Ohio State Ends Losing Streak to Michigan, Secures No. 1 Ranking with Decisive Victory
ANN ARBOR,MI – November 30,2025 – Ohio State decisively defeated Michigan 31-14 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday,snapping a year-long losing streak to their rivals adn solidifying their position as the nation’s top-ranked team. The victory marks the Buckeyes‘ 16th consecutive win, a run characterized by dominant defensive performances and a newfound confidence under head coach Ryan Day.
The game began with a jarring 36-yard run by Michigan,prompting a surprised reaction from Day. “I said, ‘You have got to be kidding me right now, this is not what I expected at all,'” Day recounted.Early turnovers – an interception by Ohio State quarterback Will Sayin and a subsequent Michigan field goal – threatened to replicate the tense atmosphere of last year’s contest. However, unlike the previous encounter, the Buckeyes responded with continued aggression.
“It really, really came down to a sense of accomplishment and the fact we were going to play in this game, really, really hard, for the love of our brother, not the hatred of our opponent,” Day explained.
Sayin, who leads the FBS in completion rate, finished the game completing 73% of his passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. He was notably effective on crucial downs, converting 7 of 8 third and fourth down attempts for 74 yards and two touchdowns. Star receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, playing together for the first time since November 1st, contributed 122 yards and two touchdowns.
defensively, Ohio State continued its remarkable season, holding Michigan to just 14 points. The Buckeyes are now the first team since 1975 to allow 16 or fewer points in their first 12 games, including a season-opening 14-7 win against Texas.
The shift in attitude within the program has been noticeable as last year’s frustrating loss to Michigan. Players and coaches alike have described a change in Day’s approach, fostering open interaction and a more unified team dynamic.Day emphasized the clarity on the sideline, stating, “When there’s confusion, that’s where there can be infighting and all of a sudden guys start to act a certain way – and that didn’t happen at all. Even after a slow start, we felt good.”
The win not only breaks the losing streak but also positions Ohio State favorably for a potential national championship run. Day acknowledged he’ll scrutinize the game film for areas of improvement, but expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the program’s current trajectory.
