Originally recruited as a safety, he has evolved into a key defensive weapon capable of impacting multiple levels of the field in one of college football’s most demanding systems. He made an early impression due to his athletic profile.

Coming from a strong football background, he is part of a well-known family that has produced Division I and NFL-level talent. That pedigree, combined with his development in Columbus, has placed him firmly on the radar of NFL scouts.

How old is Sonny Styles?

Sonny Styles is 21 years old. Born on November 24, 2004, the linebacker is still considered a young prospect despite already having multiple seasons of high-level college football experience.

His age is a key part of his draft profile because he reclassified early in high school and entered college at a younger developmental stage. Even so, he has already built significant experience as a multi-year contributor at Ohio State.

Why is he called Sonny Styles?

The origin of the name is rooted in his family environment rather than sports branding. His father, Lorenzo Styles Sr., gave him the nickname “Sonny” when he was very young after the character Santino “Sonny” Corleone from The Godfather, inspired by his intense and emotional temperament as a child.

From that point on, the name stuck naturally and became part of his identity long before he became a high-profile recruit or college football star. Today, “Sonny Styles” is simply how he is officially listed across the Ohio State Buckeyes and all major scouting and media profiles.

How much does Sonny Styles weigh?

Sonny Styles weighs 243 pounds. According to official listings from Ohio State and ESPN, he carries that weight on a highly athletic frame that allows him to play both linebacker and hybrid defensive roles.

How tall is Sonny Styles?

Sonny Styles is 6-foot-4 tall. This height gives him a prototypical frame for a modern NFL linebacker, especially one with coverage versatility and hybrid defensive responsibilities.

His length allows him to cover tight ends and running backs effectively in space while also closing lanes in run defense. Combined with his speed and explosiveness, his size is one of the main reasons he is projected as a high-end defensive prospect.

Sonny Styles’ family

Sonny Styles comes from a deeply athletic football family, with strong ties to both Ohio State and the NFL. His father is former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr., who played college football at Ohio State before being selected in the 1995 NFL Draft and later winning a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams.

His older brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., is also a high-level college football player who has competed at both Notre Dame and Ohio State, where he has played multiple roles in the secondary and on special teams.

The family’s football roots are reinforced by their upbringing in Pickerington, a well-known talent-producing area where both Sonny and Lorenzo Jr. starred at Pickerington Central High School before becoming major college recruits.

Their father has been a constant influence throughout their development, having played at the highest level and later coaching at the high school level, which helped shape both sons’ discipline, football IQ and competitive mindset.

Sonny Styles’ achievements with the Ohio State Buckeyes

Sonny Styles has become one of the most decorated defensive players for the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, earning national awards, All-American recognition and a national championship during his collegiate career.

He was a key contributor on the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship team, where he played a major defensive role after transitioning from safety to linebacker, becoming one of the leaders of the unit in his first year at the position.

In 2024, he earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors, establishing himself as one of the conference’s top defensive playmakers after recording strong tackling production and impact plays in both run defense and pass coverage.

By 2025, he reached elite national status, being named a First-Team All-American, becoming part of a record-tying group of Ohio State defenders selected among the best in the country.

He also became a team leader and captain-level presence, earning recognition for his consistency, durability, and leadership on a defense that featured multiple NFL-caliber players.

Sonny Styles’ career highlights

College Football Playoff National Champion (2024): Styles was part of the Ohio State team that captured the national title, marking the biggest team achievement of his college career and establishing him as a championship-level contributor.

First-Team All-American (2025): He reached elite national recognition after a breakout season, being named one of the best defensive players in college football and solidifying his NFL Draft stock.

Full-time linebacker transition success: Originally developed in the secondary, Styles successfully transitioned from safety to linebacker, showing rare versatility and adaptability in a modern defensive role.

Consistent defensive production at Ohio State: Across multiple seasons, he has accumulated strong tackle numbers, impact plays in the backfield, and coverage contributions, proving his all-around defensive value.

Rapid rise in NFL Draft projections: His athletic testing, size-speed combination, and production have pushed him into first-round discussions in multiple 2026 NFL Draft projections, with scouts highlighting him as a high-upside defensive cornerstone.

A former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, he arrived in Columbus in 2023 as one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects, with elite ball skills that allowed him to carve out a role early in the rotation.

His background at IMG Academy and development within one of college football’s deepest wide receiver pipelines have positioned him as a technically advanced, NFL-ready prospect whose ceiling continues to rise.

How old is Carnell Tate?

Carnell Tate is 21 years old, born on January 19, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois. He has contributed to the Ohio State Buckeyes offense, displaying refined route running and reliability at the wide receiver position.

After arriving as a five-star recruit from IMG Academy, he quickly adapted to the college level and earned playing time in one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the country.

How tall is Carnell Tate?

Carnell Tate stands at approximately 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-3 (around 1.91 m).That frame gives him prototypical size for an outside NFL receiver, especially in a pro-style offense like Ohio State’s.

His length allows him to win at the catch point, attack contested balls, and create a large catching radius for quarterbacks in tight coverage windows. That size has translated into consistent usage on intermediate and vertical routes.

How much does Carnell Tate weigh?

Carnell Tate weighs around 190–195 pounds (approximately 88 kg). NFL scouts value this combination because it gives him versatility: he can play outside, move into the slot when needed, and still hold up physically against bigger defensive backs without losing separation ability.

Carnell Tate’s career at the Ohio State Buckeyes

After joining Ohio State in 2023 as a five-star recruit from IMG Academy, Carnell Tate entered a crowded receiver room featuring elite talent, which initially limited his volume.

However, he quickly earned trust through efficient route running, strong hands and the ability to contribute in high-leverage situations. Over his first seasons, his production steadily increased as he became more involved in the offense.

In the 2025 season, he posted 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging over 17 yards per catch, showing his ability to stretch the field and produce explosive plays.

Carnell Tate’s career highlights

• Five-star recruit from IMG Academy: Tate entered college football as one of the most highly regarded wide receiver prospects in the 2023 class, coming from IMG Academy, one of the most competitive high school programs in the country.

• Immediate early contributor at Ohio State: Even in a crowded receiver room, he earned early playing time, which is rare at Ohio State and speaks to his technical readiness and maturity.

• National Championship experience: Tate was part of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship run, gaining valuable postseason experience in high-pressure environments against elite defenses.

• Breakout statistical season (2025): His 51 catches, 875 yards, and 9 touchdowns marked his first true breakout year, establishing him as a legitimate downfield threat.

• Elite yards-per-catch profile: Averaging over 17 yards per reception highlights his big-play ability and role as a vertical and intermediate weapon rather than a short-yardage possession receiver.

• NFL Draft upside (2026 projection): Scouts increasingly view Tate as a potential first-round pick thanks to his size, route discipline, and ability to win at multiple levels of the field — all traits that translate well to the NFL level.

He arrived in Columbus already carrying massive expectations after a standout freshman season at Alabama, and has since developed into a key piece of one of the nation’s most storied programs.

His pedigree, combined with his rapid rise at both Alabama and Ohio State, has turned him into one of the most closely watched defensive prospects ahead of the next NFL Draft cycle.

How old is Caleb Downs?

Caleb Downs is 21 years old, born on December 10, 2004. Ohio State Buckeyes’ star safety has already built an elite résumé in college football despite being one of the youngest top defensive players in the country.

According to official ESPN player data, he is listed as a junior and has been active at the highest level since his freshman season at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State, where he immediately became a defensive leader.

How tall is Caleb Downs?

Caleb Downs is 6-foot-0 (1.83 meters) tall. That frame gives him the ideal build for a modern NFL safety — compact enough for agility, but strong enough to handle physical contact in the box and in run support.

Scouting reports consistently highlight that while he is not an elite-height defensive back, his instincts and positioning more than compensate for it, allowing him to play “bigger” than his listed size.

How much does Caleb Downs weigh?

Caleb Downs weighs approximately 205–206 pounds (93 kg). This weight puts him in the ideal range for a versatile safety who can both cover in space and support the run. His physical profile allows him to play aggressively downhill without sacrificing mobility in coverage.

Caleb Downs’ family

Caleb Downs’ brother is Josh Downs, a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, and both are part of one of the most football-deep families in the sport, since their father is Gary Downs.

Josh was drafted in 2023 and quickly became a reliable NFL target after a standout college career at the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he established himself as one of the most productive receivers in the ACC.

The football pedigree in the Downs family is deeper. Their father is a former NFL running back who played for teams like the Giants and Broncos and later became a coach, while their uncle, Dre Bly, was a Pro Bowl cornerback with an 11-year NFL career.

Caleb Downs’ career at the Ohio State Buckeyes

Caleb Downs quickly became one of the most impactful defensive players at Ohio State after transferring from Alabama in 2024, establishing himself as an immediate starter and the centerpiece of the Buckeyes’ secondary.

In his first year in Columbus, he made an immediate impact within the defensive system, contributing in tackling production, play recognition and versatility to operate both in deep coverage and near the line of scrimmage.

His impact is reflected in his cumulative numbers at Ohio State: over his two seasons with the program, he recorded around 149 total tackles, 4 interceptions, multiple passes defended and a constant presence in key game situations.

In the 2025 season, already established as the team’s defensive leader, he elevated his level even further with 45 tackles in the regular season, along with 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles.

His role was that of a “defensive quarterback” in the secondary: communicating coverages, making pre-snap adjustments and being deployed in multiple alignments (free safety, strong safety and even nickel in specific packages).

Caleb Downs’ career highlights

• Jim Thorpe Award winner (2025): Caleb Downs was named the best defensive back in college football in 2025 after a dominant season at Ohio State, earning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award for his elite coverage skills, tackling consistency, and playmaking ability.

• Lott IMPACT Trophy winner (2025): He also captured the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which recognizes not only performance on the field but also leadership, character, and impact on and off the field — highlighting his all-around influence as a defensive cornerstone.

• Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2025): Downs was named the top defensive player in the Big Ten after anchoring one of the nation’s best defenses, consistently producing in tackles, turnovers, and coverage efficiency.

• Two-time All-American selection: He earned unanimous All-American honors at Ohio State, confirming his status as one of the most complete and reliable safeties in college football across multiple seasons.

• SEC Freshman of the Year (Alabama): Before transferring to Ohio State, Downs made an immediate national impact at Alabama, where he was named SEC Freshman of the Year after stepping into a major role as a true freshman.

• National Championship contributor (2024 season): Downs played a key role in Ohio State’s 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship run, helping stabilize the secondary in high-pressure postseason matchups.

• Elite turnover producer and defensive playmaker: Across his Ohio State tenure, he consistently generated interceptions, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss, establishing himself as a game-changing defensive presence rather than just a coverage safety.

• Versatile “positionless” defensive weapon: Downs was deployed across multiple roles — deep safety, box defender and slot coverage — showcasing rare versatility and allowing defenses to disguise coverages and adapt on the fly.

After steadily working his way up the depth chart, he developed into a centerpiece of the team’s defense, finishing his career with 100+ tackles and double-digit tackles for loss while showcasing rare versatility.

Following a dominant 2025 campaign that earned him All-American honors and Big Ten recognition, the linebacker quickly became one of the most talked-about names ahead of the NFL Draft.

How old is Arvell Reese?

Arvell Reese is 20 years old. He was born on August 30, 2005. His age is a major factor in his rising draft stock. Evaluators value not only his current production but also his long-term upside, as he enters the draft with fewer miles than many prospects at his position.

How tall is Arvell Reese?

Arvell Reese is 6-foot-4 (1.93 m) and weighs around 241–243 pounds. Those measurements give him ideal size for a modern linebacker, especially one who can also rush the passer.

His length and frame allow him to play both inside and on the edge, making him a matchup problem for offenses. Physically, he fits the mold of today’s hybrid defenders—big enough to handle contact in the run game, but fast and agile enough to cover ground and pressure quarterbacks.

What position does Arvell Reese play?

Arvell Reese plays linebacker, with the ability to line up as an edge rusher in certain situations. At Ohio State Buckeyes football, he has been used as a versatile defensive weapon.

While his primary role is off-ball linebacker, his pass-rushing ability allows coaches to deploy him on the edge, especially in blitz packages. This hybrid skill set is one of the main reasons NFL scouts view him as a high-upside prospect.

Arvell Reese’s career with the Ohio State Buckeyes

Arvell Reese played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2023 to 2025, evolving from a limited freshman role into one of the best linebackers in college football.

His college career didn’t start with immediate dominance. As a freshman in 2023, he appeared in just six games and didn’t record significant statistics, partly due to a concussion that limited his availability.

By 2024, he began to carve out a role in the rotation, showing flashes of his potential with 43 tackles and early signs of playmaking ability. That progression set the stage for his breakout.

Everything changed in 2025. He became a centerpiece of Ohio State’s defense, finishing with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, while consistently impacting games at multiple levels.

He also played a key role in the Buckeyes’ success during his tenure, including being part of the team that won the College Football Playoff national championship in 2024.

His ability to rush the passer, defend the run, and play in space made him one of the most complete defenders. After his standout junior season, he declared for the NFL Draft in January 2026, closing his college career as one of the program’s top defensive stars.

Arvell Reese’s career highlights

• Breakout 2025 season (69 tackles, 6.5 sacks): Reese’s junior year was the turning point of his career. He recorded 69 total tackles and 6.5 sacks, leading Ohio State’s defense in multiple categories and establishing himself as a consistent playmaker. What stands out is not just the raw production, but how he produced it—impacting games as both a traditional linebacker and a pass rusher.

• Strong year-to-year development (2024 → 2025 leap): Reese showed clear progression between seasons. In 2024, he recorded 43 tackles and just 0.5 sacks, but in 2025 he took a massive leap in both volume and impact. That jump is something NFL scouts heavily value—it signals coachability, adaptability, and the ability to handle a larger role in a high-level defensive system.

• Versatile defensive role (LB / EDGE hybrid): Throughout his time at Ohio State, Reese wasn’t limited to one role. He lined up primarily as a linebacker but was frequently used as a pass rusher off the edge, which helped maximize his athletic traits. This versatility is a major reason he’s considered a strong NFL prospect, as modern defenses prioritize players who can impact multiple phases of the game.

• Elite athletic profile (NFL Combine impact): Reese boosted his stock significantly during the pre-draft process, including standout athletic testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he reportedly ran around a 4.46-second 40-yard dash—elite speed for his size. That combination of size and speed makes him one of the most physically intriguing linebacker prospects in his class.

• Rising NFL Draft prospect (top-tier projection): Reese has steadily climbed draft boards and is now viewed as a potential top-10 pick in the NFL Draft.

“But I think it’s just across the board at Ohio State, there’s an expectation that when you come here, you’re coming to be a first or second-rounder, regardless of your position,” Day said on the Not Just Football podcast.

“And that’s it. If we don’t win games and championships, they’re gonna find a new coach. Well, if you’re not a first or second-rounder, this probably isn’t the right place for you.”

Day’s standards deliver results

Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State has been defined by an elite standard of excellence that consistently delivers high-level results. Since taking the reins, he has transformed his relentless pursuit of talent into a dominant 82-12 overall record, including a nearly flawless 55-5 mark within the Big Ten.

Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have secured two conference titles and reached the pinnacle of college football by winning the 2024 National Championship. Despite the heavy pressure of the Columbus spotlight, Day has refused to compromise on his recruiting benchmarks, ensuring the program remains a perennial powerhouse built on a foundation of top-tier athletes.

Buckeyes strengthen their roster strongly

Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class is highlighted by an elite trio of five-star prospects who are expected to make an immediate impact. Leading the group is Chris Henry Jr., a standout wide receiver from Mater Dei widely considered the top playmaker in the country.

He is joined by Cincere Johnson, a physical and versatile linebacker from Cleveland, and Jay Timmons, a lockdown cornerback who solidifies the secondary. These three recruits ensure that the Buckeyes maintain their high standard of talent as they look to defend their recent success.

Building unity within the team

Day knows that familiar faces are being joined by new ones. Everyone must maintain cohesion in order to build harmony and a strong working environment on the field.

“This isn’t just a bunch of guys coming in off the street that we don’t know,” Day said. “Obviously, there’s been relationships built. Doesn’t guarantee anything, but it’s not just random. I think that’s intentional, but there’s no question that these guys haven’t played for the Buckeyes before.

“There’s guys in that group right there that have scars here, that have had success here, and there’s a lot of guys that haven’t played one snap here yet. All that comes in, into play this season.”

An exciting start to the season

With the goal of building a title-contending team from the very beginning, these will be the first matchups the Buckeyes will have to face:

• vs Ball State, September 5
• at Texas, September 12
• vs Kent State, September 19
• vs Illinois, September 26
• at Iowa, October 3

“I wasn’t surprised,” Smith said to the press. “I knew, especially at the end of that game (vs. Miami in the Cotton Bowl), that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn’t goin’ nowhere.”

Despite this situation, the wide receiver declined any option to leave. Jeremiah Smith will now play his third season with the Buckeyes and will aim once again to compete among the title contenders.

Smith eyes breakout season

Jeremiah Smith remains ineligible for the NFL Draft until 2027 due to the league’s mandatory three-year post-high school rule. Despite his elite physical traits and record-breaking production since his freshman year, the 6-foot-3 receiver must complete his upcoming 2026 junior season with the Buckeyes.

Scouts already project Smith as a potential number one overall pick, as he continues to be widely regarded as the most NFL-ready prospect in college football.

A big 2025 for Smith

Smith delivered an outstanding 2025 sophomore season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, recording 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns. Averaging 14.3 yards per catch, he solidified his status as one of the most explosive wide receivers in college football while leading the Big Ten in several receiving categories.

An intriguing receiving corps for the Buckeyes

Ryan Day will count on a deep and talented depth chart for the 2026 season. Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss are set to play primary roles alongside Smith, while highly-touted prospects Chris Henry Jr., Kyle Parker, and Phillip Bell provide elite depth from the bench. This explosive group will be at the full disposal of quarterback Julian Sayin as the Buckeyes aim for a national title.

Ohio State’s first challenges

These are the first matchups that the Ohio State Buckeyes will face, a team that will try to position itself from the start as a title contender.

• vs Ball State, September 5
• @ Texas Longhorns, September 12
• vs Kent State, September 19
• vs Illinois, September 26
• @ Iowa, October 3

The Buckeyes reached this stage after going undefeated in the regular season with 12 wins, before falling to the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Championship Game. Now, head coach Ryan Day will look to guide his squad toward a back-to-back championship run.

On the other side, the arrival of Carson Beck has elevated the Hurricanes to another level, turning them into a legitimate contender. On December 20, they took down Texas A&M, and now Mario Cristobal’s squad is looking to knock off the reigning champions.

What happens if Ohio State defeats Miami?

If the Ohio State Buckeyes manage to defeat the Miami Hurricanes, they will not only claim the Cotton Bowl Classic but also secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals. There, they would face the winner of the matchup between No. 3 Georgia and No. 6 Ole Miss.

What happens if Ohio State loses vs Miami?

If the Ohio State Buckeyes lose today to Miami at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, they will not only miss out on the chance to add another bowl trophy to their storied history, but will also be automatically eliminated from the College Football Playoff. Their dream of reaching another National Championship Game would come to an abrupt end.

When and where do the Buckeyes play the Hurricanes?

The Ohio State Buckeyes will face the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl Classic on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ryan Day and his squad, led by the exceptional Julian Sayin, will look to prove why they’re the reigning champions of the NCAAF — and that their perfect 12–0 record this season was no accident.

This matchup is set to reach another level, with Fernando Mendoza and the surprising Indiana Hoosiers on the opposite sideline. Curt Cignetti has stunned fans and critics alike, and his team will leave it all on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium as they chase the championship trophy.

What happens if Ohio State defeats Indiana today?

A Buckeyes’ win today would not only add another trophy to their storied history, but they will also go to the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed and would play in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on Jan. 1.

This will be the seventh time the OSU appear in the Big Ten Championship Game. They’ve come out on top in all but one of their previous trips, with their most recent title coming in 2020.

What happens if Ohio State and Indiana end in a tie?

If the game ends tied at the end of regulation, it will be decided in overtime. Each team receives a possession starting at the 25-yard line, looking to score. If one scores and the other doesn’t, the game is over. If both teams score the same, another overtime period is played.

If the tie continues, the teams alternate two-point conversion attempts instead of playing a full additional period. Unlike the NFL, there is no game clock in overtime — it’s alternating possessions until a winner emerges.

What happens if the Buckeyes lose to the Hoosiers?

If Ryan Day and Ohio State can’t overcome the challenge posed by Indiana, the Buckeyes would not only miss out on a chance to crown themselves champions, but their ranking heading into the College Football Playoff could take a hit as well. On the flip side, the Hoosiers would be in prime position to climb the CFP standings.

When and where is the Big Ten Championship Game?

The 2025 Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The kickoff time is scheduled for 8:00 PM EST.

The reigning NCAAF champion entered this matchup with strong chances of securing a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, as their fate largely rested in their own hands. With a 27-9 victory, it’s now official—Ryan Day and his players will be present in this crucial title-deciding game.

Had they failed to secure the win at the Wolverines’ stadium, they would have depended on teams like the Indiana Hoosiers and Oregon Ducks losing their games. However, that became irrelevant after OSU’s convincing victory.

Once the final snap of the game was over, the Buckeyes ended a four-game losing streak against their biggest rival, and now all eyes turn to what lies ahead in the upcoming Playoffs.

Ryan Day’s second victory

Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day has finally vanquished his Wolverine woes, securing only his second victory in “The Game” since taking over the Buckeyes program.

Following his dominant 56-27 win in his inaugural matchup with Michigan in 2019, Day had endured a frustrating four-game losing streak against the bitter rival.

This latest triumph, which was a crucial win for Playoff positioning, marks a significant milestone, giving Day a much-needed, hard-fought second success and potentially shifting the narrative that has long plagued his otherwise sterling tenure in Columbus.

Turning it around in just one game is unlikely, as Day has lost more times than he has won against the Wolverines. Still, the experienced coach secured a new victory that puts him on the path to rewriting the history books.

How has Ryan Day fared each time he’s faced Michigan? After this afternoon’s game, the head coach has faced the Wolverines six times, winning the first and last matchups while losing the other four.

Having a 2-4 record against your biggest rival is far from ideal for a coach like Day. The 2025 edition of The Game was a prime opportunity for his team to start turning the tide.

Ryan Day’s first bright spot

Until this Saturday, Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes have only managed to secure one victory against their fierce rivals, Michigan. This success occurred in his inaugural full season at the helm in 2019.

The Buckeyes put on a dominant display, defeating the Wolverines with a commanding 56-27 score. That year, the offensive synergy was undeniable, as quarterback Justin Fields and running back J.K. Dobbins contributed significantly, accounting for four combined touchdowns to deliver Ohio State its 51st overall win in the storied rivalry.

A story dominated by Michigan

Historically, the Michigan Wolverines have maintained the upper hand in The Game, holding a dominant edge in the all-time series record against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Michigan’s longevity in the rivalry, which began in 1897, has resulted in them securing more total wins than Ohio State.

Despite the intense periods of Buckeye success in recent decades, the Wolverines’ early and sustained victories throughout the 20th century have allowed them to retain a significant advantage, proving that the storied tradition has historically favored the team from Ann Arbor.

Led by head coach Ryan Day, the defending champions and top contenders for the title came into this matchup with an undefeated 11–0 record, fresh off a dominant 42–9 home win over Rutgers.

On the other side, Sherrone Moore’s squad picked up its ninth win of the campaign after a 45–20 road victory over Maryland and, so far, has recorded only two losses throughout the season.

Beyond the primary goal of securing a spot in the upcoming playoffs, The Game stands on its own as a matchup everyone is desperate to win. This isn’t just another contest — it’s a chance to prove who truly rules this electrifying rivalry.

The masters of The Game

A historic showdown, a rivalry unmatched in college football. The Wolverines and the Buckeyes are two of the sport’s most iconic programs, and their clashes tend to ignite sparks not only on the field, but off it as well.

In a rivalry that dates back to 1897—when the Wolverines won the inaugural meeting 34–0—Michigan and Ohio State have faced off a total of 119 times. The Wolverines have come out on top 62 times, the Buckeyes have claimed 52 victories, and six matchups have ended in a tie.

Moore’s team not only holds the historical edge over Ohio State, but has also taken the last four editions of the rivalry, until today. Their most recent meeting ended in a 27–9 Ohio State victory.

Historical dominance

The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes is rich with history. Michigan holds the record for the largest margin of victory, a decisive 86-0 shutout in 1902. In comparison, the largest margin of victory for Ohio State came in 1935 with a score of 38-0.

Regarding winning streaks, Michigan secured the longest one early on, winning nine straight games from 1901 to 1909. More recently, Ohio State established their longest streak by dominating the matchup for eight consecutive years, from 2012 to 2019.