Ohio State has not appeared in a Big Ten championship game since the 2020 season, largely due to their fierce rival Michigan, who has consistently thwarted their attempts. For the past four seasons, Ohio State has been locked out of the title contest following losses in their annual showdown known as The Game.
Head coach Ryan Day has compiled an impressive record of 81-10 since taking over during the 2018 season; however, he has faced significant challenges against the Wolverines, posting a disappointing 1-4 record in those matchups. Last season’s clash saw Ohio State suffering a frustrating defeat at home against a Michigan team that had to cope with quarterback issues and the departure of 13 players to the NFL draft from their 2023 championship squad. This loss prompted a player-driven meeting that became a turning point for Ohio State’s subsequent successful campaign.
As the Buckeyes prepare for this year’s meeting in Ann Arbor, Day was candid about his feelings leading up to the game. “Fun is kicking ass,” he stated, emphasizing the seriousness of their preparations. “We want to win, and we’ll save the fun for the locker room celebration after the game.”
Confidence is key at this time of the season, and Day radiated that certainty during his weekly press conference. This year’s Ohio State team arrives as the top-ranked in the nation, proving resilient despite offseason changes that saw them lose talented players and coaching staff. Under new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes have showcased a dominating defense, allowing just 7.6 points per game, the best performance in the FBS.
On the offensive front, quarterback Julian Sayin is enjoying a stellar season, leading the nation with a pass completion rate of 79.4% and positioning himself as a Heisman Trophy contender. He faces off against Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, another first-year starter who has guided the Wolverines to a strong 9-2 record this season, including a 7-1 conference mark.
Michigan, currently ranked No. 15 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, must defeat Ohio State to keep its hopes alive for a spot in the Big Ten title game, depending on the outcomes of other key matchups. With head coach Sherrone Moore at the helm, the Wolverines have a solid track record, having beaten Ohio State twice before, once in place of suspended coach Jim Harbaugh.
Moore highlighted the importance of focusing on the present rather than past performances, stating, “Whatever happened in the past doesn’t matter. So all we can do is focus on now.” Day echoed this sentiment, focusing on the importance of simply winning, without getting caught up in previous failures.
As both teams gear up for the momentous showdown, Day is acutely aware of the talent on Michigan’s roster, praising key players such as running back Jordan Marshall and defensive stars Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham. He acknowledged that while Ohio State has struggled in recent years against Michigan’s physical play, they must be prepared and at their best to turn the tide this Saturday.
The college football world will be watching closely to see if Ohio State can finally reclaim its place in the Big Ten championship discussions and add an uplifting chapter to this storied rivalry.