Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore is well aware of the intense rivalry with Michigan State, which has been further fueled by recent transfer activities. The Wolverines recently acquired former Michigan State safety Jaden Mangham from the transfer portal. In a twist, the Spartans picked up former Michigan linebacker Semaj Bridgeman.
“We’re happy we got Jaden,” Moore told Sports Illustrated. “He’s a really good player, he’s an All-Big Ten player, so super stoked for him. And excited for Semaj — he got an opportunity he felt like he wanted, so good for him and all the blessings for him. But I think the rivalries are still alive and there’s respect in all of them, but they’re still alive.”
Mangham, who earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2023, posted 73 tackles and four interceptions while at Michigan State. Meanwhile, Bridgeman, a highly regarded four-star recruit for Michigan, has yet to play a college game but now brings his talents to the Spartans.
Both players are set to be key figures in the upcoming season, especially when Michigan and Michigan State face off on October 26 in Ann Arbor. This highly anticipated matchup will undoubtedly have both Mangham and Bridgeman circling the date on their calendars.
The Wolverines are experiencing significant changes this year, including a record number of players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft and the arrival of new head coach Sherrone Moore. Moore, who has prior experience as interim coach during the last few games of the 2023 season, takes over from Jim Harbaugh, now coaching the Los Angeles Chargers.
Moore is no stranger to Michigan’s storied rivalries, including those against Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. As he steps into his new role, fans in Ann Arbor are eager to see him continue the program’s winning tradition, especially in these crucial rivalry games.
Michigan’s 2024 season kicks off against Fresno State on August 31, marking the beginning of the Moore era with high expectations from the Wolverine faithful.
