Comedian Shane Gillis Throws Hilarious Shade at Michigan and Ohio State Football During Wild ESPYs Monologue Moment on Live TV

When comedian Shane Gillis took the stage as host of the 2025 ESPY Awards, sports fans likely expected a few punches, a couple of jabs, and maybe some lighthearted ribbing of famous athletes. But nobody was quite prepared for what unfolded when Gillis zeroed in on two of the most passionate, tradition-rich, and historically dominant college football programs in the country: Michigan and Ohio State.

In a moment that immediately lit up social media, Gillis tossed some hilariously sharp shade at the Wolverines and Buckeyes during his monologue, prompting laughter, groans, and even a few stunned expressions from attendees at the star-studded ceremony. With his trademark deadpan delivery and dry wit, Gillis leaned into the bitter rivalry between the two powerhouse programs and poked fun at their recent playoff disappointments—and he didn’t hold back.

“Michigan and Ohio State,” Gillis said, pausing for effect as the crowd stirred, “have spent the last few years beating the crap out of each other… just to get blown out by teams with actual speed in the playoffs.”

The punchline landed with force—drawing laughs from fans of rival programs and sparking visible reactions from current and former college football players in the audience. The line may have been delivered as a joke, but it resonated with the uncomfortable truth many Big Ten fans have wrestled with lately: while the Wolverines and Buckeyes dominate the Midwest, their postseason efforts have left plenty to be desired on the national stage.

For Michigan, the sting is still fresh. The Wolverines made it to the College Football Playoff National Championship earlier this year, only to be dismantled by Alabama. Their previous two CFP appearances ended in similarly bitter fashion—2022’s shocking loss to TCU and 2023’s beatdown at the hands of Georgia. Despite their recent dominance over Ohio State in the rivalry game, Michigan has struggled to finish the job once the postseason lights come on.

Ohio State, meanwhile, hasn’t won a national title since 2014. Although they came agonizingly close in 2022—losing a heartbreaker to Georgia in the semifinals—the Buckeyes have often found themselves watching others lift the trophy. With first-round NFL talent pouring out of Columbus year after year, fans have grown restless with the lack of championships to match the hype.

Gillis, a lifelong football fan who’s made his love for the sport clear in various stand-up sets and podcast appearances, couldn’t resist digging into the narrative. And while some Michigan and Ohio State loyalists took offense online, many appreciated the humor—even if it came at the expense of their teams.

What made the moment even funnier was how Gillis set it up. He praised the intensity of college football, calling it “the most beautifully chaotic sport in the country,” before transitioning to how the playoff picture had evolved over the years. Then came the haymaker about Michigan and Ohio State—delivered with the comedic timing and casual tone that have helped him rise to stardom over the past few years.

But Gillis wasn’t done. With the audience now fully engaged, he followed up with another jab: “Honestly, I think the playoff committee just puts them both in to see who Georgia or Bama gets to bully next.”

Laughter again erupted, along with playful boos from sections of the crowd—many of whom were likely alumni or fans of the targeted programs. The camera even cut to Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who offered a smirk and a slow clap while shaking his head. Across the room, former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. wore a grin that said, “Okay, that one stung a little.”

The viral moment quickly made its rounds online. Fans clipped the exchange and shared it across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. Within an hour, “Shane Gillis,” “Michigan,” and “Ohio State” were all trending topics. Some viewers dubbed it the “highlight of the night,” while others debated whether Gillis had gone too far.

Even ESPN’s own analysts weighed in post-show. College football insider Paul Finebaum laughed during a segment, saying, “Well, Shane said what a lot of fans have been thinking—just maybe not so bluntly.” On the other hand, former Buckeye linebacker Bobby Carpenter called the joke “cheap,” but admitted it “hit because it’s rooted in truth.”

For Gillis, this kind of moment is nothing new. Known for pushing boundaries with his comedy, he often walks the fine line between roast and ridicule. But in the world of sports—where tribal loyalty runs deep and fans live and die with every snap—his shots at Michigan and Ohio State landed like a touchdown celebration in a hostile stadium.

To be clear, the comedian wasn’t playing favorites. He spent the rest of his monologue poking fun at other sports figures and moments, including a hilarious bit about Aaron Rodgers’ darkness retreat, a jab at LeBron James’ ever-changing “last dance” tour, and a one-liner about Caitlin Clark that had the whole room cracking up.

Still, it was the Michigan-Ohio State moment that dominated the post-show chatter—and for good reason. There’s something uniquely satisfying, and at times painful, about seeing your team’s biggest flaws laid bare in front of a national audience. Gillis managed to deliver that dose of truth serum while keeping the mood light and the room laughing.

The ESPYs have long been known as a night where athletes, celebrities, and entertainers come together to celebrate sports, but also to embrace humor and humility. Gillis’ moment was a reminder that while championships and rivalries matter deeply, they’re also fair game for a good-natured roast.

And, to be fair, Michigan and Ohio State aren’t strangers to the national spotlight—or to criticism. These are two of the most decorated programs in college football history, with passionate fan bases and lofty expectations. If anyone can take a joke, it’s them… even if it’s a little close to home.

As the show continued and more awards were handed out, the buzz from Gillis’ monologue never quite faded. Fans continued to replay the moment, dissect the jokes, and debate whether Michigan or Ohio State will finally break through the SEC wall in the upcoming expanded playoff era.

In the end, Shane Gillis did what great comedians do: he observed a hard truth, put it under a spotlight, and made people laugh—even if some were laughing through a grimace. His ESPYs debut will likely be remembered for that viral punchline, and for reminding us all that in sports, as in comedy, timing is everything.

So, will Michigan or Ohio State get the last laugh next January? That remains to be seen. But until then, Gillis’ joke will echo through the halls of college football Twitter—and maybe even in a few locker rooms looking for bulletin-board material.

Because if there’s one thing certain after this year’s ESPYs, it’s this: Shane Gillis doesn’t care who you are, where you play, or what your record says—if you’ve got a flaw, he’s going to find it. And if you’re Michigan or Ohio State? Well… he already did.