Can the National Champs End the Michigan Curse in the 2025 Season?
Ohio State Football enters the 2025 season as the reigning national champions, but there is still one hurdle they’ve yet to clear. For the third straight year, the Buckeyes fell to Michigan in The Game, only this time losing to a Wolverine team that did not even qualify for the College Football Playoffs. That loss marked the latest chapter in a rivalry that has shifted dramatically over the past three seasons. While Ohio State dominated nationally, Michigan has dominated the rivalry. Now, as the spotlight returns to Columbus in the fall, the season could be defined by one storyline: whether the best team in the country can beat the team it has been unable to solve.
This year, Ohio State Football enters the season with a new quarterback taking over the reins. Will Howard, who led the Buckeyes to a national title, has moved on to the NFL, and all eyes will now be on Julian Sayin, the highly recruited transfer from Alabama. Sayin made his mark during the spring game, showing accuracy and composure in the pocket, but The Game brings a different level of intensity. While the Buckeyes have reloaded with top talent across their roster, including standout wide receivers and a seasoned offensive line, their ability to execute under pressure will be tested in Ann Arbor. Although with such high stakes offensively, one wrinkle in Ohio’s offseason came on the defensive side of the ball, as their coordinator departed for another highly rivaled team, Penn State. The Buckeyes still remain loaded with talent on defense, but the shift in leadership could be a factor in key moments, especially in a rivalry that often hinges on just a few critical plays.
Meanwhile, Michigan is in a transition year. With a new coaching staff, significant roster turnover, and freshman Bryce Underwood expected to compete for the starting quarterback role. The five-star prospect brings elite potential, but his inexperience could be a factor in the Wolverines’ ability to extend their win streak. Even with Michigan’s uncertainties and Ohio State’s impressive roster, recent history has shown that momentum in this rivalry rarely follows rankings or projections.
Ohio State Football has built a playoff-caliber program with elite recruiting, national attention, and consistent postseason success. However, none of that has translated into a win against Michigan. The Wolverines have used physical defense and smart clock management to frustrate the Buckeyes, regardless of rankings or records. If Ohio State wants to turn the page, they must rewrite the script in November. Until that happens, the question remains whether a championship is truly complete without beating the team that planted more than just a flag at midfield.
