The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry extends well beyond college football. The Ohio State Buckeyes fell to the TCU Horned Frogs in the opening game of the first round of March Madness, much to the disappointment of Buckeye fans and the enjoyment of Michigan fans.
Michigan legend Jalen Rose, a member of the famous Fab Five, was ready to poke fun at Ohio State for its loss in the tournament.
Jalen Rose Trolls Ohio State Following NCAA Tournament Exit
The Buckeyes lost a heartbreaker to TCU to kick off the tournament, and with that, their season has come to an end. Miami (OH) won its First Four matchup to enter the field of 64, and Rose was ready to crown the RedHawks as the best team in Ohio.
Michigan alum Jalen Rose trolls Ohio State after getting knocked out by TCU.
“It’s only right that they’re the second best basketball program in their own state. Why don’t we just call Miami THE Miami University?” pic.twitter.com/nHQamFJwi3
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 19, 2026
“It’s only right that they’re the second best basketball program in their own state. Why don’t we just call Miami THE Miami University?” said Rose.
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Ohio State gave fans quite a show in the nail-biter. Unfortunately, a late layup by TCU put the Horned Frogs up for good as they took the win, 66-64. It is the end of the Bruce Thornton era for the Buckeyes, and they will have to regroup to find another player like Thornton next year.
Thornton became the all-time leader in points for the Buckeyes in 2026, but could not get the victory for Ohio State on Thursday. He finished his career with 2,164 points. The Buckeyes fell flat to start the game and trailed by 15 points at halftime.
They came back and even took the lead late in the game, but could not hold on. It was an electric effort spearheaded by John Mobley Jr., who led the team with 15 points and six assists. However, TCU’s Xavier Edmonds found his rhythm, scoring 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds to help drag the Horned Frogs to victory and hand Ohio State an early exit.
The RedHawks of Miami (OH) are one of the most compelling stories in college basketball. They have gained significant attention for their 31-0 undefeated regular season. Because of that, Rose wants to give Miami credit and call the RedHawks the best team in Ohio.
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While a matchup between Miami (OH) and Ohio State would be a great game, Rose is focused on getting on the nerves of Buckeyes fans and targeting Michigan’s rivals while they are down. Rose will need to be careful if Michigan loses, however.
Although Michigan is one of the favorites to win the tournament and will have a chance to get the final laugh, the Wolverines could fall before Michigan State, and the script would flip back on them.
