Notre Dame's current coach, Marcus Freeman. Unlike past coaches who were easy targets for Michigan’s ire, Freeman has been well-received by fans who appreciate his demeanor and approach to coaching. "We’re not Notre Dame fans at all, but Marcus Freeman is a good guy," remarked Randy Swiftney, reflecting a broader shift in perceptions toward the Irish program. As the championship game looms, it becomes evident that the rivalry with Ohio State outweighs the historical feud with Notre Dame. The bitterness toward the Buckeyes is so profound that for some Michigan fans, like Ryan Stephens, rooting for Ohio State might feel like the lesser of two evils—if only because they represent the Big Ten. Yet, for others, the prospect of seeing their chief rival claim a national title is an unbearable thought. In the end, Michigan fans are left grappling with an uncomfortable reality. Many are prepared to embrace their historical rivals in the hopes of preventing the Buckeyes from adding to their already storied legacy. With Monday night's game promising to evoke a whirlwind of emotions, one thing is clear: the rivalry and the allegiances within it remain as complex as ever, with Michigan fans caught in a tug-of-war between animosity and an almost reluctant camaraderie. How they choose to navigate this emotional minefield will echo throughout the annals of college football history.