‘It Hurts Me to Say That’ – Michigan Star Mason Graham Makes a Rare Admission About the Ohio State Buckeyes

The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes is one of the most storied and intense in college football. Every year, fans, players, and coaches alike circle the date of “The Game” on their calendars, eagerly anticipating the epic clash between these two proud programs. For Michigan’s star defensive lineman, Mason Graham, this rivalry is personal. As a Michigan native, Graham understands the weight of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, having grown up hearing the stories of the fierce battles that have unfolded between the two teams over the years.

In the midst of all the passion, pride, and intensity that accompanies “The Game,” it’s rare for a player to step outside the fierce, combative mentality of the rivalry to offer any kind of positive or complimentary statement about their archrivals. However, Mason Graham recently did just that. In a surprising and rare moment of reflection, Graham admitted something that left fans on both sides of the rivalry talking: he praised the Ohio State Buckeyes.

“It hurts me to say that,” Graham said with a grin, acknowledging the awkwardness of admitting something positive about Ohio State. “But I respect their program. They’re a great team. They’re always tough, they always bring their best, and they’re a well-coached group.”

While Graham’s admission was a rare moment of acknowledgment, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean he’s going to back off from his relentless drive to defeat Ohio State. Far from it. The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry remains the most important game on his calendar, but in an era of extreme competition and mutual respect among elite programs, acknowledging the quality of the opposing team doesn’t diminish the passion for the rivalry. In fact, it shows how much Graham respects the challenge the Buckeyes pose each season.

In this article, we’ll dive into the implications of Graham’s comments, explore why he made such a rare admission, and examine the relationship between Michigan and Ohio State that continues to evolve. Additionally, we’ll look at the state of both programs leading into the 2024 season and the impact this rivalry will have on the College Football Playoff (CFP) race.

A Rare Moment of Respect in a Rivalry Built on Intensity

When Mason Graham made his comments about Ohio State, many fans of both programs took to social media to express their surprise and curiosity. It’s not every day that a Michigan player openly acknowledges the quality of the Ohio State football program, especially considering the fierce nature of the rivalry. The Michigan-Ohio State game is often characterized by trash talk, fierce competition, and intense animosity. For Graham to make a comment like this, however, shows a level of maturity and respect that speaks to his character as a player.

Graham’s admission of respect for Ohio State wasn’t just about the team’s talent on the field or its recent success, which has included multiple Big Ten championships and playoff appearances. It was a recognition of the Ohio State program as a whole—a program that has been a consistent power in college football for decades. In Graham’s eyes, Ohio State represents a challenge, a team that has earned its place among the elite, and one that forces Michigan to raise its game to the next level.

It’s important to acknowledge the complexity of this rivalry. For Michigan players like Graham, the stakes are personal. Growing up in the state of Michigan, they are raised with an inherent distaste for all things Ohio State. The rivalry goes beyond football—it’s woven into the culture of both schools and communities. But as the years have gone by and the rivalry has evolved, it’s clear that respect has begun to replace some of the more hostile sentiments, even if it’s not always voiced publicly.

This evolution is a sign of the changing landscape of college football. The modern era is one where programs, players, and coaches must maintain professionalism and acknowledge the strengths of their opponents. At the same time, however, the passion and competitiveness of “The Game” still burn brightly. Players like Graham represent the balance of this dichotomy: fierce competitors who know the importance of beating their rivals, but also able to recognize and respect their opponent’s talent.

Why Did Graham Make This Admission?

Mason Graham’s comments about Ohio State come at a critical juncture in his career. The Michigan defense, especially the defensive line, has been a key component of the team’s success in recent seasons. As a rising star on the Michigan defense, Graham has been instrumental in Michigan’s defensive schemes, contributing to their success both against Ohio State and within the broader landscape of college football. His comments weren’t made in isolation—they come after a period in which Michigan has enjoyed significant success in the rivalry with Ohio State.

In 2021, Michigan ended an eight-game losing streak to Ohio State with a dominant 42-27 victory in Ann Arbor, clinching a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. This victory was a long-awaited breakthrough for Michigan, and it carried significant meaning for Graham and many of his teammates. However, following this victory, Ohio State bounced back with a strong performance in 2022, defeating Michigan in a high-stakes game in Columbus. That loss set the stage for a 2023 campaign where the Buckeyes were once again a major contender in the national championship picture.

For Graham, offering respect to Ohio State may stem from his own evolution as a player and leader. Recognizing the challenge Ohio State presents is part of understanding the dynamics of the rivalry. It’s no longer just about hate or pride—it’s about facing an elite team and being prepared for that level of competition.

Additionally, Graham’s comments could be a sign of maturity and leadership on his part. Rather than engaging in trash talk or dismissing Ohio State’s accomplishments, Graham took the high road and acknowledged the level of excellence his team must match if they are to beat the Buckeyes again. As one of the most talented players on Michigan’s defense, Graham understands that his words carry weight and that his team needs to be mentally sharp to take on Ohio State in 2024.

The Importance of The Game in 2024

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, both Michigan and Ohio State are expected to field highly competitive teams, making the next edition of “The Game” one of the most important matchups in the rivalry’s storied history. The stakes are higher than ever, as both teams will be gunning for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Michigan enters the 2024 season as the reigning Big Ten champions, having won consecutive titles in 2022 and 2023. The Wolverines have built an identity as a physical team that controls the line of scrimmage, and Graham’s role in that defense will be pivotal. As Michigan looks to make a deep playoff run, they know that a victory over Ohio State is likely to be necessary to reach their ultimate goal. Graham, along with his defensive counterparts, will need to bring his A-game to slow down an explosive Buckeye offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord and a host of elite skill players.

On the other side, Ohio State will be just as hungry. The Buckeyes have consistently been a playoff contender and are coming off another strong recruiting cycle. While Michigan has had the upper hand in recent matchups, Ohio State still possesses a roster full of talent, including a dynamic offense capable of putting up points in bunches. The Buckeyes will likely see the 2024 season as an opportunity to reclaim their dominance over Michigan and reassert themselves as the team to beat in the Big Ten.

In a rivalry that has seen so many highs and lows, the 2024 season will be a defining moment for both programs. With the College Football Playoff implications on the line, both teams will bring their best to the field, and the intensity of “The Game” will only be amplified by the magnitude of the stakes. For Mason Graham, this will be another opportunity to lead his team against their most bitter rival. While he may have offered respect to Ohio State in his recent comments, there’s no doubt that his desire to defeat the Buckeyes in 2024 will be just as fierce as ever.

The Impact of Respect in Rivalries

Graham’s rare admission about Ohio State speaks to a larger trend in college football, where rivalries are evolving beyond simple animosity and trash talk. Players on both sides of these epic showdowns are starting to understand that while they may dislike their opponents, they can also respect them for the challenges they present. It’s a sign of maturity in the sport, where players are increasingly expected to be professionals both on and off the field.

The evolving nature of college football rivalries means that “The Game” between Michigan and Ohio State will continue to carry immense significance, not only for the two programs but for the entire landscape of college football. Graham’s comments show that while the rivalry will always have its intensity, there is room for mutual respect among athletes who are striving for greatness.

 A Rivalry Defined by Respect and Intensity

Mason Graham’s rare admission about Ohio State may have caught fans off guard, but it’s an acknowledgment of the respect that Michigan and Ohio State have for one another as elite college football programs. While Graham and the Wolverines will undoubtedly bring their best when facing the Buckeyes in 2024, his comments serve as a reminder of the caliber of competition Michigan must overcome in order to achieve their goals. In the end, this rivalry will always be defined by its intensity, but it’s also shaped by the respect each side has earned through years of competitive greatness. For Graham, the road to victory over Ohio State in 2024 will be as difficult as it is rewarding, and he is more than ready for the challenge.