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Ohio State vs. Michigan final score, results: Buckeyes dominate rivals behind Julian Sayin to clinch Big Ten title berth

Jake Mozarsky

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Ohio State vs. Michigan final score, results: Buckeyes dominate rivals behind Julian Sayin to clinch Big Ten title berth image

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For 2,191 grueling days, the Ohio State Buckeyes had lived under the psychological weight of “The Game,” enduring four consecutive losses punctuated by a global pandemic, a national title for both programs, and the shadow of the sign-stealing scandal. That burdensome streak — and the immense pressure it created — wasn’t just snapped today; it was emphatically crushed under the cleats of a physical, focused and dominant Ohio State squad.

As the clock hit zero at Michigan Stadium, the No. 1 Buckeyes bullied the Wolverines all day, defeating No. 15 Michigan 27-9 to finally avenge four seasons of gridiron heartbreak. This was a statement game defined not by high-flying offense, but by relentless physicality, particularly in the trenches. After a shaky first quarter saw the Wolverines jump out to a 6-3 lead, the Buckeyes locked in, outscoring Michigan 24-3 the rest of the way and proving they were the superior team on the day.

The defensive performance was vintage Ohio State — the nation’s No. 1 defense — suffocating Michigan’s rushing attack in the second half. After surrendering more than 100 rushing yards early, the Buckeye front seven made critical adjustments and transformed the line of scrimmage, holding Michigan’s running backs to virtually nothing down the stretch as the Wolverines finished with negative rushing yards in the second half. That defensive masterclass allowed the offense to settle in, with quarterback and Heisman hopeful Julian Sayin shaking off an early interception to throw three touchdown passes, including a long bomb to wide receiver Carnell Tate that broke the game open in the third quarter.

For Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, the victory is a career-defining moment, lifting the weight of his 1-4 record against the Wolverines entering the day. The win secures the Buckeyes’ perfect 12-0 regular season, clinches a Big Ten Championship Game berth and — most importantly — provides the résumé-defining statement needed to guarantee a spot at the top of the College Football Playoff rankings. The team can now breathe a collective sigh of relief, having exorcised the demons of its longest losing streak in the rivalry since the late 1990s.

Ultimately, the dominant performance served as a declaration of power and purpose. After four years of bitter disappointment, the Buckeyes left no doubt the tide of the rivalry has finally turned. The 2,191-day nightmare is over, and the road to a national championship now runs firmly through Columbus.

AllSportsPeople followed all the action from Ohio State’s dominant effort at Michigan Stadium. Check out all the action below.

MORE: Julian Sayin has massive day as Ohio State cruises past Michigan

Ohio State vs. Michigan score

 

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Ohio State vs. Michigan live updates, highlights from 2025 rivalry game

Final: Ohio State 27, Michigan 9

3:30 p.m.:  Ohio State has ran all over Michigan today and ends it with a huge third down conversion.

For the first time in 2,191 days, Ohio State beats Michigan. In a dominant 27-9 effort, the Buckeyes finish an undefeated season and clinch a berth in the Big Ten Championship.

It was a 60-minute dominant effort by the No. 1 team in America.

3:23 p.m.:  On fourth down, Underwood throws an interception to Davison Igbinosun, and Ohio State can almost ice this game away.

The Buckeyes defense puts a cherry-on-top on an absolutely dominant day.

3:20 p.m.:  The Buckeyes opt to punt on a 4th & 5, and Michigan takes over with just over three minutes remaining.

3:15 p.m.:  Ohio State goes for it 4th & 1 inside its own territory, and to rub salt in the dagger convert it.

The Buckeyes are just draining down the clock and are minutes away from their first win over Michigan since 2019.

3:12 p.m.:  Tensions are starting to flare between the two teams as a fight breaks out. 

With 5:30 remaining, Ohio State faces a 3rd & 6.

3:06 p.m.:  The Buckeye defense is reminding America why it might be one of the best units in college football history.

It's only allowed three field goals today, and once again forces the Michigan offense to punt. With 6:36 remaining, Ohio State has the ball back.

Ohio State 27, Michigan 9

2:57 p.m.:  Though the Buckeyes only come away with three, it's now a three-score game.

Fielding comes in to drill a 23-yarder, and it's 27-9.

Underwood and Michigan, desperately needing a score, will take over with 8:10 remaining.

2:55 p.m.:  Ohio State is inside the 20 after a few runs.

The Buckeyes have been the more physical team since the first few drives and is close to making it a three-score game.

2:51 p.m.:  On 3rd & 2 right on the "Block M," Jackson bounces a carry outside and finds space. He takes it for 13 yards down to the Michigan 37.

End of the third quarter: Ohio State 24, Michigan 9

2:44 p.m.:  Facing a 3rd & short situation, Sayin scrambles out right. With plenty of time, he gets the first down.

At the end of the third, it's the Buckeyes who lead by 15. It will be 2nd & 11 to begin the fourth.

2:42 p.m.:  On 3rd & 1, Ohio State moves the chains with a short Jackson run.

2:35 p.m.:  Just like last drive, Michigan stalls out after a few first downs. The Wolverines face a 4th & 12 and have to punt.

Ohio State is up 15 with the ball back.

2:34 p.m.:  On 3rd & 9, Underwood tries targeting McCulley downfield, but it's incomplete. Though, there's a pass interference penalty, and Michigan is by midfield.

2:31 p.m.:  Michigan has a first down, and it's Underwood to McCulley again. It went for 14 yards. 

Ohio State 24, Michigan 9

2:26 p.m.:  Sayin has his third touchdown of the game, and it goes to his other superstar wide receiver.

On 2nd & 3, the quarterback has time to hit a wide-open Tate downfield, who strolls into the end zone. It's a 50-yard score, and Ohio State leads 24-9.

It's Tate's eighth touchdown of the season.

2:21 p.m.:  The Wolverines are near midfield after a 26-yard pass from Underwood to McCulley opens up the drive.

But, it comes to nothing. Michigan gains zero yards the next three plays, and the teams have exchanged punts to start the second half.

2:16 p.m.:  The Buckeyes faced a 3rd & 8, and while Sayin hit Klare, it's short of the sticks.

Ohio State opts to punt for the first time of the game on the 4th & short situation, and Michigan gets a huge stop to start the third. The Wolverines will have the ball at the 20.

2:12 p.m.:  On the first third down of the half, Jackson takes carry up the middle for a few yards. But, the Buckeyes move the chains.

2:10 p.m.:  The second half is underway in Ann Arbor.

Sayin and the Buckeyes have the ball first with an eight-point lead.

Halftime: Ohio State 17, Michigan 9

1:48 p.m.:  At halftime, the Buckeyes lead by eight in Ann Arbor. 

After Sayin threw an opening drive interception, he commanded three long scoring drives in a row. Michigan's only points are three Zvada field goals.

Ohio State will get the ball to begin the second half.

Ohio State 17, Michigan 9

1:44 p.m.:  The Buckeyes let the time run down and add onto the lead with a touchdown.

On third down, Sayin finds Inniss on an easy pitch-and-catch, and it's 17-9.

Sayin has two passing touchdowns after the opening interception.

1:34 p.m.:  Ohio State is knocking on the door at the two-minute timeout.

A Sayin pass to Jackson gives Ohio State a 2nd & short coming out of the break. The Buckeyes are looking to capitalize before the half.

Ohio State also gets the ball to begin Half 2.

1:33 p.m.:  On third down, Sayin has another huge completion. This time it's to Brandon Inniss for eight yards down to the Michigan 26.

1:30 p.m.:  Ohio State is near midfield after a deep completion to Will Kacmarek. Jackson takes a run 16 yards right after, and Ohio State is inside the 40.

Ohio State 10, Michigan 9

1:23 p.m.:  Arvell Reese will be a first round pick come April, and he makes a huge tackle for loss on second down.

Michigan goes nowhere on 3rd & 14, and Zvada comes out to kick a field goal.

He hits his third of the game, and Michigan cuts the deficit to one.

1:21 p.m.:  On 3rd & 6, Underwood hits Donovan McCulley on the left side right by the sticks for a first down.

1:19 p.m.:  With Marshall out, Bryson Kuzdal is Michigan's RB1. 

No. 24 takes a carry 22 yards to the Ohio State 36. The Wolverines are in business.

1:18 p.m.:  On third down, Underwood tries finding Andrew Marsh — who has emerged as Michigan's No. 1 wideout — downfield, and while it comes up incomplete, there's a pass interference on Jermaine Matthews Jr.

Michigan has a new set of downs.

1:17 p.m.:  Michigan star Jordan Marshall has dealt with a shoulder injury the last few weeks, and it seems to be bothering him here.

Marshall is not on the field with the Michigan offense.

Ohio State 10, Michigan 6

1:08 p.m. TOUCHDOWN:  Ohio State goes for it on 4th & 5 from the Michigan 35, and it's none other than the birthday boy: Jeremiah Smith.

Smith burns the corner on a go-route, and Sayin hits him a stride for a 35-yard touchdown. Ohio State has its first lead of the game.

This is Smith's 11th touchdown of the season, and it's a big one.

1:06 p.m.:  Sayin finds Tate again on third down. This time, it's a curl route to the right that goes for eight yards, and the Buckeyes are past midfield.

End of the first: Michigan 6, Ohio State 3

1:01 p.m.:  At the end of one, it's a 6-3 affair.

The Ohio State offense has the ball near midfield.

1:00 p.m.:  On 3rd & 7, Sayin and Ohio State convert. It's Carnell Tate right at the sticks, for his first reception of the game.

12:58 p.m.:  After the Ohio State score, Michigan goes three-and-out.

We have our first punt of the game, and the Buckeye offense has the ball back.

Michigan 6, Ohio State 3

12:52 p.m.:  Ohio State comes away with only three.

Sayin and co. Were inches away from the end zone, but Sherrone Moore's defense kept the ball out.

The Buckeyes were going to go for it on fourth down, but a false start penalty draws them back. Jayden Fielding comes in to hit a field goal, and it's 6-3.

12:43 p.m.:  Michigan's Jashawn Barham just took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty inside the red zone, giving Ohio State a new set of downs.

12:41 p.m.:  Ohio State has a budding star in true freshman Bo Jackson.

Here, he takes a carry for 36 yards inside the Michigan 5.

12:39 p.m.:  On 3rd & 2, Sayin and Ohio State move the chains. 

The quarterback rolls out to the right and hits Max Klare for a small gain, but the Buckeyes have a new set of downs.

Michigan 6, Ohio State 0

12:32 p.m.:  After the Michigan turnover, Ohio State once again stifles the offense inside the red zone.

Zavada comes in to hit a chip shot and Michigan leads, 6-0.

12:30 p.m.:  Marshall breaks off another big carry, and it's Marshall. 

The running back takes a carry to the left for 21 yards down to the Ohio State 11.

12:28 p.m.:  The Michigan defense opens up the game with a statement.

On the second play from Scrimmage, Sayin tries targeting Smith and it's jumped by Jyaire Hill. It's Sayin's first interception since Nov 8.

Michigan 3, Ohio State 0

12:22 p.m.:  Ohio State gets the stop after Michigan big run.

But, Dominic Zvada comes on to hit a 45-yarder to make the game 3-0.

Next up is Julian Sayin and the Ohio State offense.

12:18 p.m.:  On the first play of the game, Jordan Marshall breaks a huge carry up the middle. He takes it 36 yards all the way down to the Ohio State 39.

12:15 p.m.:  Ohio State has kicked off and we are underway in Ann Arbor. 

True freshmen Bryce Underwood and the Michigan offense take the field for the first time to face the No. 1 defense in America. 

12:08 p.m.:  The Wolverines and Buckeyes are on the field, and "The Game" is moments away.

12:05 p.m.:  One of the Michigan and NFL greats, Tom Brady, is in the house.

He joins a star-studded lineup that includes Charles Woodson, Derek Jeter and more in attendance.

12:00 p.m.:  Kickoff is moments away in the 121st edition of "The Game."

The No. 1 Buckeyes cap off a 12-0 season and a Big Ten Championship berth with a win.

With a Michigan win, the Wolverines inch closer to a College Football Playoff berth. 

11:50 a.m.:  The Wolverines have broken out their alternate all-blue uniforms for today's rivalry matchup.

Michigan wore these in both 2021 and 2023 in "The Game," both resulting in wins. 

11:47 a.m.:  Derek Jeter is on Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff," and the devoted Michigan fan discussed what the rivalry means to people and how it's one of the best in sports.

11:23 a.m.:  The last time Ohio State beat Michigan was in 2019, when the Buckeyes defeated the Wolverines 56-27 at Michigan Stadium.

11:17 a.m.:  Kickoff is less than an hour away, as Michigan looks to make it five straight wins in "The Game."

11:05 a.m.:  The Buckeyes will have both superstar wide receivers available for today's contest. According to Pete Thamel, Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are expected to play against Michigan.

Where to watch Ohio State vs. Michigan

Ohio State vs. Michigan start time

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 29
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. ET

Like every season, Ohio State and Michigan are slated for a noon kickoff on Saturday. The Game will kick off from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.

MORE: Ohio State will try to halt worst streak in a century against Michigan

What channel is Ohio State vs. Michigan on today?

  • TV Channel: Fox
  • Live Stream: Fubo

Fox will have the call for the 121st edition of the game. As part of Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff," Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt will be on the call, with Jenny Taft on the sidelines. Viewers looking to live stream can via Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Ohio State schedule 2025

DateOpponentResult/Time (ET)
08/30vs. TexasW, 14-7
09/06vs. Grambling StateW, 70-0
09/13vs. OhioW, 37-9
09/27at WashingtonW, 24-6
10/04vs. MinnesotaW, 42-3
10/11at IllinoisW, 34-16
10/18at WisconsinW, 34-0
11/01vs. Penn StateW, 38-14
11/08at PurdueW, 34-10
11/15vs. UCLAW, 48-10
11/22vs. RutgersW, 42-9
11/29at MichiganW, 27-9

Michigan schedule 2025

Date OpponentResult/Time (ET)
08/30vs. New MexicoW, 34-17
09/06at #18 OklahomaL, 13-24
09/13vs. Central MichiganW, 63-3
09/20at NebraskaW, 30-27
10/04vs. WisconsinW, 24-10
10/11at USCL, 13-31
10/18vs. WashingtonW, 24-7
10/25at Michigan StateW, 31-20
11/01vs. PurdueW, 21-16
11/15at Northwestern (Wrigley Field)W, 24-22
11/22at MarylandW, 45-20
11/29vs. #1 Ohio State

L, 9-27

MORE: Updated 2025 tiebreakers for Big Ten contenders

Staff Writer