Believe it or not, there's a weird kind of tension in the air when the bus pulls into Columbus from Athens. You’d think the big school and the "original" school would be best friends, or at least polite neighbors.
Instead, it’s complicated.
When we talk about Ohio State vs Ohio, we aren't just talking about a lopsided box score or a few Saturday afternoons in the Horseshoe. We are talking about a century of legal battles, a mascot fistfight that went viral before "going viral" was a thing, and a deep-seated identity crisis.
Ohio University was founded in 1804. That’s nearly 70 years before the first brick was laid at Ohio State. If you ask a Bobcat fan, they’ll tell you they’re the "original" university in the state. If you ask a Buckeye, they’ll probably just point at the national championship trophies and keep walking.
The Time the Mascots Actually Threw Hands
One of the most bizarre moments in the history of Ohio State vs Ohio didn't even involve the players. It was 2010. The Buckeyes were ranked #2 in the country. Brutus Buckeye was doing his thing, leading the team out, when Rufus the Bobcat—Ohio’s mascot—literally tackled him from behind.
It wasn't a "haha, funny mascot prank" tackle.
Brandon Hanning, the student inside the Rufus suit, later admitted he’d planned the attack for a year. He wasn't even an Ohio University student at first; he transferred there specifically to become the mascot and tackle Brutus. He got banned from the sidelines, obviously. But in Athens? He became a weird sort of folk hero.
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That moment basically sums up the energy of this matchup. It’s the "little brother" with a massive chip on his shoulder trying to take down the king of the hill.
The Trademark Lawsuit Nobody Talks About
You might think the bad blood is just about football, but it actually went to federal court. In 1997, Ohio State tried to trademark the word "Ohio."
Seriously.
They wanted to own the word for use on any athletic apparel or marketing. Ohio University—the school that literally had the word in its name for 190 years at that point—wasn't exactly thrilled. The legal battle dragged on until 1999 when they finally reached a settlement. Ohio University got to keep using "Ohio" on its jerseys, and Ohio State had to stick with the full name or the "Block O."
It seems petty, right? But it’s these little things that make the games feel heavier than a standard non-conference blowout.
Breaking Down the Record: Closer Than You Think?
Actually, no. It’s not that close.
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Ohio State has never lost to Ohio. The all-time series record stands at 8-0 in favor of the Buckeyes (though the 2010 win was technically vacated due to NCAA "tattoo-gate" stuff).
Most of these games are forgotten. But 2008? That one was a nightmare for Buckeye fans.
The Bobcats led 14-12 going into the fourth quarter. Ohio State looked sluggish. The "Shoe" was terrifyingly quiet. It took a late Ray Small punt return touchdown to save the Buckeyes' season. Honestly, if the Bobcats had a bit more depth that day, they would have pulled off the biggest upset in state history.
| Date | Result | Score | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 21, 1899 | OSU Win | 41-0 | The first-ever meeting |
| Sept 18, 1999 | OSU Win | 40-16 | The first meeting in 97 years |
| Sept 6, 2008 | OSU Win | 26-14 | The closest Ohio ever came |
| Sept 18, 2010 | OSU Win* | 43-7 | The "Mascot Tackle" game |
| Sept 13, 2025 | OSU Win | 37-9 | Most recent meeting |
*2010 win was later vacated by Ohio State.
Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
You've got to look at the recruiting trail to see why this still bites. Every year, there are kids from places like Massillon, Cleveland, and Cincinnati who grew up dreaming of Scarlet and Gray but ended up in Green and White.
They play with a different kind of intensity.
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For Ohio State, this is a "tune-up" game. A chance to get the second-stringers some reps. But for the Bobcats, it’s their Super Bowl. It’s the one day a year where the kids from the MAC get to prove they belong on the same grass as the five-star recruits.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rivalry
People often assume there's a mutual respect because they're both public schools in the same state. Kinda.
But there’s a cultural divide.
Ohio University is tucked away in the Appalachian foothills. It’s a place of bricks, hills, and "The Most Exciting Band in the Land." Ohio State is a massive urban machine in the heart of Columbus. The Buckeyes are "The Program." The Bobcats are "The Experience."
When Ohio State vs Ohio happens, you aren't just seeing two teams play. You're seeing two very different versions of what it means to be a "Buckeye State" student.
Actionable Insights for Fans Heading to the Game
If you're planning on catching the next time these two face off, here is how you actually handle it without looking like a tourist:
- Don't wear green in the Short North. Unless you want some very creative heckling, keep the Bobcat gear for the stadium or your own tailgate.
- The "Original" Debate. If you want to annoy a Buckeye fan, just remind them that Ohio University was founded before Ohio was even a state (barely).
- Watch the Band. Most people go for the football, but the contrast between the OSU Marching Band (The Best Damn Band in the Land) and the OU Marching 110 is incredible. The 110 is high-energy, dance-heavy, and loud. It's a show in itself.
- Check the Line. These games are often trap games for Ohio State. If the Buckeyes are coming off a big win (like against Penn State) or looking ahead to Michigan, the Bobcats often cover the spread.
The reality is that Ohio State vs Ohio will probably never be a "rivalry" in the eyes of the national media. It doesn't have the stakes of The Game. But for the people who live here, it's a battle for the soul of the state. It’s about history, trademarks, and mascots who refuse to play nice.
Next time they line up, don't just look at the score. Look at the sidelines. There is a lot more going on than just four quarters of football.