In a major development for college football fans, Ohio State has opened as a 9.5-point favorite over Michigan for their highly anticipated rivalry game, The Game, next season. This early betting line, released by sportsbooks, underscores the intense attention on the Big Ten clash, which has often served as a de facto playoff play-in over recent years.
Ohio State’s favored status comes despite Michigan winning the last two meetings, including a commanding 30-24 victory in 2024. The Buckeyes will aim to reclaim dominance in the rivalry as head coach Ryan Day and his squad prepare to face a Michigan team led by Jim Harbaugh, whose return to Ann Arbor for another season was confirmed amidst speculation of NFL interest.
Key factors influencing the early odds include Ohio State’s roster depth and a strong recruiting class, along with uncertainties surrounding Michigan’s potential losses to the NFL Draft. Both programs are expected to compete for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.
The Game, scheduled for November 2025 at Michigan Stadium, remains one of the most anticipated matchups in college football, drawing fans and analysts eager to see if the Buckeyes can back up their early favorite status.
