There are rivalries in sports, and then there is The Rivalry. The annual clash between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon, a rivalry that transcends sports, embodying decades of tradition, passion, and fierce competition. No other matchup in college football garners the level of anticipation, energy, and historical significance quite like this one. With each passing year, the rivalry intensifies, and in 2025, the next chapter of this storied battle will unfold.
The Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry began in 1897 and has evolved into one of the most heated and celebrated rivalries in all of sports. Though Ohio State leads the all-time series, Michigan’s victories are hard-fought and the result of years of strategic play and intense passion. Their rivalry isn’t confined merely to the football field—it extends to the world of college basketball, wrestling, and beyond, yet it’s football where the heart of this battle beats strongest.
The roots of this rivalry are not just embedded in football but also in the political, cultural, and economic climates of the regions. Ohio and Michigan share a long history of competition that began as early as the 19th century, when the two states fought over boundary disputes. The rivalry evolved into the athletic arena, fueled by passionate fanbases, intense media coverage, and, in the case of football, a fierce drive to dominate the college football landscape.
As soon as the calendar hits late November, the entire Midwest shifts its focus to this iconic clash. For the players, the atmosphere on game day is unlike any other. On one side, you have the Ohio State Buckeyes, a perennial powerhouse with a tradition of excellence. Their fans are known for their undying support, filling Ohio Stadium to the brim with a sea of scarlet and gray. On the other side, the Michigan Wolverines boast a rich football history with a fanbase just as loyal and passionate, backing their team with every ounce of pride in the maize and blue.
Game day traditions are an integral part of the rivalry. Fans arrive hours early, tailgating in the parking lots, grilling food, and singing the school’s fight songs. The moment the teams step onto the field, it’s not just a game—it’s a manifestation of years of tradition, pride, and bragging rights.
The players themselves often speak of the unique pressure that comes with this game. Ohio State players know that a win can propel them to the College Football Playoff, while Michigan players feel an intense desire to redeem themselves and end a period of dominance by the Buckeyes. The rivalry heightens because it often carries serious implications for the Big Ten championship and national rankings.
While every rivalry game is important to the teams involved, Ohio State vs. Michigan has more than just conference and playoff implications—it’s about pride, legacy, and history. The winner of this game is often considered the champion of the Big Ten, and in some years, this game serves as a de facto national championship semifinal.
The rivalry has had its fair share of heart-stopping moments, from last-second field goals to last-minute touchdowns, and even controversies. The games often feature incredible individual performances, but also unpredictable twists that leave fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blows.
As the years go by, players come and go, but the intensity of the rivalry only grows. Players know that their legacy at their respective schools is heavily defined by this one game. Coaches understand that they will be judged not by the overall record, but by their ability to succeed in this rivalry.
Over the years, there have been several moments in this rivalry that have defined not just the outcome of the season but the fabric of college football itself. For Michigan, the 1969 game stands out as one of the most iconic moments in the rivalry’s history. Led by head coach Bo Schembechler, Michigan shocked the nation by defeating Ohio State 24-12. The win ended Ohio State’s bid for a national championship and changed the trajectory of Michigan football for years to come.
For Ohio State, the 2006 matchup is perhaps the most memorable. The Buckeyes, led by quarterback Troy Smith, faced off against Michigan in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown, with the winner likely earning a spot in the national championship game. Ohio State’s narrow 42-39 victory became an instant classic, solidifying the Buckeyes’ place in college football history and giving the rivalry yet another unforgettable chapter.
And then there are the heartbreaks—like Michigan’s near-miss in 1995. The Wolverines, ranked No. 2, were poised to end a long losing streak to Ohio State, but a late interception dashed their hopes and led to a 20-14 Buckeyes win, much to the chagrin of Michigan fans who thought this year would be their year.
More recently, the 2018 game, where Ohio State’s defense held strong against Michigan’s potent offense in a dominant 62-39 win, sent shockwaves through the rivalry. For Michigan, this marked yet another year of frustration, with questions surrounding their ability to beat the Buckeyes. For Ohio State, it was a testament to the program’s unyielding dominance.
There are plenty of college football rivalries around the country—Texas vs. Oklahoma, Alabama vs. Auburn, and USC vs. Notre Dame—but Ohio State vs. Michigan stands apart for a variety of reasons. One of the most significant factors is the sheer magnitude of the game’s national significance. A win in this rivalry often propels one team into the spotlight, with national title implications hanging in the balance.
Furthermore, the rivalry has remained relevant for over a century. It’s not just about the present, but about preserving tradition and legacy. The intense feelings between fans and players are passed down through generations, making it a rivalry that is always alive, even when the teams may not be at their peak. This also adds an extra layer of intensity to the rivalry; it’s not just about the current season, but about the history and pride of your school, and the weight of how the game impacts future seasons.
Perhaps what truly sets this rivalry apart is the level of respect that exists between both fanbases. It’s a mutual acknowledgment of excellence. Despite the fierce competition, there is a sense that each side recognizes the history and legacy of the other. Whether it’s in the stadium, during tailgates, or online, there’s always a healthy sense of competition, but it’s never without respect for the other’s achievements.
As the 2025 season kicks off, the Buckeyes and Wolverines will once again prepare to clash in the season’s biggest game. Both teams enter the season with championship aspirations, and the game will carry even more weight as both schools have positioned themselves as perennial playoff contenders. With the rise of new stars and the departure of iconic players, the storyline for 2025 is full of intrigue. Will Ohio State continue its reign of dominance, or will Michigan finally end its 20-year drought of victories in the rivalry?
The build-up to Game 1 of this series will be a testament to everything that has made this rivalry what it is today: the recruiting battles, the trash talk, the hype, and the undeniable truth that the game’s outcome will reverberate across the college football landscape for years to come.
The Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry is not just a game—it’s a celebration of tradition, passion, and pride. It is the essence of what college football is all about. For those who are fortunate enough to be a part of it, whether as players, coaches, or fans, it is an experience like no other. As the teams prepare for the next chapter of this great rivalry in 2025, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in Game 1 of the latest edition of The Rivalry?
The answer is still to be written, but one thing is certain—on that Saturday in late November, the eyes of the college football world will be locked on Ohio Stadium or the Big House, as two of college football’s most storied programs continue to write their legacy in what is, without question, the biggest rivalry in sports.
