Jack Sawyer, former defensive end for Ohio State, expressed a controversial viewpoint on a podcast about the rivalry with Michigan, stating that winning a national championship overshadows the significance of losing to the Wolverines. This sentiment, shared by fellow players, seems to challenge the long-held belief that beating Michigan is paramount for Buckeyes fans. Despite acknowledging the rivalry's importance, Sawyer suggested that the ultimate goal in football is to secure championships, equating success at the collegiate level to playoff seeding in the NFL.

However, Sawyer's previous commitment to beat Michigan during his tenure raises questions about this stance. With an 0-4 record against the Wolverines and the recent disappointment of a close loss, the notion that a national title can 'erase' the sting of rivalry defeats remains contentious. This narrative reflects a shifting mindset in college football, impacting fan sentiments and the historic significance of the rivalry itself.