Historical Feat: Michigan Sweeps Ohio State on the Road Across Four Major Sports for First Time Since 1988–89
The University of Michigan has made history during the 2024–25 academic year, accomplishing a feat not seen in over three decades. For the first time since the 1988–89 school year, the Wolverines have defeated their archrival, Ohio State, on the road in football, men’s basketball, hockey, and baseball — all within the same academic calendar. This rare and remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the depth, competitiveness, and resurgence of Michigan athletics across the board.
The Michigan–Ohio State rivalry is one of the most storied and heated in college sports. Wins in Columbus are always hard-earned, regardless of the sport, and sweeping four of the most prominent men’s athletic contests on Buckeye soil is nothing short of historic. The last time Michigan pulled off this kind of dominance in enemy territory was in the 1988–89 academic year — a generation ago.
The sweep began with the biggest game of them all: football. In November 2024, Michigan traveled to Ohio Stadium and defeated the Buckeyes in a highly anticipated edition of “The Game.” This marked Michigan’s second consecutive road victory in Columbus, continuing a recent streak of dominance and securing a pivotal win with postseason implications. Under the leadership of new head coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines showed resilience and poise in one of college football’s most hostile environments.
In men’s basketball, Michigan notched a crucial road victory at Value City Arena in early 2025. Wins in Columbus have been rare for the Wolverines over the past decade, but this performance signaled a potential turning point for the program. With strong defensive effort and timely scoring, Michigan outlasted the Buckeyes in a tightly contested Big Ten battle, checking off the second leg of the historic sweep.
On the ice, the Michigan hockey team traveled to face Ohio State and delivered a hard-fought victory in the heart of Buckeye territory. The Wolverines, a perennial national powerhouse in hockey, showcased their speed, physicality, and discipline to outduel the Buckeyes and add another tally to their impressive season. The win served not only as a rivalry triumph but also a critical result in the Big Ten hockey standings.
Completing the historic sweep was the Michigan baseball team, which secured a dramatic win over Ohio State at Bill Davis Stadium in the spring of 2025. In a game with emotional and postseason stakes, the Wolverines displayed grit and timely hitting to walk away victorious, etching their name into history as the fourth and final piece of the rare road conquest.
Beyond the individual victories, this four-sport sweep underscores the exceptional state of Michigan athletics. It speaks to the program’s consistency, coaching stability, and ability to compete at the highest levels across multiple sports. It’s also a powerful statement in the ongoing rivalry — one that defines the identity of both schools.
For fans, alumni, and athletes alike, the 2024–25 school year will be remembered as a banner moment in Michigan sports history. Not only did the Wolverines win — they did so on the road, in the heart of enemy territory, across every major men’s sport.
After 36 years, Michigan’s long wait is over — and the Maize and Blue have once again proven their championship spirit in the most defining way possible.