Urban Meyer’s beef with Michigan fans is as much personal as it is professional. In 2012, when Meyer took the head coaching job at Ohio State, that beef became a defining part of his career. He went undefeated against Michigan (7-0). That record made him the first OSU coach since 1924 to finish his tenure unbeaten in the rivalry. That 2018 win, 62-39, remains a sore spot for Michigan faithful. And now, as Michigan gears up for its week 6 showdown against Wisconsin, that beef takes a major turn against Meyer. Why? It’s because Fox Sports is in Ann Arbor for its Big Noon Kickoff broadcast!

And you know how Urban Meyer sits tightly as a crew member alongside Mark Ingram II, Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn, and host Rob Stone. Things became spicy when Stone introduced Meyer in a way that didn’t sit well with the Michigan fans. “I want a proper Ann Arbor welcome for the guy who has never lost to the team up north,” Rob Stone announced. “College Football Hall of Famer, Ohio State legend, Urban Meyer!” Guess what? That high-powered introduction was greeted by an even higher-powered boos from the Michigan Fans.

But Meyer didn’t let that get under his skin. What did he do? He waved at the fans with a wide smile from the Fox Sports booth. Just so you know, Meyer isn’t clashing only with Michigan’s fanbase. It’s also loud and clear through one of the sport’s most outspoken Michigan supporters, Dave Portnoy. Portnoy has quickly become a thorn in Meyer’s side, especially now that both share the Fox Sports “Big Noon Kickoff” stage. During Ohio State’s season opener against Texas, Portnoy didn’t really hold back. He stirred the pot immediately by singing Michigan’s fight song loudly.

The action sparked a lot of boos and jeers from the Ohio State crowd and even got under Meyer’s skin. The banter peaked when Meyer gave Portnoy an Ohio State jersey with “El Presidente” on the back. The thing is, during Meyer’s time at OSU, he was ruthless against Michigan. Meyer’s disdain for Michigan ran so deep that he enforced a strict no-blue policy in Ohio State’s facility. So even NFL scouts from teams like the Colts, Lions, Bills, and Chargers had to ditch any Michigan blue gear before setting foot inside. And the dominance? In those seven wins over Brady Hoke and Jim Harbaugh, the Buckeyes outscored Michigan 237-189.

It also included three straight wins in the Big House. Meyer ranks fourth all-time in Ohio State wins, trailing only Woody Hayes (205), John Cooper (111), and Jim Tressel (94), before stepping away in 2018. With a résumé like that, it’s no surprise Ann Arbor still holds a grudge against Urban Meyer. So that’s why, when Meyer praised the Wolverines’ freshman QB, Bryce Underwood, it was a surprising moment for Michigan.

Urban Meyer’s take on rival QB Bryce Underwood

Urban Meyer, in all his glory, being ready to put his Michigan grudge in the backseat, is history in itself. The reason? He’s praising a Michigan player like Bryce Underwood. During a segment on Big Ten Network’s “Urban Analysis,” Meyer boldly declared that the Big Ten is now the best conference in America. His reasoning? A freakishly talented wave of young quarterbacks is reshaping the league.

Meyer pointed to back-to-back national titles by Ohio State and Michigan in 2023 and 2024, calling it proof that the Big Ten isn’t playing catch-up anymore. Now that’s some big talk coming from a man who built powerhouse programs at both Ohio State and Florida. And topping the list is Bryce Underwood. Underwood’s had his moments, like a rough outing against Oklahoma, but Meyer isn’t worried.

“Don’t pump the brakes on Bryce Underwood,” he said. “He’s going to be fantastic. I love this player.” For Buckeye fans, that’s a rare, almost surreal endorsement from their former coach. Meyer sees Underwood as part of a “Magnificent 7” QB group that’s transforming college football. He’s not blind to Michigan’s flaws or Underwood’s learning curve, but Meyer’s confidence in the fresh talent is solid.

And trust me, it’s a big thing coming from the guy who once ruled the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry with an iron fist.