Let's be real for a second. There is a specific kind of cold that only exists in late November in the Midwest. It’s that damp, bone-chilling gray that sinks into your marrow while you're standing in a stadium parking lot at 7:00 AM. For most people, that sounds like a miserable Saturday. But if you're part of the chaos that is Michigan football Ohio State, that’s just the atmosphere of "The Game."
Honestly, the 2025 season changed everything we thought we knew about where these two programs were headed. After Michigan spent a few years absolutely owning the Buckeyes—winning four straight from 2021 through 2024—the pendulum finally swung back in Ann Arbor this past November. Ohio State’s 27-9 win wasn't just a victory; it was a statement. Ryan Day basically exorcised a decade's worth of demons in one afternoon.
The Day the Streak Died (Again)
Going into the 2025 matchup, the pressure on Ryan Day was bordering on the absurd. You've got to remember, he was 1-4 against Michigan. People in Columbus were calling for his head despite him having one of the highest winning percentages in the history of the sport. It's a "what have you done for me lately" world, and losing to "The Team Up North" is the one unforgivable sin in Ohio.
The game itself was a defensive masterclass. Michigan actually led 6-0 early thanks to a couple of Dominic Zvada field goals, but once Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith found their rhythm, it was over. Smith is just different. He’s the kind of wide receiver who makes elite cornerbacks look like they’re playing in slow motion.
Michigan’s offense, led by freshman sensation Bryce Underwood, struggled to find any real traction against an Ohio State defense that played like they were personal friends with the term "violent." They held Michigan to just 163 total yards. 163. That’s essentially a "shut down the computer and go home" stat line for a rivalry of this magnitude.
Why the 2024 Upset Still Stings in Columbus
Even with the 2025 win, Buckeyes fans still haven't fully processed 2024. That was the year Michigan was "supposed" to fall off. Jim Harbaugh was gone, the roster was depleted, and Sherrone Moore was just finding his footing. Yet, Michigan walked into the Horseshoe and ground out a 13-10 win. It was ugly. It was gritty. It was peak Michigan football.
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That 2024 game is why the rivalry feels so balanced right now. Even when one team is clearly "better" on paper—like Ohio State was in '24—the game doesn't care. The rivalry eats logic for breakfast.
Sherrone Moore and the "New Era" Reality Check
Sherrone Moore has had a wild ride. He went from the emotional hero of the 2023 title run to the guy trying to keep the ship upright during a massive transition. Taking over for a legend like Harbaugh is basically a lose-lose situation. If you win, it's Harbaugh’s players. If you lose, it's your fault.
The 2025 loss was tough, but it was the aftermath that really shook the foundation in Ann Arbor. We've seen reports about Moore’s departure and the program looking for its next identity. It’s a reminder that in the NIL and transfer portal era, a "three-year rebuild" is a luxury no one has anymore. You either win "The Game" or the seat starts smoking.
By the Numbers: It’s Closer Than You Think
People love to argue about the "all-time" record, but it depends on who you ask and how far back you want to go. If you’re a Michigan fan, you point to the early 1900s when the Wolverines were basically a pro team playing against students. If you’re an Ohio State fan, you probably start the clock around 2000.
- Total Series: Michigan leads 62–52–6.
- The 21st Century: Ohio State has dominated, winning 17 of the last 24 meetings.
- Current Streak: Ohio State (1).
- Post-2020 Reality: Michigan won 4 of the last 5.
The most interesting stat to me is how often this game actually decides the Big Ten. Since 1935, this matchup has had title implications over 50 times. It’s not just a rivalry; it’s a playoff game before the playoffs even start.
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The NIL Factor and the 2026 Outlook
Looking ahead to November 28, 2026, in Columbus, the landscape is going to look completely different. We’re seeing massive roster turnover. Bryce Underwood is likely to stay at Michigan, providing a cornerstone for whoever the next coach is, but the transfer portal is basically a free-agency frenzy right now.
Ohio State is dealing with its own "success problems." When you have a roster this talented, everyone wants a piece of the NFL pie. Caleb Downs and Jeremiah Smith are the types of players you build entire schemes around, but keeping that level of talent together in the modern era is like trying to hold water in a sieve.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
A lot of national media types try to say the rivalry has lost its luster because of the 12-team playoff. They argue that since both teams will probably make the tournament anyway, the regular-season game doesn't matter.
That is, quite frankly, nonsense.
This game isn't about playoff seeding. It’s about the next 365 days of your life. It’s about the guy at the grocery store wearing the wrong color hat. It's about the "Gold Pants" for Ohio State and the "M" in the middle of the field for Michigan. You could offer a fan a National Championship or a win over their rival, and a surprising number of people in both states would have to think about it for a minute.
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Tactical Shifts: How the Game is Changing
We’re moving away from the "three yards and a cloud of dust" era. While both teams still pride themselves on being physical, the 2025 game showed that explosive vertical threats are the new requirement. Ohio State's ability to recruit at a sub-atomic level—landing five-star after five-star—gives them a margin for error that Michigan has to make up for with "culture" and developmental wins.
But "culture" only gets you so far when you’re facing a future NFL first-round pick at every skill position. Michigan has to hit the portal hard this offseason to balance the scales, especially on the offensive line, which looked uncharacteristically vulnerable in the 2025 loss.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're looking to keep tabs on the next chapter of this feud, keep your eyes on these three specific areas over the next few months.
First, watch the coaching search in Ann Arbor. The profile of the hire will tell you everything you need to know about Michigan's strategy. Are they going for a "Michigan Man" to maintain the culture, or a big-name innovator to compete with Ryan Day's offensive machine?
Second, track the transfer portal movement in May. The second portal window is where the real "depth" of these rosters is decided. Ohio State needs to replace some defensive stalwarts who are heading to the draft, while Michigan needs to find a veteran target for Underwood.
Finally, pay attention to the Big Ten schedule shifts. With the conference expanded to 18 teams, the path to "The Game" is a gauntlet. A team might be 10-1 and emotionally exhausted before they even step on the field in late November.
The 2025 result might have given the Buckeyes some breathing room, but if we’ve learned anything from the last five years, it’s that this rivalry is never "settled." It’s just a temporary ceasefire until the leaves turn brown again.