In 2024, after Michigan defeated the No. 2 Ohio State for the fourth straight year, a fight broke out that would cost the universities $100,000 each and embroil them in a national debate about sportsmanship.
The fight ended up being one of the rivalry's most intense moments after one of the Buckeyes' all-time upset losses, falling 13-10 to the unranked Wolverines.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn 2025, Ohio State faces Michigan in Ann Arbor on Nov. 29, attempting to break the four-game losing streak that has haunted Buckeye fans and caused the biggest speed bump in the Buckeyes' 2024 national championship run.
How the postgame incident unfolded:
After the game ended, OSU head coach Ryan Day and Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore shook hands at midfield.
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day and Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore shake hands at midfield following Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium.The Buckeyes players and coaching staff gathered in front of the South Stands for the postgame tradition of singing "Carmen Ohio."
While the band was playing, Wolverines players headed to midfield to celebrate. The players had multiple Michigan flags with them and tried to plant a large flag inside the center of the Block O.
Michigan Wolverines players celebrate at midfield just before pretending to plant a flag on the field.The Wolverines mimed planting their flag in the turf as OSU players approached. Officers and some others appeared to attempt to hold the OSU players back but were unsuccessful.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA chaotic scuffle involving multiple players ensued. After about 30 seconds, these skirmishes were broken up and both teams milled on the field.
There were about 30 seconds of relative calm, but a Wolverines player was still parading the large Michigan flag around the field.
Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer grabbed the flag and ripped it away as the crowd at Ohio Stadium cheered.
Jack Sawyer throws the captured Michigan flag.This led to more fighting between the two teams.
But it wasn't long befpre staff for both teams and a large number of officers managed to get between the two teams.
Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis pulls defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) out of the melee.Amid this second wave of fighting, some officers deployed pepper spray on players from both teams.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOfficers were present from multiple agencies, including the Ohio State University Police, University of Michigan Police and Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
A University of Michigan police officer sprays pepper spray as Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes fight following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.In one video online, a Michigan officer is seen directing pepper spray at OSU players and then a Franklin County Sheriff's deputy sprayed into the air toward Michigan players as they shout at players to get back.
The two teams then went back to their locker rooms.
The whole incident lasted less than four minutes.
The original reporting of this story is from Dispatch reporters Sheridan Hendrix and Jordan Laird.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Recapping the 2024 Ohio State-Michigan football postgame brawl
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