Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is downplaying the significance of The Game, the school’s annual clash with bitter Big Ten rival Ohio State.
“It’s just another game,” Underwood told NBC Sports’ John Fanta. “Just, we’re guys in a different color. That’s how I see it.”
The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is widely viewed as the most fierce and storied feud in college football. They’ve met 121 times, with 14 of them coming when both were ranked in the top five.
Underwood struggled mightily against the Buckeyes in his first taste of the rivalry as a freshman last season, a 27-9 loss at the Big House. He went 8-for-18 for 63 yards with an interception in the defeat. He was also limited to just one rushing yard on six attempts.
“A loss,” Underwood said when asked to describe his first meeting against Ohio State. “That’s all it is.”
Michigan holds a 62–52–6 all-time edge against Ohio State. The 2026 contest between the Wolverines and Buckeyes will take place Nov. 28 at Ohio Stadium.
