Men’s Lacrosse: No. 6 Ohio State Defeats No. 12 Michigan to Claim Big Ten Regular Season Title, Creator’s Trophy

In one of the most anticipated lacrosse matchups of the season, the No. 6-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes delivered a statement win, defeating the No. 12 Michigan Wolverines 14–10 to capture both the Big Ten regular season championship and retain possession of the coveted Creator’s Trophy. On a brisk evening in Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes showcased a perfect blend of tactical discipline, offensive firepower, and defensive grit, solidifying their status as one of the nation’s top programs heading into postseason play.

With the win, Ohio State not only extended its dominance over its archrival but also clinched the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament. It was a performance that echoed far beyond the lacrosse field—adding another chapter to one of college sports’ most heated rivalries, this time with lacrosse glory on the line.

Setting the Stage

Entering the final weekend of the regular season, both teams had plenty to play for. Michigan, riding a late-season surge and holding the No. 12 ranking, was looking to upset the Buckeyes and seize its first-ever Big Ten lacrosse regular-season title. Meanwhile, Ohio State, at No. 6 nationally, was gunning for its third Big Ten regular-season crown and was looking to make a national statement ahead of May’s NCAA Tournament.

The Creator’s Trophy, awarded annually to the top-performing Big Ten team among Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, was also on the line. Ohio State had held the trophy since 2021, and Saturday’s win ensured it would stay in Columbus for another year.

First Quarter: Punch and Counterpunch

The opening 15 minutes were a tight chess match. Both teams traded early blows, with Michigan scoring first off a sharp feed from senior midfielder Justin Brown to attacker Josh Zawada. But the Buckeyes quickly responded with two goals in a span of 90 seconds from graduate captain Jack Myers and junior midfielder Cameron Millon.

Ohio State’s offense showed its signature patience and ball movement, operating with surgical precision against a Michigan defense that came into the game ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense nationally.

By the end of the first quarter, the game was tied 3–3, with neither side willing to blink. But that was about to change.

Second Quarter Surge: Buckeyes Take Control

The second quarter proved decisive. Ohio State went on a 5–1 scoring run, capitalizing on sloppy Michigan turnovers and gaining momentum through superior ground ball play and ride pressure. Sophomore long-stick midfielder Ryan O’Connor was a revelation, causing two turnovers and sparking transition opportunities that led to goals.

At the offensive end, Myers and senior attackman Jackson Reid each added a goal and an assist in the run, giving Ohio State a 7–4 lead heading into halftime.

“We talked about winning the middle 30 minutes of the game,” said head coach Nick Myers afterward. “That second quarter was a tone-setter. We played fast but smart lacrosse and our guys trusted each other.”

Third Quarter: Defense Takes the Spotlight

Coming out of the break, Michigan tried to rally. The Wolverines leaned heavily on their offensive stars, but Ohio State’s defense tightened up. Anchored by graduate goalie Skylar Wahlund, who finished with 16 saves, the Buckeyes absorbed the Wolverines’ push and countered with lockdown defense.

Defenseman Bobby Van Buren, a junior All-American candidate, effectively neutralized Zawada for long stretches, holding him to just one goal and one assist on the night.

“Our defense played with tremendous heart and discipline,” Myers said. “Van Buren was lights out and Skylar came up with some game-changing saves.”

Ohio State added two more goals in the quarter to extend the lead to 10–6, with freshman midfielder Aidan Watts scoring his first career Big Ten goal—an emotional moment celebrated wildly by teammates on the sideline.

Fourth Quarter: Closing the Deal

Michigan showed signs of life early in the fourth, cutting the lead to 11–9 after back-to-back goals from senior midfielder Gavin White and attackman Michael Boehm. But the Buckeyes responded like a championship-caliber team.

In the span of three minutes, Ohio State launched a decisive 3–0 run, capped by an emphatic dodge-and-score from Millon and a dagger goal by graduate midfielder Scott White, who tallied his fourth goal of the game.

Ohio State’s bench erupted as the clock ticked down. When the final horn sounded, the Buckeyes celebrated on the Wolverines’ field, lifting the Creator’s Trophy high and embracing at midfield.

Final score: Ohio State 14, Michigan 10.

Creator’s Trophy Legacy

The Creator’s Trophy may not have the decades of history that come with the football rivalry, but it’s taken on special meaning in Big Ten lacrosse. Instituted in 2012, the trophy symbolizes respect for the Indigenous roots of the game and is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record among the triad of Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

Ohio State has now claimed the trophy nine times in its 13-year existence, including the last four years consecutively.

“It’s a huge honor for our guys,” said Coach Myers. “The Creator’s Trophy means something bigger than just the rivalry. It represents the heart of this game and the legacy we’re trying to honor.”

Big Ten Dominance

This win also secured Ohio State its third outright Big Ten regular-season championship, with an unblemished conference record of 5–0. The Buckeyes will host the Big Ten Tournament as the top seed, with home-field advantage throughout.

Key to Ohio State’s success this season has been its depth. Eleven different players have scored multiple goals during Big Ten play, and the defense ranks top-five nationally in caused turnovers.

“We’re battle-tested and deep,” said senior defender Grant Mitchell. “Everyone has a role, and everyone’s bought in.”

National Implications

The win over Michigan cements Ohio State’s position in the top tier of Division I lacrosse. With a No. 6 national ranking—and a win over a top-15 rival on the road—the Buckeyes are making a strong case for a top-four seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Analysts have praised Ohio State’s balance, leadership, and consistency.

“Ohio State is the real deal,” said ESPN analyst Paul Carcaterra. “They’ve got a veteran goalie, elite defenders, and an offense that can beat you in multiple ways. Come May, they’ll be a nightmare matchup for anyone.”

Postgame Quotes

Head Coach Nick Myers:

“I’m just so proud of these young men. They’ve worked so hard, and to come into this environment, against a great Michigan team, and play Buckeye lacrosse—that’s what it’s all about. But we’re not done. We’ve got bigger goals still ahead.”

Captain Jack Myers:

“We know how big this game is—not just because it’s Michigan, but because it’s a title game. We wanted the trophy, we wanted the top seed, and we got it done. Now it’s about finishing the job.”

Goalie Skylar Wahlund:

“It’s a team game. The saves I made were because our defense gave me the shots I wanted to see. I’m just grateful to be part of this group.”

Rivalry Update

The lacrosse rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan may not have the generational history of football, but it has grown into a marquee event on the college lacrosse calendar. Saturday marked the 13th all-time meeting between the schools in men’s lacrosse, with Ohio State now leading the series 10–3.

The Buckeyes have won six of the last seven meetings, and the margin of victory on Saturday was their largest in Ann Arbor since 2017.

Looking Ahead: Big Ten Tournament

Ohio State will now shift its focus to the Big Ten Tournament, where the Buckeyes will face either Penn State or Rutgers in the semifinals. With home field locked in, the path to the tournament title runs through Columbus.

Winning the Big Ten Tournament would give Ohio State a chance at a top-two seed in the NCAA Tournament and possibly a home field through Championship Weekend.

The last time Ohio State made it to the NCAA Championship Game was 2017. This year’s group has the tools to return.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s victory over Michigan was more than a rivalry win. It was a defining performance by a team with national championship aspirations. The Big Ten title and Creator’s Trophy were well-earned, but this Ohio State team isn’t settling.

They’re still hungry.

And with May Madness on the horizon, the rest of the lacrosse world has been put on notice: the Buckeyes are for real.