Mason Graham, a Michigan star, says, “It hurts me to say that,” in a rare remark regarding the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Rivalries in college sports are often the heart and soul of a program’s identity. Few rivalries in the world of college football are as passionate and heated as the one between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes. For decades, the two teams have fought for supremacy in the Big Ten Conference, with each meeting carrying immense weight in the battle for conference titles, playoff berths, and bragging rights.

For players who come up through the Michigan program, the rivalry with Ohio State is more than just a game—it’s a battle for pride, tradition, and legacy. That’s why it’s particularly striking when a player like Mason Graham, a rising star on the Michigan defensive line, makes a rare and almost contradictory remark about their fierce rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes.

In an interview that has made waves among Michigan fans and college football followers alike, Graham said, “It hurts me to say that,” in reference to his views on Ohio State and the state of the rivalry. The comment, while seemingly simple, carries a depth of meaning that speaks to the complexities of college football rivalries and the fine line between fierce competition and mutual respect.

Mason Graham: Rising Star for Michigan

Before delving into Graham’s surprising statement about Ohio State, it’s important to understand who he is and why his words carry weight. Mason Graham is one of the bright young stars on the Michigan Wolverines’ defense. A former four-star recruit, Graham has quickly become a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ defensive line since arriving in Ann Arbor. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his combination of strength, quickness, and technique has made him a key player for Michigan. In just his first couple of years, Graham’s name became synonymous with a tough, physical defense that prides itself on dominating the line of scrimmage.

In addition to his on-field prowess, Graham has been lauded for his leadership and maturity, making his rare comments about Ohio State even more notable. In a sport where emotions often run high, and rivalries dictate much of the narrative, for a Michigan player to speak candidly about Ohio State—particularly in a moment of vulnerability or even begrudging respect—says a lot about the evolving dynamics of this historic rivalry.

The Michigan-Ohio State Rivalry: More Than Just a Game

The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry has long been one of the most iconic and intense in all of college sports. The two teams have met annually in the last game of the regular season, with the winner often taking home the Big Ten Championship and securing a berth in the College Football Playoff. The animosity between the schools runs deep, and it’s not just about football—it’s about pride, state bragging rights, and history. Michigan and Ohio State have been rivals for well over a century, and that bitter rivalry only intensifies when the two schools take the field.

In recent years, the rivalry has taken on a new layer of significance, as Ohio State has traditionally dominated the matchup, with Michigan’s last win over the Buckeyes coming in 2011. That long stretch without a victory in the rivalry added fuel to the fire of Michigan fans’ frustrations, and the pressure on Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has only mounted as Ohio State continued to assert its dominance. However, Michigan finally broke through in 2021, with a decisive 42-27 victory over Ohio State in Columbus, ending a 10-game losing streak in the series and securing a trip to the College Football Playoff.

Despite the win, there remains an intense bitterness between the two programs, especially when Michigan fans look at Ohio State’s continued success under head coach Ryan Day. For players like Graham, the rivalry is personal. They are raised to see the Buckeyes as the ultimate enemy, and every season, the matchup is circled on the calendar as the game that could define the entire season. Therefore, to hear a Michigan player speak positively, or even respectfully, about Ohio State is a rare and surprising moment.

Graham’s Comment: “It Hurts Me to Say That”

So why did Mason Graham make such a rare and notable comment about Ohio State? What was the context of his statement, and how does it reflect on the current state of the rivalry? To fully appreciate the impact of his words, it’s essential to look at the surrounding circumstances and what prompted this statement from a player who, like many others at Michigan, has grown up with the rivalry being central to his identity.

In an interview, Graham was asked about his thoughts on the Buckeyes, particularly in light of Michigan’s rise to prominence in recent years. Michigan had won back-to-back Big Ten titles and had made consecutive College Football Playoff appearances, while Ohio State had fallen short in the playoff race in 2022. The conversation naturally turned to the rivalry, and Graham’s response took many by surprise. He said, “It hurts me to say that, but Ohio State’s a really good team. They’re one of the best programs in the country, and we’ve got a lot of respect for them.”

The words themselves weren’t shocking, as they reflected a professional and mature perspective. Graham didn’t say anything egregiously complimentary or suggest that Ohio State was untouchable. Instead, he acknowledged their program’s success and paid respect to their position within the landscape of college football. However, the fact that he, as a Michigan player, chose to utter such praise—especially given the venom traditionally directed toward the Buckeyes—was significant.

Breaking Down the Statement: Respect Amid Rivalry

What makes Graham’s statement noteworthy is the nuanced way in which he conveys respect for Ohio State while acknowledging the hurtful nature of that respect. “It hurts me to say that,” he said, and it’s important to understand why he phrased it that way. To a player like Graham, who has invested so much in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, acknowledging Ohio State’s excellence is akin to giving credit to the enemy. It’s a difficult pill to swallow for any Wolverine player, but it reflects a level of maturity and understanding of the game that goes beyond traditional rivalries.

At its core, Graham’s comment is a testament to the acknowledgment that Ohio State has earned its place among the elite programs in college football. Despite the rivalry, Ohio State has consistently been in the mix for national championships and playoff berths. The Buckeyes are one of the most dominant teams of the modern era, and their success cannot be ignored. For Graham to admit that is a sign of growth, both personally and as a player. It shows that while the rivalry remains intense, there is an understanding that respect is earned, not freely given.

Moreover, Graham’s words suggest that he recognizes the importance of Ohio State’s presence in the rivalry. After all, a rivalry is only as meaningful as the competition it brings. For Michigan to truly feel the satisfaction of victory over Ohio State, the Buckeyes must be at their best. Graham’s comment underscores the idea that the Wolverines and Buckeyes are locked in a constant battle for supremacy, with both programs elevating each other through their fierce competition.

The Evolution of the Michigan-Ohio State Rivalry

Graham’s remarks also reflect the evolution of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. For years, Ohio State has been the dominant force in the Big Ten, with Michigan striving to catch up. However, with Michigan’s recent successes under head coach Jim Harbaugh, including their first victory in Columbus in over a decade, there has been a shift in the power dynamic. Michigan is now firmly back in the national conversation, and the rivalry has taken on new significance.

Graham’s comments might be seen as a bridge between the old and new ways of thinking about the rivalry. While Michigan players and fans still hold a deep, intense hatred for Ohio State, there is also a growing recognition that the rivalry is not just about animosity. It’s about two elite programs competing at the highest level and pushing each other to be better. In this sense, Graham’s respect for Ohio State is an acknowledgment of that reality.

The Future of the Rivalry

As the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry continues to evolve, Graham’s comments offer a glimpse into the future of the matchup. The tension will always remain, but there’s a growing sense that both programs are now capable of pushing each other to new heights. For Michigan, the challenge is clear: continue to build on recent successes and maintain their status as a contender for national championships. For Ohio State, the goal is to reassert dominance and reclaim their place as the top team in the Big Ten.

As for Mason Graham, his maturity in addressing Ohio State with respect while still maintaining a competitive edge is a sign that the rivalry is transitioning into a new era—one where both teams understand the stakes, but also the importance of mutual respect. The tension, passion, and pride will always be there, but perhaps, in this new era of college football, there’s room for a little more respect between rivals.

In the end, Graham’s comment—“It hurts me to say that”—may be painful for a Michigan player to admit, but it’s also a sign of maturity and growth. The rivalry is still fierce, but for Graham, it’s clear that respect and competition go hand-in-hand, and that’s what makes the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry one of the greatest in sports.