Champions, Legacy, and Rivalry | Michigan Wolverines Football News

Jim Tressel reflects on Ohio State’s 2002 national championship season, calling it a defining year fueled by hunger and resilience after years without a title. The team blended veteran grit with elite young talent like Clarett and Holmes, overcoming close wins to go undefeated — a testament to their growth together. He stresses that victory doesn’t pause the grind: recruiting and development continue relentlessly, as progress is built daily, not overnight. Tressel praises his coaching staff’s legacy, highlighting mentees like Dantonio and Fleck who became head coaches themselves — proof of his program’s strong developmental culture. Turning to the Michigan rivalry, he calls it a historic, emotionally charged clash that shapes the Big Ten and national title hopes — fierce yet respectful, with both schools collaborating off the field. He describes the game as one of the toughest and cleanest of the season, rooted in mutual admiration between two academic and athletic giants. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b20133acf14a3d56