With his latest comments, Xavier Muhammad has cemented himself as a Michigan Wolverines player thoroughly. The Victors Weekend was a significant period for the program in its recruiting drive, and their four star commit loathes arch rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes.

When Sam Webb of 247 Sports asked if the defensive lineman was already embracing “The Game” and hated the Buckeyes, Muhammad had a short reply. 

“Oh yeah,” he said with a smile. 

On June 30, Webb wrote that Muhammad is excited to take the step in his football journey after his visit during the Victors Weekend. He left Ann Arbor reassured with his decision after spending time not just with his coaches but teammates too.

This weekend was his first opportunity to spend time in person and build camaraderie with the players he will be teaming up with in the future. In his interview, he had nothing but sweet words for the locker room he will be a part of.

“I'd say so far, it's pretty good,” Muhammad said of the bonding process with his future teammates. “I'm still getting to know them a little bit, just checking up on them, texting them. I'm very grateful to have the teammates that I'm going to have. I'm grateful just to get to know them more and spend time with them, and we're always going to grow together.”

Muhammad and Co. have a huge challenge to overcome. They have to rise above the humiliation of the 27-9 loss to the Buckeyes last season. The Buckeyes crushed the Wolverines in the Big House during the Buckeyes' 0-12 season.

This squad, under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, would be put to test soon. Muhammad and the Wolverines need to fuel themselves with their hatred for the Buckeyes to undo last season’s record. 

While his future with the Wolverines does not kickstart yet, Muhammad is focusing on his senior year at school.

Xavier Muhammad has set high goals for his final high school year 

After leaving Ann Arbor, Xavier Muhammad is returning to Shadow Creek High School with one goal in mind. Have a record-shattering season. 

“I'm going to break some records, go All-State, play in the All-American game … I've got to rise to that too … and just have a breakout season,” he told Sam Webb. 

The multi-sport athlete has participated in track and field and played basketball other than football. He was the Texas District 22-6A Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore in 2024. 

All eyes would be on him once he dons the maize and blue jersey. Are you excited for this episode of the Michigan-Ohio rivalry?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar