Ranging from Florida-Florida State to the Iron Bowl, the foundation of College Football itself is made of hatred. From in-state rivalries to border wars, what sets the game apart from the rest of the sports world is the history that keeps the bloodlust running. If the love of the sport can only be as strong as it’s hate, it perfectly describes the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State.

Creator: Aaron J. Thornton | Credit: Getty Images

As if there was ever any question as to what the greatest rivalry was.

The first meeting between the two teams occurred nearly a century and a half ago, on October 16th, 1897. Since then, 119 games have been played, putting both Conference and National Championships on the line. This storybook matchup has never failed to impress, from the famous “Snow Game” to the 2016 game that has plagued UM fans for nearly a decade, sporting never-ending arguments about “The Spot”

The Wolverines currently lead the rivalry All-Time, 61-51-6 and currently boast a three-game win streak since 2021.

The Early Years

During the first meeting of Michigan and Ohio State, the border war for Toledo’s ripple effect was still felt between the two states, leaving a lasting impression and hatred that fueled the rivalry.

In the first meeting, Michigan beat Ohio State 34-0, signaling the start of what was to come. The Wolverines won or tied every contest from 1897-1912, resulting in a 12-0-2 lead at the birth of CFB. Following the 1902 beatdown of OSU, in which the Buckeyes lost 86-0, the Ohio State Alma Mater “Carmen Ohio” was written on a train ride back to Columbus.

“If you don’t win the Michigan-Ohio State game Buddy, that’s a problem…

– Ohio State Head Coach Earl Bruce

The “Ten-Year War”

Fast-Forward half a century to 1969 and we reach quite possibly the most heated moment in sports history. Between the two greatest coaches of the programs, a new era in the rivalry had been born, between Ohio State Coach Woody Hayes and his former assistant Bo Schembechler. Bringing a 22-game winning streak into Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes would ultimately lose 24-12.

The ten year period ultimately ended after Woody Hayes was fired. This was following his assault on Clemson LB Charlie Bauman in 1978, giving Schembechler a 5-4-1 record against Hayes and leaving the rivalry sit at 42-28-5.

Modern History

The 21st century thus far has been dominated by the team from Ohio. Winning two National titles and only losing six games to their rivals during the time frame, it hasn’t been close. But there may be a changing of the guards as of late, with the Wolverines winning three straight this decade and fresh off of a National Title. Both teams continue to recruit at the highest level, holding Top-10 classes in 2025 per 247 Sports (7/27/24), suggesting that the hatred is sure to live on.

There is no doubt why Michigan-Ohio State is the greatest rivalry in College Football. Nothing will ever compare to the noon game that is marked on every calendar in the Midwest.

Nothing will ever compare to The Game.