Desmond Howard Criticizes Ohio State Fans for ‘Psychotic Obsession’ with Michigan and Their Criticism of Ryan Day
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most storied and intense rivalries in all of sports. However, former Michigan standout and current ESPN analyst Desmond Howard has stirred the pot by calling out Ohio State fans for what he described as a “psychotic obsession” with Michigan. Howard’s comments come amid mounting criticism of Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, particularly following Ohio State’s struggles to beat Michigan in recent seasons.
Howard, speaking on ESPN following the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, addressed the intense scrutiny faced by Ryan Day, who has been a polarizing figure among Buckeyes fans despite a highly successful tenure. “What he [Day] deserves tonight is just part of the job, and he knew that before he took it,” Howard said, referring to the immense pressure of coaching at Ohio State, especially in relation to the Michigan rivalry.
However, Howard didn’t stop there. He took aim at Ohio State fans, suggesting their obsession with Michigan has reached unhealthy levels. “Ohio State fans have this psychotic obsession with Michigan that goes beyond the game. Every win or loss is viewed through the lens of ‘Did we beat Michigan?’ And when they don’t, it’s like the entire world falls apart for them,” Howard remarked.
Ohio State and Michigan have a rivalry dating back to 1897, with the two programs consistently battling for Big Ten supremacy and national relevance. For much of the early 21st century, Ohio State dominated the rivalry, winning 17 of 20 matchups between 2001 and 2021. However, since 2022, Michigan has turned the tide under head coach Jim Harbaugh, winning three consecutive games against Ohio State.
This shift has put significant pressure on Ryan Day, who took over as head coach in 2019. While Day has led the Buckeyes to multiple College Football Playoff appearances and a national championship, his inability to consistently beat Michigan has been a major point of contention among fans. In a rivalry where bragging rights are everything, even a single loss can overshadow a successful season.
Howard addressed this dynamic, saying, “Ryan Day is 56-7 as a head coach. He’s won a national championship and has kept Ohio State at the top of college football, but none of that seems to matter to some fans if he doesn’t beat Michigan. That’s not fair to him or the program.”
Howard’s comments tap into a growing divide within the Ohio State fanbase. Many fans continue to support Day and appreciate his success, while others see the recent losses to Michigan as unacceptable. This divide has been magnified by the way the rivalry is viewed in Columbus. Beating Michigan isn’t just a goal for Ohio State—it’s an expectation.
One vocal segment of the fanbase believes that Day lacks the intensity and understanding of the rivalry needed to consistently beat Michigan. Others argue that the criticism is unwarranted, pointing to the strength of the Michigan program under Harbaugh and the razor-thin margins that determine the outcome of these games.
Following the most recent loss to Michigan in 2024, some fans even called for Day to be replaced, despite the Buckeyes making the College Football Playoff yet again. Howard seized on this reaction to highlight what he sees as the irrational side of Ohio State fandom.
“Let’s be real,” Howard said. “No coach is going to win every single game in this rivalry. But for Ohio State fans, it’s almost like losing to Michigan even once is a fireable offense. That kind of mentality is what I mean by ‘psychotic obsession.’ It’s not healthy for the program, and it’s not healthy for the fans.”
Howard’s comments raise an important question: How should Ohio State fans balance their passion for the rivalry with realistic expectations? While the Michigan rivalry is undeniably important, it’s worth noting that Ohio State remains one of the most successful programs in college football under Day. The team consistently recruits at an elite level, competes for championships, and remains a perennial powerhouse.
Day himself has addressed the criticism in the past, acknowledging the importance of the Michigan game while also emphasizing the need to focus on the bigger picture. “The rivalry means everything to us,” Day said after the 2024 loss. “But we’re building something special here, and one game—no matter how big it is—can’t define everything we’re working toward.”
While Desmond Howard’s comments may rankle Ohio State fans, they also serve as a reminder of the intense pressure that comes with being at the top of college football. The rivalry with Michigan is a double-edged sword—fueling passion and excitement while also amplifying scrutiny and disappointment.
For Ryan Day, the challenge moving forward will be to navigate these expectations while continuing to build a program capable of competing for championships. For Ohio State fans, Howard’s remarks may serve as an opportunity to reflect on how they view the rivalry and their expectations for the program.
In the end, the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is what makes college football so special. But as Howard pointed out, even the most passionate rivalries need perspective to avoid becoming all-consuming. For now, all eyes will be on Ryan Day as he seeks to restore Ohio State’s dominance in “The Game.”