Honestly, if you look at the raw numbers, the football series between Minnesota and Ohio State looks less like a rivalry and more like a recurring nightmare for the folks in Minneapolis. We are talking about a lopsided history where the Buckeyes have won 27 of the last 28 meetings. That is not a typo. Since the turn of the millennium, the Golden Gophers have managed exactly one victory against the scarlet and gray.
But sports aren't played on a spreadsheet.
If you were watching on October 4, 2025, you saw a No. 1 ranked Ohio State team absolutely dismantle Minnesota 42-3. It was one of those nights in Columbus where everything clicked for the home team. Redshirt freshman Julian Sayin looked like a seasoned pro, carving up the Gophers for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Carnell Tate had a career night with 183 yards. It was brutal.
Yet, there is a reason why "Minnesota vs Ohio State" still gets circled on the calendar. Whether it’s the icy wrestling mats, the chaotic hockey rinks, or the hardwood, these two schools represent the core of what makes the Big Ten feel like a regional civil war.
The Football Gap and the 2025 Reality
Last season’s matchup was a reality check for P.J. Fleck’s squad. Minnesota actually won the coin toss—which was basically their only highlight—and marched down for an early field goal. For a fleeting moment, it was 3-0 Gophers. Then the Ohio State machine woke up.
The Buckeyes defense, coached by Matt Patricia in a move that still feels weird to see on a college sideline, didn't allow another point. Drake Lindsey, Minnesota’s quarterback, found out the hard way that throwing against Ohio State’s secondary is like trying to throw a frisbee through a screen door. He finished with just 94 yards.
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"Some nights you just get your butt kicked," Fleck said after the game. He wasn't lying.
Ohio State has now won 14 straight in the football series. The all-time record stands at 49-7 in favor of the Buckeyes. If you want to find the last time Minnesota actually celebrated a win on the gridiron, you have to go back to 2000. That year, the Gophers walked into Ohio Stadium and pulled off a 29-17 upset. Most of the kids playing in the 2025 game weren't even born yet.
Where the Gophers Actually Bite Back
If you want to see Minnesota actually bully Ohio State, you have to look away from the football field.
Check out the wrestling results from February 2025. Minnesota, ranked No. 7 at the time, went into Columbus and stunned the No. 4 Buckeyes 20-17. It was a classic "bonus points" win. Each team won five matches, but the Gophers were more aggressive, racking up the extra points needed to seal a top-five upset.
And then there's hockey.
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In December 2025, the ice was where the real drama lived. On a Thursday night at Value City Arena, Minnesota handled the Buckeyes 6-3. But the very next night? Absolute chaos. They traded goals like they were going out of style, eventually ending in a 6-5 overtime win for Ohio State.
That’s the thing about this pairing. In football, it’s a David vs. Goliath story that usually ends with Goliath winning by 40. In almost every other sport, it’s a coin flip.
Why the 2025 Matchup Felt Different
- The Sayin Factor: Ohio State found their next superstar in Julian Sayin. His 23-of-27 passing performance against Minnesota was the moment many realized he wasn't just a backup; he was the future.
- The Defensive Wall: The Buckeyes haven't allowed a red-zone touchdown in a massive stretch of games. Minnesota's 13-play opening drive in 2025 died at the 10-yard line.
- The Hockey Split: While football is predictable, the hockey series proved that the talent gap in the Big Ten is narrowing. Minnesota’s four-game win streak over Ohio State was snapped, but the games are now must-watch TV.
A History of Weirdness
We can't talk about Minnesota vs Ohio State without mentioning the 1980s. In 1983, Ohio State hung 69 points on the Gophers. That is a basketball score. But then you look at 1981, and Minnesota pulled off a 35-31 shocker.
The series used to be an annual tradition. From 1973 to 2010, they played almost every single year. Then expansion happened. The Big Ten got big, then bigger, and now it’s a coast-to-coast monster. Because of the new scheduling rotations, these two don't see each other as often, which ironically makes the games feel a bit more special.
Honestly, the "rivalry" is one of those things that exists more in the record books than in the hearts of fans who are obsessed with Michigan or Wisconsin. But for Minnesota, Ohio State is the ultimate measuring stick. If you can keep it within two scores of the Buckeyes, you’re having a good year. If you actually beat them? They'll build you a statue in the Twin Cities.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People assume Minnesota has never been good. That’s just not true. They have national titles in their history—just none since the 1960s.
The misconception is that the gap between these two is about "heart" or "coaching." It's not. It’s about the roster. Ohio State is a NFL factory. Jeremiah Smith, who caught two touchdowns in the 2025 game, is a once-in-a-generation talent. Minnesota is trying to build with "culture" and developmental players, which works against 80% of the schedule, but usually hits a wall against the Buckeyes.
Looking Ahead: The Next Moves
If you're a fan of either program, here is what you should be watching for as we move into the 2026 season and beyond:
- Monitor the Portal: Minnesota has to find a dynamic playmaker at quarterback if they want to stay competitive. Drake Lindsey has potential, but the 2025 performance showed he needs more help on the perimeter.
- Hockey Rematch: The next time these two meet on the ice, expect a sellout. The 6-5 OT thriller in December 2025 set the stage for a new era of bad blood in the rink.
- Wrestling Dominance: Minnesota has proven they can beat Ohio State in Columbus. Watch the recruiting trails in the Midwest; the Gophers are currently winning the battle for the heavyweights.
- Basketball Schedules: Keep an eye on the women’s basketball matchup on February 19, 2026. Ohio State has been a powerhouse, but the Gophers have been quietly building a squad that can play spoiler.
The reality of Minnesota vs Ohio State is that it’s a tale of two worlds. In the stadium, the Buckeyes reign supreme. Everywhere else? It’s a dogfight.
To stay updated on the next chapter of this series, you should regularly check the official Big Ten availability reports, as late-season injuries have historically swung the outcome of the basketball and hockey matchups more than the "on-paper" talent ever did.