You’ve probably heard it called "The Game." To a casual observer, it’s just two massive Midwestern universities playing football on a cold Saturday in late November. But if you’re from Columbus or Ann Arbor, you know that’s basically a lie. It is an obsession. It’s a year-round state of being. The rivalry Michigan vs Ohio State isn't just a sports highlight; it’s a grudge that’s been simmering since 1897, and honestly, it’s getting weirder and more intense by the decade.
Take the 2024 matchup, for instance. Michigan came in as a massive underdog, sitting at 6-5 while the Buckeyes were ranked No. 2 in the country. Nobody—and I mean nobody—expected the Wolverines to walk into Ohio Stadium and pull off a 13-10 upset. But they did. And then? All hell broke loose. A massive fight erupted at midfield because Michigan players tried to plant a flag on the Buckeyes’ logo.
The 2025 Power Shift and the Ryan Day Factor
By the time the 2025 season rolled around, the pressure on Ohio State coach Ryan Day had reached a literal boiling point. He had dropped four straight to the Wolverines. In Columbus, that’s basically grounds for exile. But the narrative flipped on November 29, 2025.
Ohio State finally snapped the streak with a 27-9 win in Ann Arbor. It wasn't just a win; it was a total demolition of Michigan’s offense. Ryan Day finally got that metaphorical monkey off his back, and you could see the relief on his face during the post-game handshake.
The Fallout of 2025:
The aftermath of that 2025 game was chaotic. Sherrone Moore, who had taken over for Jim Harbaugh, found himself in a tailspin. Shortly after the loss, he was out as Michigan's head coach. Recruits started de-committing. The "Blue Wall" looked like it was crumbling. On the flip side, Ryan Day suddenly had his "swagger" back. Fans who wanted him fired two weeks prior were suddenly buying him drinks (metaphorically, at least).
🔗 Read more: Real Betis v Real Madrid: Why Los Verdiblancos Are Los Blancos' Biggest Headache
Why the Toledo War Still Matters
Most people think the hate started on the football field. It didn't. It started with a border dispute in 1835 called the Toledo War. Michigan and Ohio literally called up their militias to fight over a strip of land.
Only one person actually got hurt—a sheriff was stabbed with a penknife—but the bitterness lasted. Michigan eventually got the Upper Peninsula as a consolation prize, while Ohio kept Toledo. To this day, fans will tell you Michigan got the better deal, but Ohioans will say they won the land that matters.
Traditions That Border on the Absurd
You haven't seen "The Game" until you’ve seen how these schools prep for it. At Ohio State, they don’t just play Michigan; they try to erase the letter "M" from existence.
- Crossing out M’s: Every single "M" on campus signs is covered with red tape.
- The Gold Pants: Since 1934, every Buckeye player who beats Michigan gets a tiny gold charm shaped like football pants.
- Mirror Lake: (Though largely shut down now for safety), students used to jump into a freezing lake the week of the game.
- The Banner: Michigan players have a tradition of touching the "Go Blue" M Club banner as they run onto the field, a ritual that fans treat with religious reverence.
The "Ten-Year War" and Modern Parallels
If you want to understand the modern rivalry, you have to look at Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes. From 1969 to 1978, these two icons basically turned the Big Ten into a two-team race. They were best friends who hated each other for 60 minutes every year.
We’re seeing a version of that now. The drama between Jim Harbaugh and Ryan Day—and later Sherrone Moore—mirrored that intensity. The allegations of sign-stealing and "acting like you were born on third base" (Day's famous quote about Harbaugh) added a layer of modern soap opera to an old-school blood feud.
What Really Happened in 2024?
The 2024 game was a masterpiece of "ugly" football. Michigan’s Kalel Mullings carried the ball 32 times for 119 yards. He basically willed the Wolverines to victory. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith scored a touchdown, but the Buckeyes’ offense stalled out when it mattered most.
✨ Don't miss: Vikings Score Today on TV: Why the Season Ended Early
The most controversial moment wasn't a play, though. It was the pepper spray. After the game-ending scuffle at midfield, law enforcement had to use pepper spray to separate players. It was a dark moment for the rivalry Michigan vs Ohio State, showing just how thin the line is between "intense competition" and "actual violence."
Stats That Actually Matter
- All-time Record: Michigan leads 62–52–6.
- Recent Trend: Michigan won 4 in a row (2021-2024) before Ohio State won in 2025.
- National Titles: Michigan has 12; Ohio State has 9.
Common Misconceptions About The Game
A lot of people think the rivalry is just about the fans being loud. It's deeper. It affects the local economy, state politics, and even how people name their kids. I’ve met people in Ohio who refuse to buy a blue car. I’ve met Michigan fans who won’t eat at a restaurant if it has "Buckeye" in the name.
Is it "toxic"? Sometimes. But it’s also the highest level of amateur sports you’ll find. These programs are the two winningest in college football history. When they play, the winner usually goes to the College Football Playoff, and the loser goes home to a very miserable winter.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup:
If you’re planning to attend or watch the next meeting on November 28, 2026, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Trenches: This game is almost always won by the team that rushes for more yards. Since 2001, the team with more rushing yards has won nearly every single time.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: With Michigan likely under new leadership in 2026, look for how they handle the "Michigan Man" philosophy versus bringing in an outsider.
- The Playoff Impact: Under the new 12-team (and expanding) playoff format, this game might happen twice in a single season. The regular-season finale is for pride; a potential rematch in the Big Ten Championship or Playoff is for everything.
- Travel Early: If you're heading to Columbus in 2026, the city basically shuts down. Hotel prices in the Short North or near High Street will triple. Book at least 8 months out.
The rivalry Michigan vs Ohio State isn't going anywhere. It’s a living, breathing thing that changes every year, fueled by a hundred years of history and a very real, very modern desire to be the best.