The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan enters a new phase as Dusty May and Jake Diebler push for more games.
The Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry Enters a New Phase with Dusty May and Jake Diebler Pushing for More Games
The rivalry between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines is one of the most storied and intense in all of college sports. While football has long been the centerpiece of this fierce competition, the landscape of the rivalry is evolving as new faces, fresh perspectives, and shifting dynamics come into play. As college basketball continues to grow in prominence, the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan in hoops has gained increasing attention. This is especially true as two young and ambitious coaches, Dusty May of the Florida Atlantic Owls and Jake Diebler of the Ohio State Buckeyes, seek to take their programs to the next level. With both teams eyeing more consistent success on the basketball court, they are now pushing for the inclusion of more games in this already thrilling rivalry.
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, often considered one of the fiercest in all of sports, has a legacy that extends across multiple sports — particularly in football. However, as college basketball continues to rise in prominence, the rivalry has become a significant aspect of the hardwood game as well. The addition of new faces like Dusty May and Jake Diebler, both of whom bring their own unique brand of intensity to the rivalry, is shifting the way fans view the competition, particularly in terms of how many times the two teams meet during the season.
The Origins of the Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry stretches back well over a century and has grown from a simple competition between two state universities to a cultural phenomenon. In football, this rivalry is particularly intense, with both teams historically being among the top programs in the country. Over the years, the rivalry has been defined by memorable games, controversial calls, and incredible individual performances. However, the passion and competition have transcended football, with Ohio State and Michigan consistently competing in other sports, most notably basketball.
The basketball rivalry has been just as heated as the football counterpart, albeit with somewhat less media attention and fanfare. Historically, Michigan has often had the edge in men’s basketball, but Ohio State has remained competitive, producing NBA-caliber talent and contending for national titles in various decades. As the two teams continue to battle on the hardwood, the intensity of their matchups continues to grow.
But now, with both teams going through periods of change, particularly in terms of coaching staff, fans are eagerly awaiting how the rivalry will shift in the coming years.
Dusty May: The Rising Star of Florida Atlantic and a New Challenge
Dusty May took the college basketball world by storm when he led the Florida Atlantic Owls to a historic run in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. After years of building a solid foundation at FAU, May’s team became one of the surprise stories of the year, capturing national attention. His rise from relative obscurity to national recognition has positioned him as one of the rising stars of college basketball coaching.
In particular, May’s emphasis on player development, team-first mentality, and defensive prowess has caught the attention of many. Despite not being in a power conference, May’s FAU team made its mark by beating some of the sport’s biggest names. What stood out about May’s style was his ability to maximize his team’s potential and make smart, calculated adjustments that enabled them to compete with more storied programs.
But now, with all eyes on him, May’s attention is beginning to turn toward the powerhouse programs of college basketball, such as Ohio State and Michigan. The Big Ten has long been home to some of the most storied basketball programs in the country, and for May, a future clash with the Wolverines and Buckeyes could be exactly what he needs to further elevate his reputation. May, though still early in his career, is eager to prove himself on the biggest stage.
As FAU continues to make its way through the ranks of college basketball, May’s focus on creating competitive matchups, including an increased emphasis on games against high-profile teams, has led to speculation that the rivalry with Ohio State and Michigan will play a key role in his plans moving forward. After all, success in games against schools like the Buckeyes and Wolverines is an essential stepping stone to national prominence.
Jake Diebler: The Young Architect of Ohio State’s Future
Jake Diebler, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has his own rising profile in the college basketball world. The young coach, a former player at Valparaiso, stepped into the role at Ohio State with the goal of restoring the program to its former glory. Diebler, who joined Ohio State’s coaching staff in 2017 as an assistant, was promoted to head coach with hopes that his strategic mindset and knowledge of the game would help Ohio State return to its elite status.
Diebler’s approach to coaching is centered around fostering a culture of competitiveness, discipline, and team-oriented play. With a blend of offensive and defensive acumen, Diebler is focused on creating a high-octane offense and a well-coached defense that will challenge opponents on both ends of the floor. His emphasis on building relationships with players and preparing them for the future, both on and off the court, has helped build Ohio State’s reputation as a program that excels in player development.
With the Big Ten’s top-tier programs frequently battling for top recruits and NCAA Tournament bids, Diebler’s presence at Ohio State provides the team with a level of consistency that can help them compete with elite programs. As one of the youngest coaches in the country, Diebler is tasked with navigating the often fierce competition in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, and his willingness to compete against the best — including the Michigan Wolverines — is essential for Ohio State’s long-term success.
More Games: Expanding the Rivalry for College Basketball’s Future
The Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry has always been about more than just the on-court results. The passionate fanbases, intense media coverage, and the long history between the two programs create a palpable atmosphere of competition every time they face off. However, one of the challenges with this rivalry in basketball has been its lack of frequency compared to other major rivalries like those in football. While the two teams have clashed regularly in Big Ten play, there has always been the desire to see more games that help build the narrative of this historic rivalry.
Both Dusty May and Jake Diebler have expressed interest in expanding the number of meetings between Ohio State and Michigan. For Diebler, playing against Michigan is about establishing Ohio State’s dominance within the conference and showcasing the strength of his program. After all, Michigan has long been a powerhouse in college basketball, and Ohio State’s success against them is a barometer of how strong the Buckeyes are as a whole.
May, on the other hand, views the prospect of facing Michigan as an opportunity to prove his worth on a national stage. As Florida Atlantic continues to rise, May is increasingly looking for opportunities to play against high-profile programs to challenge his players and push them toward new levels of competition. Playing against a team like Michigan would allow him to showcase his coaching style and, perhaps more importantly, compete against a program that has long set the bar for college basketball success.
The Big Ten’s Role in Shaping the Rivalry
While both coaches are pushing for more games between Ohio State and Michigan, the reality is that the Big Ten Conference is a key player in how these rivalries develop. The conference, which includes some of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the nation, has a history of fostering competition and shaping matchups that keep fans engaged. Expanding the number of games between Ohio State and Michigan would undoubtedly elevate the conference’s already intense basketball competition.
If the Big Ten embraces this idea, the rivalry could become an even more integral part of the college basketball landscape. More games between Ohio State and Michigan would provide exciting, high-stakes matchups that would captivate fans, increase viewership, and further solidify the importance of this rivalry in the basketball world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Rivalry
As college basketball continues to evolve, the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan stands to become a centerpiece of the sport in the coming years. With Dusty May and Jake Diebler pushing for more games and a higher level of competition, the rivalry is poised to enter a new phase. This is a rivalry that has defined many moments in college sports, but its future is equally bright, with both teams and their young coaches eager to prove their worth on the national stage.
Whether it’s more regular-season meetings or potential matchups in conference tournaments or the NCAA Tournament, the days ahead are sure to bring new and thrilling chapters to this historic rivalry. With a new generation of players, coaches, and fans fueling the fire, Ohio State and Michigan will continue to be at the heart of the college basketball conversation for years to come.
