The Ohio State Buckeyes not only got clarity on their own identity during their 2026 spring game on Saturday, but TTUN also revealed itself. The Wolverines' results weren't the slightest bit pretty, though, to say the least.
From the looks of it, Kyle Whittingham's squad will have to rely almost entirely on the run, with quarterback Bryce Underwood dramatically underperforming and running back Savion Hiter looking every bit the part of a 5-star recruit.
Per CBS Sports' Brad Crawford, "Five-star running back Savion Hiter, the No. 21 player overall in the 2026 cycle, made his anticipated debut and looked the part. An aggressive, low-pad-level runner who showed physicality on each of his touches, Hiter will epitomize Whittingham's identity in Ann Arbor based on his rushing style and toughness ... Underwood was 3 for 9 for 22 yards in the first half and did not play in the second. He was not featured as a run threat, which is expected to be integral to Beck's scheme this season. Michigan returns 72% of its offensive production from a season ago, ranking sixth-best among Power Four teams, with 2,820 total yards from Underwood and 17 touchdowns."
Ohio State isn't facing a relevant rival in 'The Game'
Of course, TTUN isn't necessarily doomed because Underwood had a bad spring game. Things could look different at full speed with everyone in pads. Then again, Underwood simply may not work in Jason Beck's system.
In that case, maybe freshman Tommy Carr, grandson of former Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr, can step in and right the ship. If the likeliest outcome, neither having the offense where it should be outside of handing the ball off to Hiter, comes to fruition, then TTUN won't be relevant come "The Game" in Week 13.
The Oregon Ducks, Indiana Hoosiers, and USC Trojans are Ohio State's biggest threats these days. The Wolverines may have an artificial ceiling under Whittingham, and are likely to fade into the Big Ten's middle class in the years to come. Saturday was just more proof of the prevailing sentiment this offseason.
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