Jonathan Smith understands the impact of in-state rivalries on college football. It’s something he loves and appreciates, and he knows a lot of attention will be placed on how Michigan State fares against Michigan under his watch.

At his introductory press conference, Smith pointed to the Spartans vs. Wolverines rivalry as something that helped make MSU a good fit for him. Smith said he’s always been around an in-state rivalry throughout his coaching career and believes those rivalries help make college football great.

“I thought the fit was good as well because let’s face it, there’s an in-state rivalry, and I appreciate in-state rivalries. I think those are meaningful, it’s a great thing about college football is to have a rivalry like that,” said Smith. “Every spot I’ve had in my career, I know what that is like and being a part of being able to compete in that year-round. That will mean a ton.”

The biggest in-state rivalry Smith has been a part of undoubtedly relates to Oregon vs. Oregon State with his ties to the Beavers, both as a player and head coach. Unfortunately, the future of that Oregon-based rivalry came into question with Oregon’s decision to leave the Pac-12 and head to the Big Ten.

Now, Smith will take on the task of elevating the Spartans to the stature of competing with the Wolverines on an annual basis.