Michigan’s Underwood Downplays Ohio State Rivalry Ahead of 2026 Rematch

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is adopting a stoic mindset regarding the annual matchup against Ohio State. Despite the intense historical significance of the contest, the signal-caller referred to the upcoming game as “just another game” involving “guys in a different color” during a recent conversation with Comcast Corporation‘s NBC Sports.

The comments come months after the Wolverines suffered a 27-9 defeat at the hands of the Buckeyes in November 2025. In that contest, Underwood struggled to find a rhythm, completing just 8 of 18 pass attempts for 63 yards and an interception. Both his completion percentage and yardage totals marked season lows for the quarterback. Conversely, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

While Underwood publicly minimized the hype surrounding the event, he did acknowledge the rigorous physical and mental demands required to compete in the rivalry. He described the experience as a “blessing” but noted the necessity of maintaining strength and resolve throughout the contest. When pressed on his memories of the previous year’s loss, his assessment was succinct: “I lost.”

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on November 28, with Ohio State hosting the game. The Buckeyes have not secured a home victory against the Wolverines since 2018. As the date approaches, the matchup remains a focal point for college football fans and media partners like Comcast, whose Media segment continues to leverage high-profile sporting events for viewership.

Source: original release

What to watch

• The November 28 rematch at Ohio Stadium.
• Underwood’s performance improvements following his 2025 season lows.