Reacts Survey: Fans Divided on Michigan Basketball and Ohio State Playing Only Once Per Season
February 26, 2025
The age-old rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State has been a staple of college basketball, but recent scheduling changes have sparked debate among fans. A new Reacts survey shows that supporters are split on the decision for the teams to meet only once per season instead of the traditional home-and-home series.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The survey, conducted after the latest Big Ten scheduling announcement, revealed that while some fans are content with the change, others see it as a loss for one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.
Among the surveyed fans, 52% opposed reducing the rivalry to a single game per season, citing tradition and the importance of regular high-stakes matchups. “Michigan vs. Ohio State isn’t just a game, it’s an event. Playing only once takes away from the excitement and history,” said one respondent.
However, 48% supported the change, pointing to an increasingly crowded Big Ten schedule, expanded conference realignments, and the need to balance competition across multiple teams. “It’s disappointing, but with the new Big Ten teams coming in, adjustments had to be made,” another fan commented.
The Impact of Big Ten Expansion
With USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington joining the Big Ten in 2024, the conference’s basketball scheduling format had to be restructured. The shift has led to fewer guaranteed matchups between traditional rivals, including Michigan and Ohio State. Instead, the league is opting for a more rotational schedule, ensuring teams play a variety of opponents.
Big Ten officials have stated that the change is meant to promote fairness in scheduling and to give all teams a chance at balanced competition. However, critics argue that prioritizing new rivalries over historic ones could dilute the conference’s identity.
What’s Next for the Rivalry?
Despite the schedule change, the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State remains strong. The two teams will still meet at least once per season, and if both perform well, they could clash again in the Big Ten Tournament or even the NCAA Tournament.
The Reacts survey suggests that while fans are divided, they remain passionate about the future of the rivalry. Whether the conference revisits the scheduling format in the coming years remains to be seen, but for now, Michigan and Ohio State fans will have to make the most of their single annual showdown.