Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is well aware of the intense rivalry with Michigan State. The rivalry has intensified further with recent transfers between the two programs. The Wolverines secured former Spartans safety Jaden Mangham through the transfer portal, while the Spartans picked up former Wolverines linebacker Semaj Bridgeman.
“We’re happy we got Jaden,” Moore said to Sports Illustrated. “He’s a really good player, an All-Big Ten player, so we’re super excited for him. And we’re also happy for Semaj — he got an opportunity he felt he wanted, so good for him and all the best. The rivalries are still very much alive and full of respect, but they’re still intense.”
Mangham, who tallied 73 tackles and four interceptions at Michigan State and was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2023, is expected to make an immediate impact. On the other hand, Michigan State’s new acquisition, Bridgeman, a highly touted four-star recruit, is yet to play a college game.
The upcoming 2024 season will be thrilling to watch, especially the game on October 26 in Ann Arbor, where both teams will face off. This match is likely highlighted on both Bridgeman’s and Mangham’s calendars.
Michigan football is undergoing significant changes, having seen a record-high number of players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and breaking in new talent on both sides of the ball. With Jim Harbaugh moving on to coach the Los Angeles Chargers after winning the last College Football Playoff Championship, Sherrone Moore takes the helm. Moore, who served as interim coach during Harbaugh’s suspension last season, brings experience and a deep understanding of the program’s rivalries, including those with Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State.
Wolverines fans are eager for the Moore era, anticipating continued success in rivalry games. Michigan kicks off its 2024 season against Fresno State on August 31.