Michigan, Ohio State to face off in Big Ten hockey championship

The Wolverines and Buckeyes renew their rivalry with the conference title on the line.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 1 Michigan Wolverines will host the No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten men's hockey tournament final on Saturday. Michigan won all four regular-season meetings between the teams, but Ohio State is coming off an upset of No. 3 Michigan State in the semifinals. The Buckeyes are seeking their first Big Ten tournament title, while Michigan is looking to add to its conference-leading three championships.

Why it matters

This matchup between two of the Big Ten's top programs will determine the conference champion and likely have implications for the NCAA tournament. Michigan is a national title contender, while Ohio State's surprise run to the final has been one of the biggest stories of the Big Ten tournament.

The details

The Wolverines enter the final as the unanimous No. 1 team in the country, while the Buckeyes are ranked 19th despite their 14-20-2 regular-season record. Ohio State reached the championship game by upsetting Michigan State in overtime in the semifinals, its fourth trip to the Big Ten final. However, the Buckeyes are 0-3 in previous title games, including a double-OT loss to Michigan State last year. Michigan has won three Big Ten tournament championships, the most of any school, and is looking to regain the title after back-to-back wins in 2022 and 2023.

  • The Big Ten hockey tournament final will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
  • Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The No. 1 team in the country and the Big Ten's most successful program, with three tournament titles.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The No. 19 team in the country, making their fourth appearance in the Big Ten tournament final but still seeking their first championship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The winner of the Michigan-Ohio State matchup will receive the Big Ten's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

This Big Ten hockey championship game features two of the conference's top programs, with Michigan looking to add to its legacy and Ohio State seeking its first title in a rivalry that has been dominated by the Wolverines in the regular season.