The Ohio State Buckeyes’ and the Michigan Wolverines’ football teams first faced off in October of 1897. Since then, the schools have formed and held one of the most heated rivalries in college football.
Now, it is more than just a football game. Ohioan and Michiganian football fans are head-to-head year-round, but the tension spikes every November leading up to THE game.
Ohio State and UMich students have each developed their own set of traditions to drive team spirit, motivation, and — hopefully — good luck.
One of the most iconic and widespread traditions across campus is crossing out all of the letter “M’s” on campus. Every “M” becomes an “X,” even the tiniest letters on the smallest signs, or the largest letters only reached with a ladder.
We asked Ohioans and Ohio State students to give their favorite rivalry week traditions on an instagram poll. Crossing out the “M’s” won the number one spot.
The second tradition was early mornings with friends. For many students, THE game is an all day event. It is not uncommon to get hype before and during the game with drinking, elaborate team outfits and makeup, tailgating, good food, and more. After the game, much activity continues whether it’s mourning a loss or celebrating a win.
We also must remember the beloved Mirror Lake jump that ended in 2015. It’s been 10 years since Ohio State closed off the lake after a fatal accident from the jump that year. It may be missed, but best for the safety of all students. It is a cherished Ohio State memory, and a representation of our historic team pride.
One current tradition missing from our poll results is the “Rivalry Run.” This tradition has happened annually since 2019. It is a run with two tracks to choose from, a 5K or one mile, organized by Block-O, the student section of Ohio State Athletics. It begins at the RPAC.
Another iconic tradition is the gold pants charm. Since 1934, if the Buckeyes beat Michigan, each player receives a small charm resembling a pair of golden pants. Despite only players getting the gold charms, it is representative of the Ohio State pride, and can be found as knockoffs or on OSU merch.
Up North, UMich has a dog named “Victor the frisbee dog” — representing his Wolverine relatives as the UMich mascot — and students are singing “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. To read more about the Wolverines’ traditions, Carly Old from the Her Campus Michigan chapter has an article all about their side of the rivalry excitement!
The rivalry is also used for good. Versiti teams up with the schools to host a Blood Battle, competing for which school can donate more blood!
This year, Ohio State students’ nerves are high. The Buckeyes have lost to their rivals for the past 4 years in a row. Even in 2024, ultimately making it as National Champions, the only game lost was against UMich.
This year, 2025,The Buckeyes will be playing in Ann Arbor, but Ohioans will be at home cheering on and taking their traditions seriously.