One of the best moments for the Buckeyes last season was crushing TTUN. It was an absolute beatdown in the second half of the game, winning 27-9. In that game, Bryce Underwood was horrendous. He had a laughable stat line, managing just 8-18 for 63 yards and an interception.
It was great to see the defense swarm Underwood and keep him totally ineffective. Since then, things have gotten worse for him, as he lost his head coach and played poorly in the spring. Now he doesn't even have beating the Ohio State Buckeyes as one of his goals this year.
Bryce Underwood doesn't even think he can beat the Buckeyes in 2026
While appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Underwood listed his goals for 2026. Noticeably absent from that list is beating the Scarlet and Gray in late November.
"Of course. This thing right here (pointing at the national championship trophy). Heisman, being the best leader for my team."
First of all, it's funny that Underwood thinks he has a chance to win a national championship with the roster that TTUN is returning. His play might be the most mitigating factor in winning a title based on the numbers he put up last season. Their defense won't be as good, either.
Winning a Heisman would actually require being able to throw the football well. That's not something Underwood was able to prove he could do in his freshman season. He barely completed 60 percent of his passes and had just 11 touchdowns. How is he possibly making a leap to a Heisman Trophy season?
For a Michigan player, it was telling to have him not mention beating Ohio State in Columbus this year. It's clear that he doesn't even think he can do it. If he threw for just 63 yards at home, imagine how bad he will be in the most hostile environment he's ever seen.
The entire Ohio State football program is focused on beating TTUN and winning a national title
Every year, the Buckeyes have the same three goals: beat TTUN, win the Big Ten, and win a national title. Ohio State beat the Wolverines last season. They won a national title in 2024. They haven't won the Big Ten since the 2020 season, when they beat Northwestern.
Ohio State hasn't been able to accomplish all three goals in the same season. Ryan Day is very focused on doing all of those, and beating Michigan is the first of those goals that can be accomplished. Winning the Big Ten won't be easy with how tough their schedule is, though.
The Buckeyes have to play Indiana, USC, and Iowa on the road. They also have to take on Oregon in the Shoe. Beating TTUN should be easy, but the rivalry has seen plenty of upsets over the years. That game can't be overlooked, and no one in the locker room will do that.
Beating Underwood again might seal his fate as a college football bust after being the top overall recruit in 2025.
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