This is the matchup every college-football fan marks on the calendar. On November 29, 2025, Ohio State rolled into Ann Arbor to take on Michigan in what felt like the showdown of the entire season — bragging rights, playoff stakes, and pure rivalry energy all packed into one afternoon.
Ohio State entered the game undefeated at 11-0, sitting comfortably at No. 1 in the nation. Their offense had been electric all season, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, who had already stacked up nearly 3,000 passing yards and close to 30 touchdowns. The Buckeyes came in confident, disciplined, and fully aware that a win here would keep their championship dreams wide open.
Michigan, though, was far from backing down. At 9-2 and ranked No. 15, the Wolverines had momentum on their side. Freshman QB Bryce Underwood had been quickly growing into a real threat, and running back Jordan Marshall added the kind of physical ground game that could wear down even the toughest defense. Playing at home in the Big House, Michigan had every intention of spoiling Ohio State’s perfect season.
But the storyline that added real heat? Michigan was chasing a fifth straight win over Ohio State — something they hadn’t pulled off in nearly a century. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes were determined to flip the script, reclaim the rivalry, and remind the nation why they were the No. 1 team in college football.
On paper, Ohio State looked like the stronger team, and plenty of people expected them to control the game. But rivalry football isn’t played on paper — it’s played with emotion, pressure, and every ounce of pride a team can bring.
And on this weekend in Ann Arbor, all of that was on full display. This wasn’t just a regular-season finale — it was a battle for legacy, confidence, and the road to the postseason.