Fans of the Michigan Wolverines celebrated the hire of Santa Ono as University of Michigan President.
However, less than three years later, Ono has agreed to accept the same position at the University of Florida. The news doesn't come as a huge shock, according to Michigan insider John U. Bacon, who posted on X that, "This is a surprise - but maybe it shouldn't be. I can't recall any UM president starting higher, nor falling faster. I'm not hearing from anyone who regrets his leaving - and his resignation letter seems rather insincere, given his abrupt departure. He leaves as a footnote."
Of course, rival fans are trying to make Ono's departure about the Michigan football team. They claim that this is a sign that the "hammer" is dropping.
But truth be told, the two probably aren't related in any way. Warde Manuel just got a contract extension, which wouldn't have happened if his football program was about to get the "hammer" or the death penalty or whatever Ohio State fans dream of, because they truly believe it will allow them to wipe away the pain of four straight losses to the Michigan Wolverines.
It won't. The hammer isn't dropping, not in any meaningful way. Ono leaving is disappointing, but I wouldn't overreact as a Michigan fan.
You want a President who is a strong supporter of athletics, and the Michigan Wolverines had that in Santa Ono. That's why this move has me worried, especially in this new ERA of NIL. A lot can change with a change in leadership.
Michigan baseball sweeps Ohio State
After recording its largest win ever over the Buckeyes on the baseball diamond, the Michigan Wolverines completed a weekend sweep of Ohio State thanks to Sunday victories by the scores of 11-4 and 13-3.
In the first game of the double-dip, Benny Casilla and Brayden Jefferies did work at the plate with three hits and three runs, each. Jeter Ybarra managed three RBI. Keegan O'Hearn hit his first home run for the Wolverines, and Dylan Vigue got the win after five scoreless innnings to start and five strikeouts.
O'Hearn went yard again in the second game against Ohio State, as did Mitch Voit. Ybarra went 4-for-6 with three RBI, while Tate Cary got the win on the mound after striking out eight Buckeyes.
Michigan is now 30-17 and 14-10 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines will play Central Michigan at home on Tuesday, before a critical three-game road series at Nebraska. U-M is on the NCAA tournament bubble, and a series win in Lincoln would be huge.
Big Ten softball tournament set
The Michigan Wolverines closed out the softball regular season with two straight wins, finishing 11-11 in the Big Ten (34-19 overall).
The Wolverines ended up as the No. 8 seed for the Big Ten softball tournament. They will open the tournament (single elimination) against Wisconsin on Wednesday at 4:30 PM EST.
Michigan will need to win the tournament in order to qualify for the NCAA tournament.