It is a strange quirk of geography and tradition that the two oldest universities in the state of Ohio rarely actually meet on the football field. When you talk about Ohio State v Ohio, you aren't talking about a back-and-forth rivalry where the win-loss column is even. Honestly, it is one of the most lopsided series in college football history if you just look at the scoreboards. But for folks in Athens and Columbus, the "Battle of Ohio" carries a weight that stats can't quite capture.
Most people assume Ohio State just bullies the smaller school from the MAC. Basically, that's true. But if you dig into the history, especially the 2025 matchup and the infamous mascot brawl of 2010, there is a deep-seated resentment that makes this game feel way more personal than a typical "buy game."
The 2025 Clash: A Reality Check at the Horseshoe
On September 13, 2025, the Ohio Bobcats rolled into Ohio Stadium to face a top-ranked Buckeyes squad. For a while, it looked like we might have a repeat of the 2008 scare. The Buckeyes were sloppy early on, settling for field goals and struggling to find a rhythm.
Then came the moment that woke up the 105,765 fans in attendance. Just two plays into the second half, Ohio quarterback Parker Navarro found Chase Hendricks for a 67-yard touchdown. Suddenly, the score was 13-9. You could hear a pin drop in the Horseshoe. For about ten minutes, it felt like the Bobcats might actually pull off the impossible.
But elite depth usually wins out. Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes' young signal-caller, found his groove, connecting with Jeremiah Smith for a 47-yard score that effectively broke the Bobcats' spirit. The final was 37-9, a score that looks comfortable on paper but felt much more tense for three quarters.
Why Ohio University Fans Still Call Themselves "The Original"
If you want to annoy an Ohio State fan, remind them that Ohio University was founded in 1804. That’s nearly 70 years before the school in Columbus even existed. This is the root of the Ohio State v Ohio friction.
There is a legendary bit of legal drama that most people forget. In 1997, Ohio State actually tried to trademark the word "Ohio" for use on its athletic jerseys. The school in Athens—rightly so—found this ridiculous. They had been "Ohio" since before the Civil War. While the legal battle eventually settled into a coexistence, the "Original" tag became a badge of honor for the Bobcats.
The Mascot Brawl: When Rufus Attacked Brutus
You can't discuss this series without mentioning September 18, 2010. It is arguably the most famous mascot fight in sports history. Brandon Hanning, the student inside the Rufus the Bobcat costume, had one goal: tackle Brutus Buckeye.
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He didn't just stumble into him. He waited. He stalked. And as Brutus led the Buckeyes onto the field, Rufus launched a full-body tackle that shocked the stadium. Hanning was later banned from Ohio University athletics, but he became an instant folk hero in Athens. It was a physical manifestation of the "little brother" finally snapping.
Looking at the Numbers (They Aren't Pretty)
Let's be real: on the field, it hasn't been much of a contest. Ohio State has never lost to Ohio University in football. Not once.
- First Meeting: 1899 (Ohio State won 41-0)
- Total Meetings: 8
- All-Time Series Record: 7-0 in favor of Ohio State (one win in 2010 was vacated due to NCAA violations)
- Closest Game: 2008 (Ohio State won 26-14 after trailing in the fourth quarter)
In basketball, the story is a bit more nuanced. While Ohio State still holds the edge, the Bobcats have pulled off upsets that stung. The 1994 Preseason NIT is a prime example, where Gary Trent (the "Shaq of the MAC") helped Ohio University take down the Buckeyes in front of a stunned Columbus crowd.
The Cultural Divide Between Athens and Columbus
Athens is a sleepy, hilly town in Southeast Ohio, known for its "fest" culture and the bricks of Court Street. Columbus is a sprawling tech and government hub. When Ohio State v Ohio happens, it's a clash of cultures.
Many Bobcat fans grew up in the shadow of the Horseshoe but chose the smaller, more intimate atmosphere of OU. They carry a chip on their shoulder about the Buckeyes' perceived arrogance. On the other side, Buckeye fans often view Ohio University as a "party school" that should just be happy to share the same zip code.
What to Watch for in Future Matchups
The landscape of college football is changing with the 12-team playoff and NIL, but these in-state games remain vital for the local economy. For the Bobcats, a game against Ohio State is a multi-million dollar payday that funds their entire athletic department for the year. For the Buckeyes, it’s a chance to keep the "State of Ohio" recruiting fence strong.
If you're heading to a future matchup, keep an eye on these specific dynamics:
- Recruiting Overlaps: Look for Ohio players who were "passed over" by the Buckeyes. They usually play with a different level of violence.
- The Band Performance: The Ohio University "Marching 110" is widely considered one of the best in the country. Their halftime show often rivals the "Best Damn Band in the Land."
- The Third Quarter Slog: Historically, the Bobcats stay competitive through the first half. The gap in depth usually shows up midway through the third.
While the "rivalry" is one-sided in the win column, it remains the most fascinating domestic dispute in Ohio sports. It's a battle for respect, history, and the right to be called "Ohio."
For those following the series, the best way to stay updated is to monitor the official athletic schedules for both schools, as these games are typically scheduled 5-10 years in advance. Keep an eye on the Mid-American Conference (MAC) standings to see if the Bobcats are building a roster capable of that elusive first upset. You should also look into the history of the "O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act" if you're interested in the weird legal side of this in-state feud.