Ohio State's opening week matchup against the Texas Longhorns is within the single-digit hour mark at this point, but the 24/7 rivalry with TTUN ratcheted up with former Buckeyes running back coach Tony Alford's reaction to the Wolverines' Savion Hiter commitment.
Alford claimed the block M was "different" eight times within one answer on Hiter's commitment; though due to NCAA recruiting rules, the statement was vague and not directly referencing the recent 2026 running back recruit's decision.
He also called Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore a "real one" while stressing how different he was. Interestingly enough, Alford worked for Ryan Day and Urban Meyer from 2015 to 2023.