Michigan celebrating victory AP | Tony Ding

Ohio State v. Michigan

BY MAX SALZBERG

DECEMBER 22, 2025, 5:23 P.M.

For over a hundred years, Ohio State and Michigan have been locked in one of the most intense rivalries in all of sports. The two teams first played in 1897, and since then, every meeting has carried huge meaning. Wins are remembered for decades, and losses are never forgotten. Coaches are judged by how they do in this game, and players grow up dreaming of being part of it. No matter the rankings or records, this rivalry always feels personal, with pride, tradition, and history all on the line.

On November 29, 2025, Ohio State beat Michigan 27–9 in Ann Arbor. This was a big win for the Buckeyes because it snapped a four-game losing streak to Michigan. Huge Michigan Wolverines fan and junior at East Brunswick High School, Jonathan Blivaiss, was very disappointed by the loss: “Man, we’ve beaten these guys so many times I can’t even count, [but now] our streak is over, this blows.”

Ohio State took control early and didn’t let up. Michigan actually scored first with two long field goals, but Ohio State answered with steady drives. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw three touchdown passes and finished with 233 passing yards.

In the second half, Ohio State’s defense completely shut down Michigan. The Wolverines didn’t score a touchdown after halftime and ended with their lowest yardage total of the season. Senior Nicholas Langella, said, “I don’t watch football, but our middle school team could do better than that”. That must be disappointing for Wolverine fans. 

Running back Bo Jackson also had a strong game, rushing for over 100 yards and helping Ohio State keep possession and wear down the Michigan defense.

By the end, the Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated (12–0) and locked in a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.

It wasn’t just a win,  it was a statement game where Ohio State finally gets out of their 2000+ day drought, and wins in one of college football’s biggest rivalries ever.