introduction to michigan wolverines football vs ohio state buckeyes football match player stats
If you’re searching for Michigan Wolverines football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football match player stats, you want the real numbers — not just the final score. This breakdown covers every key statistical category from the most recent edition of “The Game,” including passing yards, rushing totals, and standout individual performances from both sidelines.
The Buckeyes controlled this matchup from start to finish, and the box score tells a clear story about how they did it. Below, you’ll find a full statistical breakdown, position-by-position analysis, and context on what these numbers mean for both programs.
The Game 2025: Final Score and Overview
Ohio State defeated Michigan 27-9 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on November 29, 2025. The win pushed the Buckeyes to 12-0 on the season and secured their spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, while Michigan finished the regular season at 9-3.
This wasn’t a close contest. Ohio State out-gained Michigan 419 yards to 163, won the rushing battle 186-100, and converted 10-of-17 third downs compared to Michigan’s 1-of-9. It marked Ohio State’s first win over Michigan since 2019, snapping a difficult stretch for head coach Ryan Day against his program’s biggest rival.
Michigan vs Ohio State: Team Stats Comparison
Here’s how the two teams stacked up across the major statistical categories:
| Category | Ohio State | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 419 | 163 |
| Rushing Yards | 186 | 100 |
| Third-Down Conversions | 10-of-17 | 1-of-9 |
| Fourth-Down Conversions | 2-of-3 | 0-of-0 |
| Final Score | 27 | 9 |
Michigan never attempted a fourth-down conversion during the game, a sign of how conservative the Wolverines’ offense became once they fell behind. Notably, this was the first time since 2007 that Michigan failed to score a touchdown in this rivalry game.
Ohio State Buckeyes Player Stats
Julian Sayin (Quarterback)
Sayin had the best game of any player on the field. He passed for 233 yards on 19-of-26 passing with three touchdown throws. His efficiency and ability to hit big plays down the field were the difference-makers in the Buckeyes’ offensive attack.
Carnell Tate (Wide Receiver)
Tate led all Ohio State receivers with five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. His biggest play came in the third quarter — a perfect 50-yard touchdown pass from Sayin after he beat Michigan’s secondary, which effectively put the game out of reach.
Jeremiah Smith (Wide Receiver)
Despite dealing with an injury that limited his week of practice, Smith recorded three catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. His scoring grab came on a difficult fourth-and-5 conversion in the second quarter — a 35-yard touchdown down the right sideline that gave Ohio State a 10-6 lead.
Bo Jackson (Running Back)
Jackson was a key contributor to Ohio State’s ground game, helping the Buckeyes control the clock. He and Sayin powered an offense that shut down Michigan’s defense throughout the second half, including a decisive drive that covered 20 plays and 81 yards, eating nearly 12 minutes off the clock.
Special Teams
Jayden Fielding connected on a 24-yard field goal in the first quarter and added extra points throughout the game.
Michigan Wolverines Player Stats
Bryce Underwood (Quarterback)
Michigan’s true freshman quarterback, the nation’s top-ranked recruit, had a difficult outing. Underwood finished just 8-of-13 for a season-low 63 yards, adding an interception late in the game. The limited passing production restricted Michigan’s ability to generate explosive plays against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense.
Jordan Marshall (Running Back)
Marshall provided an early spark for Michigan’s offense. He opened the game with a 36-yard rush and later caught a pass for another 10 yards, helping set up Michigan’s first field goal.
Dominic Zvada (Kicker)
Zvada was Michigan’s most reliable offensive weapon in the first half. He connected on field goals of 45 and 25 yards, giving Michigan an early 6-3 lead before Ohio State’s offense took over.
Bryson Kuzdzal (Running Back)
Kuzdzal contributed to Michigan’s ground attack, including a 22-yard run that helped set up one of the team’s scoring drives. Still, Michigan managed just 100 rushing yards on 24 carries against the nation’s top-ranked run defense.
What These Stats Reveal About the Matchup
A few clear patterns emerge from this statistical breakdown:
- Third-down defense decided the game. Ohio State’s ability to consistently move the chains (10-of-17) while holding Michigan to 1-of-9 allowed the Buckeyes to control time of possession and wear down the Wolverines’ defense.
- Ohio State’s passing attack was more explosive. Three different touchdown throws from Sayin — including two 30-plus-yard scores — gave Ohio State scoring plays that Michigan’s offense simply couldn’t answer.
- Michigan’s run-first identity was neutralized. The Wolverines built their season around a strong ground game, but managing only 100 yards on 24 carries against Ohio State’s defense removed their primary offensive weapon.
- Discipline mattered in the red zone. Ohio State went 2-for-3 on fourth downs, while Michigan never attempted one — reflecting the aggressive, in-control nature of the Buckeyes’ offensive game plan.
Season Context: Why This Game Mattered
This wasn’t just another rivalry game. Ohio State entered as the defending national champion and improved to 12-0, likely securing a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. The win also propelled the Buckeyes into the Big Ten Championship Game against Indiana.
For Ryan Day, the victory carried extra weight. He improved to 2-4 all-time against Michigan, coming a year after Ohio State entered as a heavy favorite and lost to Michigan in Columbus — an upset that sparked speculation about his job security.
For Michigan, the loss ended the regular season at 9-3, with the Wolverines shifting focus to bowl preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most recent Michigan vs Ohio State football game? Ohio State won 27-9 at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025, improving to 12-0 on the season.
Who had the best individual stats in Michigan vs Ohio State? Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin had the best overall performance, passing for 233 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-26 passing.
How many rushing yards did Michigan have against Ohio State? Michigan managed just 100 rushing yards on 24 carries against Ohio State’s top-ranked run defense.
Did Bryce Underwood play well against Ohio State? No — Underwood had a season-low passing performance, finishing 8-of-13 for 63 yards with an interception late in the game.
Is Michigan vs Ohio State still considered college football’s biggest rivalry? Yes. Known as “The Game,” it remains one of the most-watched annual matchups in college football, with historical implications for conference titles and playoff positioning.
Conclusion
The player stats from Michigan Wolverines football vs Ohio State Buckeyes football tell a clear story: Ohio State’s balanced offense and third-down efficiency overwhelmed a Michigan team that couldn’t establish its usual ground-and-pound identity. Julian Sayin’s three-touchdown performance and a stout Buckeyes defense were the difference in a 27-9 win that reshaped both teams’ seasons.
Want more breakdowns like this? Check back for updated stats and analysis every time these two rivals meet on the field.
Also read Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs Michigan Wolverines Football Match Player Stats: Complete Breakdown