Ohio State and Michigan once dominated the Big Ten as the main rivals, but rivalry turncoats shifted the landscape, changing the dominance and dynamics entirely.
The college football rivalry between Ohio State University and the University of Michigan is one of the most storied and intense in American sports. Rooted in history, tradition, and fierce competition, this rivalry has long defined the landscape of the Big Ten Conference. For decades, Ohio State and Michigan stood as the primary powerhouses, shaping the conference’s identity, influencing national rankings, and fueling passionate fanbases.
However, over recent years, shifts have occurred. The emergence of rival turncoats—programs and coaches that once aligned with traditional rivalries but later shifted allegiances or strategic focuses—have altered the dynamics of the Big Ten. These changes have redefined the competitive hierarchy, challenging the long-held dominance of Ohio State and Michigan.
This essay delves into the origins and evolution of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, the influence of rivalry turncoats, and how these shifts have reshaped the Big Ten’s landscape, impacting college football at large.
The Origins of the Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry
A. Historical Roots
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry dates back to 1897, but it truly gained prominence in the early 20th century. Rooted in geographical proximity, cultural differences, and competitive ambition, the rivalry encapsulates more than just football; it symbolizes regional pride, state identities, and institutional legacies.
Michigan, established in 1817 and a founding member of the Big Ten, quickly became a powerhouse with a tradition of excellence. Ohio State, founded in 1870, emerged as a competitive force in the early 20th century, eventually rivaling Michigan for conference dominance.
B. Defining Moments
Throughout the 20th century, the rivalry produced iconic moments—such as the 1969 “Game of the Century,” the 2006 game with national championship implications, and numerous Heisman Trophy-winning performances by players from both programs.
The intense competition fostered a culture of excellence, with both programs investing heavily in recruiting, coaching, and facilities. The rivalry’s significance extended beyond the field, influencing regional identities and shaping the Big Ten’s national reputation.
C. Cultural Significance
For fans, alumni, and players, the Ohio State-Michigan game—traditionally played on the last Saturday of the regular season—became a defining event. The “Big Game” decided conference championships, bowl game berths, and often national titles.
The rivalry fostered traditions like “The Victors” fight song, “The Game” moniker, and iconic rivalry week festivities. It became a symbol of college football passion, tradition, and regional pride.
The Rise of the Big Two and the Shift in Power
A. Ohio State and Michigan as the Dominant Powers
For much of the 20th century, Ohio State and Michigan dominated the Big Ten, often winning conference titles and competing for national championships. Their success attracted top recruits, investment from university administrations, and heightened media attention.
The rivalry fueled a competitive cycle: wins in the Michigan-Ohio State game often decided the conference championship, and the winner frequently earned a spot in major bowl games, including the Rose Bowl.
B. The Impact on College Football
Their dominance helped elevate the Big Ten’s national profile. The conference was regarded as a powerhouse, with Ohio State and Michigan serving as flagship programs. Their success attracted top-tier recruits and generated significant revenue, sponsorship, and media deals.
C. Maintaining the Status Quo
For decades, the rivalry and the dominance of these two programs maintained a relatively stable hierarchy within the Big Ten. The conference’s national reputation rested heavily on their performances, and the rivalry itself became a defining element of college football’s cultural fabric.
The Emergence of Rival Turncoats and Changing Dynamics
A. Defining Rival Turncoats
In recent years, the term “rival turncoats” refers to programs, coaches, or players who, historically, aligned with certain rivalries or conference loyalties but later shifted allegiances, strategies, or regional allegiances for competitive, financial, or strategic reasons.
These shifts include schools moving from traditional rivalries to new conference alignments, coaches changing allegiances, or programs rebranding themselves to pursue national prominence outside traditional rivalries.
B. The Role of Conference Realignment
One of the most significant factors in shifting the Big Ten landscape has been conference realignment. The university presidents and athletic directors, seeking increased revenue and national exposure, have orchestrated moves that altered traditional rivalries.
The Big Ten’s expansion to include schools like Nebraska (2011), Maryland and Rutgers (2014), and most notably, the 2024 additions of USC and UCLA, exemplify this shift. These moves have introduced new rivalries and altered traditional power structures.
C. USC and UCLA: The New Rival Turncoats
USC and UCLA, long-standing members of the Pac-12, are prime examples of rival turncoats. Their move to the Big Ten has reshaped the conference’s geography, revenue model, and competitive landscape.
Historically, USC and UCLA had rivalries within the Pac-12, but their transition to the Big Ten signifies a strategic shift. Their inclusion challenges the dominance of Ohio State and Michigan, especially as they bring nationally prominent football programs with rich histories.
D. Other Program Shifts
Other schools like Penn State (joined Big Ten in 1993), Maryland, Rutgers, and even programs like Nebraska have played roles in the evolving power dynamics. These schools, often viewed as “outsiders” initially, have contributed to a more diverse and competitive conference landscape.
Impact on Ohio State and Michigan
A. Threats to Traditional Dominance
The influx of new programs and increased competition has challenged Ohio State and Michigan’s long-standing dominance. Schools like Penn State, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota have become more competitive, reducing the ease with which Ohio State and Michigan could dominate.
B. New Rivalries and Scheduling Challenges
The addition of USC and UCLA introduces new high-profile matchups, potentially overshadowing traditional rivalries. Ohio State and Michigan now face formidable opponents with different styles, recruiting territories, and fanbases.
C. Financial and Cultural Shifts
The new conference alignments have increased revenue sharing and media exposure for all schools but also altered traditional rivalries. Ohio State and Michigan now compete in a broader national context, which can dilute the intensity of their local rivalries or transform their significance.
Broader Implications for College Football and the Big Ten
A. The Changing Face of Conference Power
The Big Ten’s expansion reflects a broader trend in college football: the pursuit of revenue and national prominence often eclipses regional rivalries. Schools are increasingly prioritizing television markets, brand expansion, and financial stability over historic rivalries.
B. The Decline of Traditional Regionalism
While regional identity remains important, the modern landscape emphasizes national branding. The Big Ten, once a Midwestern-centric conference, now positions itself as a national league with broad appeal, similar to the SEC’s expansion strategies.
C. The Future of College Football Rivalries
The shifting landscape raises questions about the future of traditional rivalries. Will they be maintained through annual games, or will they become periodic events overshadowed by conference schedules? Some rivalries, like Ohio State-Michigan, are deeply ingrained and likely to endure, but others may fade.
D. The Rise of a New Power Hierarchy
With USC and UCLA, along with other programs, entering the Big Ten, the balance of power shifts. The conference now boasts multiple national contenders, making the Big Ten a more competitive and unpredictable league.
The Cultural and Emotional Impact
A. Fanbase Reactions
Fans of Ohio State and Michigan cherish their rivalry as a cultural touchstone. The inclusion of new programs and the reshuffling of schedules can evoke nostalgia but also concern over losing traditional matchups’ significance.
B. The Identity of the Big Ten
The conference’s identity is evolving from a regional Midwestern league to a national powerhouse. This transition influences recruiting, media rights, and the cultural perception of college football in the Midwest and beyond.
C. The Athletic and Academic Balance
While the focus remains on athletic excellence, the expansion raises questions about maintaining academic standards, institutional values, and regional identity amidst increasing commercialization.
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry has long symbolized the heart of college football, embodying regional pride, tradition, and competition. For decades, these two programs defined the Big Ten’s identity and set the standard for excellence in college athletics.
However, the landscape is shifting. The emergence of rival turncoats—schools and programs that alter allegiances and strategic focuses—has transformed the conference’s power dynamics. The inclusion of USC and UCLA, along with the broader trend of conference realignment driven by financial incentives, has redefined the hierarchy within the Big Ten.
These changes reflect a broader evolution in college football—one driven by media revenue, national branding, and strategic expansion—often at the expense of regional rivalries and traditional identities. While historic rivalries like Ohio State-Michigan are likely to endure due to their cultural significance, their context and implications are transforming.
Ultimately, the Big Ten’s landscape now resembles a complex chessboard, with new contenders and shifting alliances. The dominance once held solely by Ohio State and Michigan is giving way to a more competitive, diverse, and nationally oriented league. This evolution promises exciting opportunities and challenges for players, coaches, fans, and institutions alike.
As college football continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics is essential. The rivalry that once defined the Big Ten is now part of a larger narrative about change, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport’s modern era.
