Ann Arbor, November 28, 2025
Week 14 of the 2025 college football season features Rivalry Week on November 29, highlighted by the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes facing No. 15 Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, with high stakes impacting conference championships and College Football Playoff positioning.
Ohio State vs. Michigan: The Centerpiece of Rivalry Week
The marquee game of Week 14 pits the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes against the Michigan Wolverines, who hold the No. 15 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. This contest takes place at Michigan’s home field in Ann Arbor and carries profound implications. Michigan, the reigning national champions, seeks to overcome its recent struggles against Ohio State. A victory would boost Michigan’s prospects for the Big Ten Championship and enhance their positioning for major postseason opportunities. For Ohio State, a win secures their national title aspirations and fortifies their CFP seeding.
Rivalry Week’s Broader Significance
Rivalry Week traditionally determines final conference standings and identifies contenders for conference championship games, held the following week. These high-stakes matchups often feature historic rivalries that blend intense competition with crucial playoff ramifications. The outcomes of these games collectively shape the College Football Playoff landscape, influencing which teams qualify and their subsequent rankings.
Other Key Rivalries Impacting the Season
Beyond the Ohio State-Michigan game, Rivalry Week features multiple significant contests affecting conference races. Among these is the Pac-12 rivalry between No. 25 Arizona State and Arizona. Additionally, high-ranked teams such as No. 5 Texas Tech face West Virginia, while No. 10 Alabama and No. 9 Notre Dame are engaged in key regional rivalries. Each game contributes to the complex equation that will finalize conference championship participants and playoff seeds.
Impacts on Conference Championships and Playoff Prospects
Victories in Rivalry Week are decisive for teams aiming to secure or improve seeding in their respective conference championship games. The results directly influence postseason trajectories, including College Football Playoff invitations and bowl placements. As teams vie for these last critical wins, the November 29 slate will be decisive in determining the national championship picture and conference title holders.