Let me set the scene: I graduated from The Ohio State University with an unblemished record against Michigan during my four glorious years as a student. Do I feel like I take too much credit for those victories? Well, yes, of course.
In 2018 alone, I witnessed two unforgettable games: a nail-biter in Happy Valley where we edged out Penn State in the loudest stadium I’ve ever set foot in, and a 62–39 annihilation of Michigan that made me feel like a conqueror of the college football world.
As you can tell, I’m well versed in Ohio State’s rivalries. So now that I’ve gotten my credentials (and not-so-subtle bragging) out of the way, let’s dive into Ohio State football rivalries, simplified for anyone who needs a primer.
Whether you’re a new fan or just want to troll Michigan supporters at Thanksgiving, I’ve got you covered.
Ohio State vs. Illinois
Ah, Illinois. This rivalry feels more like a distant memory than a current grudge match. Back in the day, the Illibuck Trophy (a literal wooden turtle) symbolized the Ohio State vs. Illinois rivalry. The two teams played every year for nearly a century, but Penn State and Michigan have since eclipsed Illinois in importance.
The last time Illinois truly made waves was in 2007, when they handed Ohio State their only regular-season loss. Since then, it’s been all Buckeyes, all the time. The current series stands at 70–30–4 (we are including our unfairly-vacated 2010 victory) in Ohio State’s favor, and honestly, most Buckeye fans only remember this rivalry when the turtle trophy makes an appearance.
Ohio State vs. Penn State
Next up, Penn State. Let me be clear: Penn State thinks this is a rivalry. Ohio State fans? Not so much. If anything, we see them as the overzealous little brother trying to crash the big kids’ table. Still, their fans bring the heat, especially in Happy Valley. I’ve never experienced a louder, more intimidating atmosphere than the 2018 White Out game. We squeezed out a 27–26 win (shoutout to James Franklin’s awful playcalling), and my ears were still ringing days later.
When Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993, the conference paired them with Ohio State as a designated rival alongside Michigan. The rivalry has grown in intensity as Penn State consistently ranks in the Top 25 and pushes for playoff contention. But let’s keep it real: Ohio State leads the series 26–14, and until Penn State racks up some Ws, this rivalry is more bark (or that annoying Nittany Lion growl that they play at Beaver Stadium way too often) than bite.
The Game: Ohio State vs. Michigan
Let’s start with the granddaddy of all rivalries: Ohio State vs. Michigan, or as true Buckeyes call them, TTUN – That Team Up North. This isn’t just any rivalry; it’s The Game. ESPN crowned it the greatest rivalry in North American sports. And honestly, they’re not wrong.
Ohio State and Michigan are both in the Big Ten, but their matchup often feels like it transcends conference play. This is a grudge match with playoff implications, Big Ten titles, and Rose Bowl berths often on the line. Historically, Michigan leads the series 62-51-6, but let’s not forget that they’re riding a four-game win streak because (1) they dodged us in 2020 and (2) they’ve been caught “allegedly” stealing signs. That’s like playing Uno but peeking at someone’s cards. Totally unacceptable.
But enough about recent history. When I was a student, Michigan was firmly in their “little brother” era. I’ll never forget 2018 and being at The Shoe when we crushed them 62–39. The energy in the Shoe was electric, and that victory was the kind you tell your grandkids about. I remember there was a point in the game where they started blasting “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers over the speakers, but then a record scratch sound effect came on and “Mo Bamba” started playing. Everyone went CRAZYYYYY. It was awesome.
Fun fact: OSU fans have a tradition of crossing out every letter “M” on campus and around Columbus during Michigan week. Yes, we’re that petty. And yes, it’s glorious. Look around and you’ll be hard pressed to find an M without red tape covering it up.
Why Rivalries Matter
At Ohio State, football isn’t just a sport – it’s a religion. Rivalries like these fuel the passion, drama, and occasional trash talk that make college football special. Whether it’s Michigan’s arrogance, Penn State’s unreciprocated obsession, or Illinois’ distant past, these rivalries define what it means to be a Buckeye fan.
So next time you’re at a tailgate or a family dinner with a Penn State cousin or Michigan uncle, you’ll have the knowledge – and the sass – to hold your own. And if all else fails, just remind them of 62–39. It never gets old 🙂
Go Bucks!