As the college football season races toward its final stretch, the Ohio State Buckeyes are gearing up for a potential national championship. But, in a twist of fate that would be almost poetic in its irony, Ohio State might have to thank their arch-nemesis, Michigan, for helping them secure a spot in the national title conversation. While it may sound preposterous at first, there are several factors that suggest this rivalry may play an unexpected role in shaping Ohio State’s title hopes.
1. Michigan’s Dominance Provides Crucial Testing Grounds
For Ohio State to be considered a true national contender, the team must endure the grueling tests of a competitive regular season. The rivalry with Michigan, which has been a cornerstone of college football for decades, often serves as one of those tests. With Michigan emerging as a national powerhouse under coach Jim Harbaugh in recent years, the Buckeyes have been forced to elevate their own play. The 2022 game, in which Michigan defeated Ohio State at home, was a harsh wake-up call for the Buckeyes. The loss forced a reevaluation of strategy, focus, and player development, leading to an improved Ohio State team in subsequent years.
In other words, Ohio State’s path to the national title has often gone through Michigan—whether it’s through losses that prompt necessary improvements or victories that set them up for postseason success. In 2024, if Ohio State wins a national title, it will have benefited from this brutal competition that Michigan provides. The increased level of play from both teams raises the bar for Ohio State, making the eventual championship run that much more convincing.
2. Michigan’s Losses Improve Ohio State’s Resume
Perhaps the most direct way Michigan has contributed to Ohio State’s potential championship aspirations is through its own losses. If Michigan stumbles, especially in high-profile games, it opens the door for Ohio State to move up in the rankings. Take, for example, Michigan’s disastrous 2023 loss to an underdog team in the Big Ten Championship game. This shocker allowed Ohio State to leapfrog into a more favorable position in the College Football Playoff rankings. In such a scenario, even if Ohio State’s own performance wasn’t flawless, the ripple effect of Michigan’s missteps could be the catalyst that pushes the Buckeyes into a top-four position.
Michigan’s repeated strong seasons, as much as they’ve intensified the rivalry, have only highlighted how crucial the playoff positioning is within the Big Ten. If the Buckeyes are to secure a national title, they may owe part of it to the manner in which Michigan’s schedule unfolds—whether it’s a loss to a non-conference opponent or an upset in the postseason. The 2024 season is no different, with Ohio State closely monitoring Michigan’s every move and hoping for any chink in their armor.
3. The Psychological Edge from the Rivalry
Michigan’s success, particularly in recent years, has placed immense pressure on Ohio State. But pressure, as history has shown, can create diamonds. Every victory, especially in the high-stakes rivalry games, fuels a sense of urgency and pride within the Buckeyes’ locker room. If Ohio State ultimately wins a national title in 2025, their ability to remain mentally sharp, focused, and motivated will have roots in the fierce battle against Michigan.
The rivalry forces players to experience the extremes of both success and failure, building mental toughness. That mental fortitude is precisely what is needed in high-pressure postseason games where the margin between victory and defeat is razor-thin. If Ohio State captures a national title this year, there’s no denying that the emotional rollercoaster of facing Michigan has had a profound impact on their resilience and readiness.
4. The Motivation of Revenge and Redemption
If the Buckeyes are victorious in 2025, some may look back to the 2023 and 2024 seasons and see them as a time of redemption. For the past few years, Michigan has held the upper hand in this rivalry, and Ohio State’s players have had to endure the sting of those defeats. If Ohio State ultimately wins the national championship, it might be in part because of their desire to avenge those losses to Michigan—tapping into the raw emotion of rivalry to fuel their championship run.
It is not uncommon for a team to enter the postseason with a chip on its shoulder, seeking redemption for past failures. For Ohio State, the disappointment of Michigan’s dominance over them in recent years could serve as the fire that drives them to ultimate glory. The thought of finally proving themselves, after years of coming up just short, would add another layer of motivation as they chase the national title.
Conclusion: A Surprising Paradox
It’s an undeniable paradox—Ohio State, a program that has been a pillar of college football excellence, could very well owe part of its national title to its bitter rival. While the thought of thanking Michigan might seem like sacrilege to Buckeye fans, the reality is that the pressure, the tests, the psychological growth, and the unique opportunities presented by Michigan’s rise all play into Ohio State’s ability to make a championship run.
If Ohio State does win a national title, there’s a case to be made that Michigan’s contributions—whether through their victories, their defeats, or simply their presence on the schedule—could be a key reason for the Buckeyes’ success. It’s a twisted, yet fitting, chapter in the ongoing saga of this rivalry. Because in college football, sometimes your greatest adversary might end up being your greatest ally.