Ohio State is preparing for its annual rivalry game against Michigan by focusing on the future and playing with a refined approach after recent losses. Head coach Ryan Day has emphasized moving forward from past defeats and focusing on the present, while also preparing the team to face the Wolverines by focusing on improving their run game. There is also a focus on player health, with some key receivers expected to be at full strength for the matchup.
The Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry is one of the biggest in sports due to its deep historical roots in a border war, its consistent impact on Big Ten championships, and the passionate, year-round hatred between fan bases. The intensity goes beyond football, fueled by historical conflicts over land and a sense of regional pride, turning each game into a must-see event with often unpredictable outcomes.
"Nobody wants to win against them more than we do, more than I do. It's part of the job here," Day said. “So every time we play, it matters. There’s no way to de-emphasize it, but what it comes down to is how well we prepare throughout the season to go play in that game, then handle our business of having a great week of preparation and then go from there. It’s an honor to be a part of it, but certainly something that we want to win … and have to win,” he added.
After Ohio State’s loss to Michigan last season, Ross Bjork (Senior Vice President and Athletics Director at The Ohio State University) offered Day a “vote of conference.” Day then led his team to four consecutive victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame to win the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
“Look at our playoff run last year. They executed. They said, ‘This is our game plan. This is who we are.’ How many people can compartmentalize that and say, ‘Look, we will figure out that (Michigan) game later, but for now, we have to go do this job and we’re going to execute it and win a championship?”
Day hopes the lessons learned will continue to pay dividends as the 2025 Buckeyes look to accomplish their three goals, which are always to beat Michigan, win a Big Ten championship and win a national title.
“Coach Day has a different look in his eye,” Ohio State Wide Receiver Brandon Inniss said. “I mean, a lot of people see it. I just feel like ever since that Team Up North (Michigan) loss last year, it’s been a different Coach Day.”