No. 1 Ohio State Dominates No. 15 Michigan
The Victory That Ended Four Years of Heartbreak
Ohio State ended a four-game losing streak to Michigan on Saturday with a 27-9 victory at Michigan Stadium. The Buckeyes secured their path to the Big Ten Championship Game against No. 2 Indiana in Indianapolis, with the College Football Playoff’s top overall seed at stake.
Coach Ryan Day raised both fists as he left the field. After receiving threats serious enough to require armed security at his home following last year’s loss, this victory carried deep personal significance. Ohio State’s dominance was complete—the Buckeyes controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball across a snowy afternoon in Ann Arbor.
The performance combined effective offensive execution with defensive strength. Key players who carried lower-body injuries competed and delivered crucial performances. According to Ohio State’s official game recap, the Buckeyes gained 419 total yards while holding Michigan to 163.
Game Statistics
How the Game Unfolded
Offensive Highlights
Sophomore QB bounced back from early interception to lead Buckeyes’ offensive assault with three touchdown passes.
Returned from injury to deliver a game-changing 35-yard TD reception in critical moment.
Questionable with lower-body injury but played and produced a 50-yard TD catch in third quarter.
Freshman RB led Ohio State’s ground attack as Buckeyes controlled the line of scrimmage.
Defensive Control
Michigan recorded a 36-yard rushing play on its opening snap, but Ohio State’s defense limited the Wolverines to 127 total yards over the remaining possessions. According to Ohio State’s official box score, Michigan’s 9 points were the fewest the Buckeyes allowed in 15 years. Linebacker Sonny Styles led with 6 tackles.
Michigan’s Challenge
Freshman QB Bryce Underwood went 8 of 18 for 63 passing yards with an interception. Running back Jordan Marshall re-injured his right shoulder during the game and did not return, limiting Michigan’s ground attack to 100 yards on 24 carries.
Ground Game Control
Ohio State outrushed Michigan 186-100. Per the game recap, this marked the 24th consecutive year the winning team in this rivalry also won the rushing battle, showing physical dominance at the line of scrimmage.
Playoff Impact
Ohio State improved to 12-0 with the victory. The Buckeyes now face No. 2 Indiana (12-0) in the Big Ten Championship Game, with the College Football Playoff’s top overall seed on the line.
Officiating Decisions Explained
Jaishawn Barham Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham was flagged for head-butting an official in the first quarter but was not ejected. Big Ten head official Kole Knueppel explained in a pool interview that NCAA Rule 9 grants officials discretion on ejection decisions. Knueppel determined the contact was “not forcible enough for ejection,” though it warranted an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that resulted in a critical first down from the 5-yard line for Ohio State.
Jeremiah Smith Touchdown Review: Smith’s 35-yard touchdown reception involved a potential bobble, but officials lacked a clear camera angle to confirm the ball was loose before the goal line was reached. Under NCAA replay review rules, when video evidence does not clearly prove a catch was incomplete before crossing the goal line, the initial on-field determination of a touchdown stands.
“There’s no question that the fans and all of our supporters, what this means — means a lot to us. That’s what hurt the last couple of years, more than anything. You could see it in my face. … You just feel like you’re letting everybody down — that’s just not a good feeling.”
— Ryan Day, Ohio State Head Coach
Program Significance & Context
The 2024 loss at Ohio Stadium (13-10) marked a difficult moment for the program. Ohio State students voiced criticism, and the event prompted security concerns for the Day family.
Following that loss, Ohio State won four College Football Playoff games and the 2025 national championship (January 20, 2025). This season has produced 11 straight victories by 15 or more points, the longest such streak in Ohio State history.
The Michigan victory on November 29 was the first since 2020 in this series. Coach Ryan Day’s record stands at 82-10 as Ohio State’s head coach. According to ESPN Research, this represents the second-best winning percentage in college football history, behind only Walter Camp’s record.
Ohio State advances to the Big Ten Championship Game to face No. 2 Indiana (12-0) in Indianapolis next weekend. The winner will secure the College Football Playoff’s top overall seed.
Ohio State’s Respectable Celebration
Day said the Buckeyes would “win with humility,” and they did just that. Unlike last year when Michigan planted their flag at Ohio Stadium, several Ohio State players initially moved toward midfield with a flag before Day and his staff redirected them. Instead, players made snow angels and celebrated with the band in the end zone.
Michigan’s Defensive Stand at Midfield
Michigan players remained at midfield to defend the Block M, ensuring Ohio State would not plant their flag as happened at Ohio Stadium last year. Running back Bryson Kuzdzal told reporters afterward: “We can’t let that happen.”
Explore More
Access CruxBuzz’s College Football coverage for additional game analysis and team updates. For Ohio State alumni stories, read about J.K. Dobbins’ performance with the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL.
For live college football streaming, learn about ESPN’s streaming options for live events.
What Took Place
Ohio State defeated Michigan 27-9 on November 29, 2025, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The Buckeyes advanced to the Big Ten Championship Game to face No. 2 Indiana. According to Ohio State’s official game recap, quarterback Julian Sayin recorded 233 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate each caught touchdown passes. Freshman running back Bo Jackson gained 117 rushing yards. The Ohio State defense limited Michigan to 163 total yards and 9 points. Official NCAA Rule 9 guided referee decisions on both the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and the confirmed touchdown reception.
