Ryan Watts is no longer with the Ohio State football program . But some habits never change.
During an interview Monday, the Texas Longhorns cornerback and Buckeye transfer continued to refer to Michigan as "The Team Up North."
The former 2020 four-star cornerback out of Little Elm, Texas initially chose the Buckeyes over programs like Texas and Oklahoma, joining a class that included four-star cornerback Lejond Cavazos, who transferred to North Carolina .
In 10 games for the Buckeyes, Watts recorded 11 tackles and two interceptions against Minnesota and Rutgers in 2022, but announced his intention to transfer Dec. 10.
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"Columbus, Ohio is a long way from my hometown in Texas, and being away from my family could have been a rough time for me," Watts said in his transfer statement. "I am so grateful to the city and the community here because that was never the case. I was welcomed, taken in, and have grown tremendously with your support."
In his first season with Texas, Watts has 37 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, an interception and three pass deflections.
Texas is set to host TCU, one of four remaining undefeated teams in college football along with Ohio State, Michigan and Georgia, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Ohio State football's 2022 schedule
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Sept. 3: Ohio State 21, Notre Dame 10
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Sept. 10: Ohio State 45, Arkansas State 12
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Sept. 17: Ohio State 77, Toledo 21
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Sept. 24: Ohio State 52, Wisconsin 21
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Oct. 1: Ohio State 49, Rutgers 10
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Oct. 8: Ohio State 49, Michigan State 20
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Oct. 22: Ohio State 54, Iowa 10
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Oct. 29: Ohio State 44, Penn State 31
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Nov. 5: Ohio State 21, Northwestern 7
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ryan Watts, ex-Ohio State CB, still calls Michigan 'The Team up North'

