As the college football regular season winds down, the anticipation for the Ohio State vs. Michigan showdown is sky-high. This year, there’s a twist: Dave Portnoy, Michigan alum and Barstool Sports founder, and Urban Meyer, former Ohio State head coach, have put $1,000 on the line over the outcome.
Their wager isn’t just about bragging rights. The winner’s NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) fund gets the pot, turning a friendly bet into a boost for student-athletes. Let’s take a closer look at this high-stakes bet, the rivalry’s rich history, and what might unfold when these teams clash.
The Bet: Portnoy vs. Meyer
Portnoy and Meyer have upped the ante for this year’s game with their $1,000 bet. The loser has agreed to donate the money to the winner’s NIL fund, making things a bit more interesting—and generous.
Portnoy, never shy about his Michigan pride, revealed the wager during Week 14’s Big Noon Kickoff. He made it clear: the donation goes to the other school’s football program. Meyer, always confident, shot back that he fully expects to see Portnoy’s check.
What are NIL Funds?
NIL funds let college athletes earn money from their name, image, and likeness. It’s a pretty new thing in college sports, and it’s already making waves.
These funds can help student-athletes in a bunch of ways, from financial support to better training facilities. So, the Portnoy-Meyer bet isn’t just for show—it’s actually helping the players themselves.
Historical Context: Ohio State vs. Michigan
Ohio State vs. Michigan isn’t just any game. It’s “The Game”—arguably the most famous rivalry in college football. Every year, it shakes up the Big Ten and sometimes even the national rankings.
Ohio State has dominated lately, especially when Urban Meyer was at the helm from 2012 to 2018. During that stretch, the Buckeyes didn’t lose to Michigan once.
Recent Performance
Ohio State comes into this game with an 11-0 record and sits at No. 1 in the country. Michigan, meanwhile, is 9-2 and ranked No. 15.
The Buckeyes are hungry to break a four-game losing streak against the Wolverines. That only ups the stakes for both sides.
Key Players to Watch
As usual, the stars will have to shine. For Ohio State, quarterback C.J. Stroud has been lights out, leading the team with sharp passing and poise.
Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg has anchored the defense, making big stops and keeping opponents in check.
Michigan’s Standouts
Michigan’s hopes ride on quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who’s had his share of highlight moments this season. Running back Blake Corum has been relentless, racking up yards and finding the end zone when it matters.
On defense, Aidan Hutchinson leads the charge. He’ll have to be on top of his game to slow down Ohio State’s explosive offense.
Game Day Information
This much-hyped matchup goes down on the last Saturday of the college football regular season. Kickoff is at 12 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app.
With both teams eyeing the Big Ten crown—and maybe a playoff spot—the atmosphere should be electric.
How to Watch
If you can’t make it to the stadium, there are plenty of ways to watch. The game’s on FOX, and you can stream it on the FOX Sports app too.
Highlights and updates will be all over sports news sites and social media, so you won’t miss a beat.
Conclusion
The Ohio State vs. Michigan game is always a highlight. This year, it feels even bigger somehow.
A $1,000 bet between Dave Portnoy and Urban Meyer is adding a bit of extra spice. Fans are buzzing about it, and honestly, who can blame them?
Both teams are desperate to lock in a spot in the Big Ten championship. The College Football Playoff is hanging in the balance, too.
If you’re planning to watch, you won’t be alone. For more on the bet and everything else swirling around this matchup, check out the full story on FOX Sports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
