Can you be an Ohio State fan and not be upset by a Michigan championship?

Afternoon Drive on The Fan21mApril 6, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The hosts of Afternoon Drive on The Fan explore the paradox of Ohio State fans seemingly indifferent to Michigan's pursuit of a college basketball national championship, despite the deep-seated rivalry. While football remains the dominant passion for most Buckeye fans, the discussion centers on why basketball — traditionally the second-most-important sport — appears to carry little emotional weight. The hosts debate whether this apathy stems from the long-term decline of Ohio State's basketball program, the prioritization of football, or a strategic acceptance of Michigan's dominance in other sports. Personal anecdotes and emotional reactions reveal that while many fans still hate Michigan on principle, their lack of investment in basketball allows them to remain detached from the outcome. The conversation also touches on the role of NIL, coaching legacies, and the absurdity of rooting for a rival’s failure while still picking them to win in brackets.

Key Takeaways
1

Ohio State fans may not care about Michigan winning the basketball title because the Buckeyes' program has been consistently underperforming.

2

The emotional weight of the rivalry is now largely confined to football, with basketball treated as a secondary concern.

3

Fans can simultaneously root for Michigan to lose while still picking them to win in brackets — a psychological contradiction rooted in identity and loyalty.

4

The perception of Michigan as a 'bought' champion through NIL and transfers fuels resentment, even among those who don’t care about the outcome.

5

True Ohio State fans should clarify whether they’re fans of the football program or the entire athletic department.

Chapters
0:00
5 min

The Paradox of Ohio State Fan Indifference

If you're an Ohio State athletics fan, this should bother you in a great way.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

The Decline of Ohio State Basketball

The discussion shifts to the long-term struggles of Ohio State’s basketball program, with hosts agreeing it lacks the resources and support to compete at a national level. The lack of tournament success and consistent underperformance is cited as a key reason for fan apathy.

10:00
5 min

Emotional Rivalry vs. Athletic Realism

I'm rooting for the stadium to get blown up in the game not even playing.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

The Bracket Paradox: Rooting vs. Predicting

You can't pick Michigan to win a title. Yes, you can.

Highlight
20:00
2 min

Fan Identity and the Line of Hate

I don't want them to win anything ever.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I hate their dogs. I hate their cats.
Denise15:52
Viral: 92.0
I'm rooting for the stadium to get blown up in the game not even playing.
Nick Wilson6:33
Viral: 90.0
I don't want them to win anything ever.
Denise15:56
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Hosts

Nick WilsonJonathan PeterlinMattJake

Guest

Denise (Cleveland Heights caller)
Topics Discussed
Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry90%College Basketball Program Decline85%Fan Identity and Loyalty80%NIL and Recruiting in College Sports75%Emotional vs. Rational Fan Behavior70%College Sports Hierarchy65%Bracket Psychology60%Regional Rivalries and Color Symbolism55%
People & Brands

Ohio State

other

32xNeutral

Michigan

other

28xNegative

Nick Wilson

person

25xNeutral

Jonathan Peterlin

person

20xNeutral

John Fanta

person

6xNeutral

Denise

person

5xNegative

Diebler

person

4xNegative

The Fan

media

3xNeutral

Dan Hurley

person

3xNegative

Dusty May

person

2xNeutral

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