The Buckeyes have dropped four straight to Michigan. Every Buckeye knows it by heart. Last year’s loss stung, but fortunately, it motivated Ohio State to make a run to the natty. This year, there’s confidence. Ohio State is currently No. 1, and Michigan hasn’t looked that good. But not everyone has bought it. CFP pundit Van Lathan of The Ringer doesn’t see a path to victory. “Michigan beats Ohio State again this year.” A key reason for such claims is that the Wolverines are hosting “The Game” this year.

Last year, the Buckeyes were riding high hopes ahead of their matchup against Michigan. Everyone was wondering what Ohio State’s high-octane offense would do to the Wolverines. Instead, we got a slugfest, ultimately decided by a field goal. Some unpleasant scenes followed the 10-13 game. We can be assured of some similar tension this year. Interestingly, the current roster of Ohio State is elite. As it was last year. How does it fare in comparison to Michigan?

On September 12, 247Sports dropped a shocking roster comparison between Ohio State and Michigan. And the numbers tell a story: OSU boasts 14 five-star players, 55 four-stars, and 11 three-stars. But Michigan? Just one five-star, 46 four-stars, and 36 three-stars. Swanky Wolverine, a Michigan fan page, couldn’t hide their disbelief. But rather than blame Michigan’s recruiting, they used it to celebrate last year’s win.

“I still don’t get how a 2024 Michigan team this overmatched went into Columbus and shocked Ohio State (but I love it).” If you put aside the exceptions, better rosters win games in college football. Of course, the number of stars on a commit may not give us a full picture of how they’ll perform. But when that 5-star is Caleb Downs or Jeremiah Smith, it’s hard not to believe in the hype.

On the other side, Michigan got Bryce Underwood. He started the season well in Week 1, but didn’t look the part against the Sooners. The whole of Michigan didn’t seem like they came to play. Oklahoma bulldozed the Wolverines despite losing the turnover battle. Ohio State’s season so far has gone as well as they had hoped. A gritty win against the Longhorns, followed by a demolition of Grambling State. In both games, the stars showed in some fashion. The defense led by Caleb Downs was the story against Texas, and Julian Sayin stole the spotlight last week.

Ohio State’s latest maneuver

Ohio State is pushing for a bigger slice of B1G revenue, but it’s a tough sell. Any change would mean a cut for other conference members, and even with rising revenue, that “would be very difficult for the rest of the conference to accept,” according to Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY. Look, the B1G pulled in over $928 million in 2024, distributing about $63.2 million per longstanding member, more than the SEC. Here, next year, payouts are projected around $75 million per school, except for Oregon and Washington. Now, OSU is “one of college sports’ elite brands, capable of moving the needle,” yet there’s a “very real question” about its bargaining power because the Buckeyes have nowhere to go. But the challenge is leverage.

Matt Hayes noted the problem with Ohio State’s “we deserve the cash and they don’t” philosophy is clear: they have no leverage. And to demand more, a school must have options. Here, Hayes asked, “What are Ohio State and Michigan going to do? Threaten to leave for the SEC? Go it alone as independents? Please.” So, changing a century-old conference with ‘strict solidarity’ and zero leverage is no small task. Still, the spark is lit.

Blake Toppmeyer called it “how Big Ten football withers” and warned a push for more revenue could disrupt the super-conference power structure. Following that, OSU President Ted Carter even hinted the Buckeyes “could be deserving of a richer revenue distribution from the Big Ten.” Now, high-profile teams may push back, but some could be tempted to follow OSU into a super league, threatening the traditional order. So, the question remains: Can Ohio State get its way, or will the rest of the B1G hold firm?