Michigan Fans Rejoice as 2,000-Day Winning Streak Over Ohio State Continues
It’s a milestone day for Michigan football faithful—not just because there are 100 days left until the 2025 college football season kicks off, but because it’s officially been 2,000 days since Ohio State last triumphed over the Wolverines on the gridiron.
The last time Ohio State beat Michigan was on November 30, 2019, when the Buckeyes dominated with a 56–27 victory in Ann Arbor. That defeat marked the eighth straight loss for the Wolverines in the rivalry, leaving Michigan fans disheartened. But since then, the tides have dramatically turned. Michigan has reeled off four consecutive wins in “The Game,” marking one of the most dominant stretches in the program’s long and storied history.
Here’s a look back at how Michigan has turned the rivalry on its head:
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2021: Michigan 42, Ohio State 27
The 2021 game was a defining moment for Michigan football under then-head coach Jim Harbaugh. After nearly a decade of frustration against Ohio State, the Wolverines finally broke through with a powerful 42–27 victory in Ann Arbor.
Running back Hassan Haskins was the star of the day, tying a school record by scoring five rushing touchdowns. On the defensive side, Aidan Hutchinson was a force to be reckoned with, recording three sacks and setting a new single-season sack record for Michigan. This win snapped Ohio State’s eight-game win streak in the rivalry and ignited a new era of dominance for the Wolverines.
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2022: Michigan 45, Ohio State 23
If skeptics thought the 2021 win was a fluke, Michigan erased all doubt in 2022. Playing in Columbus, the Wolverines secured their first road victory over Ohio State in 22 years, and they did it in convincing fashion.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy had a breakout performance, throwing for 236 yards and three touchdowns. Remarkably, all three of those touchdown passes were 45 yards or longer—setting a record for the rivalry. Running back Donovan Edwards added to the fireworks with 216 rushing yards, including two massive touchdown runs of 75 and 85 yards. This emphatic 45–23 win proved Michigan was back—and here to stay.
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2023: Michigan 30, Ohio State 24
The rivalry returned to Ann Arbor in 2023, and while the game was tighter than previous contests, the result was the same: another Michigan victory.
With both programs eyeing the College Football Playoff, the stakes were high. Michigan’s 30–24 triumph propelled the team to an undefeated 15–0 season and its first national championship in the modern era. While not as flashy as the previous two wins, this game was perhaps the most significant due to what it led to: a perfect season and a title.
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2024: Michigan 13, Ohio State 10
By all logical measures, Ohio State should have dominated the 2024 matchup. They were widely considered a national championship contender and boasted one of the country’s most explosive offenses. Michigan, on the other hand, was in a rebuilding phase and statistically had one of the worst offenses in the country.
Still, when the two teams met in Columbus, it was the Wolverines who walked away victorious—again. Michigan, as a 21-point underdog, stunned Ohio State with a gritty 13–10 win. The Wolverines leaned on physicality, discipline, and mental toughness to overcome the odds. The loss sparked outrage among Ohio State fans, with some calling for head coach Ryan Day to be replaced.
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Looking Ahead to 2025
The next chapter of the rivalry will unfold in Ann Arbor, where Michigan will attempt to extend its win streak to five games. The 2025 matchup might not carry the same emotional weight it once did—especially since Ohio State showed in 2024 that a national title is still possible without beating Michigan—but the game still promises high drama.
On paper, Ohio State may enter the 2025 game as the favorite, but Michigan has consistently proven that these rivalry games are won on the field—not in preseason predictions. Regardless of records or rankings, “The Game” is always circled on the calendar and is one of the most anticipated events in college football.
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A Rivalry Redefined
The transformation of the Michigan–Ohio State rivalry over the past 2,000 days is one of the most fascinating narratives in modern college football. Once dominated by Ohio State, the rivalry has become a testament to Michigan’s resurgence, determination, and coaching evolution.
Head coach Sherrone Moore, who took the reins after Harbaugh’s departure, has continued to build on the foundation laid in the early 2020s. Michigan’s player development, mental toughness, and emphasis on physical football have turned “The Game” into a showcase for Wolverine pride.
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What This Streak Means
For Michigan fans, 2,000 days of bragging rights is more than just a number—it’s a symbol of a new era. It’s a mark of progress and perseverance, a turning of the page from years of frustration to sustained success. It has reignited passion among the fanbase and brought a renewed sense of pride to the program.
As the Wolverines prepare for another season, their recent track record against Ohio State serves as both a badge of honor and a reminder of what’s possible when preparation meets belief.
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Written by Chris Breiler, Managing Editor, Michigan Wolverines on SI
Published: May 22, 2025
