The Big Ten owns the last two college football national championships, with Michigan and Ohio State claiming titles in 2023 and 2024, respectively. But despite the Buckeyes' recent national crown, their ongoing losing streak to the Wolverines in The Game -- now at four consecutive defeats -- still looms large in the rivalry.

Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith emphasizes Michigan rivalry’s intensity at Big Ten media days, insisting The Game remains crucial despite playoff success.