After leading Ohio State to a commanding victory in the national championship, head coach Ryan Day didn’t waste any time making his feelings known about the state of the Big Ten. In the postgame press conference, Day made a subtle but pointed jab at Ohio State’s most heated rival, the Michigan Wolverines, by sporting a shirt emblazoned with the phrase “No Asterisk.”
While on the surface, the shirt appeared to be a simple celebration of the Buckeyes’ triumph, the message was far from innocent. The “No Asterisk” phrase alluded to the controversy surrounding Michigan’s 2023 College Football Playoff (CFP) victory, which many critics believed was tainted due to the unprecedented and unexpected nature of the season. Michigan’s championship run was overshadowed by the scandal involving sign-stealing accusations and other off-field issues that raised questions about the integrity of their performance.
Day’s shirt served as an unmistakable reminder that Ohio State had reclaimed its rightful place atop college football, all while implicitly questioning the legitimacy of Michigan’s previous season. Though the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most storied and intense in all of sports, Day’s choice to wear such a shirt immediately after the national championship only intensified the already fiery discourse surrounding the two programs.
For Michigan fans, the jab was a bitter reminder of the ongoing tension between the schools. While Michigan’s 2023 title was hard-earned on the field, the fallout from off-field controversies cast a shadow over their accomplishments. For Ohio State supporters, however, Day’s move was a direct hit at their rivals, reinforcing the notion that the Buckeyes’ dominance on the field had been unchallenged and legitimate.
The “No Asterisk” shirt also served as a clear message about the importance of perception in college football. Championships are not just about wins and losses—they are about narrative, legacy, and how programs are viewed in the eyes of the public. Day’s statement suggested that Ohio State’s national title came without any doubts, in stark contrast to what many believed about Michigan’s 2023 success.
Whether or not Day’s swipe will have long-lasting effects remains to be seen, but it certainly added fuel to an already intense rivalry. With the national title in their grasp, Ohio State has asserted its dominance, while Michigan is left to defend its place in college football’s competitive landscape.
