Michigan player draws unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after helmet makes contact with ref in heated exchange

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan player draws unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after helmet makes contact with ref in heated exchange

Jaishawn Bairam stayed in the game despite making contact with the official

Ryan Morik Fox News

Published

November 29, 2025 2:05pm EST

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The Game is the most heated rivalry in the sport, but one Michigan player took his emotions a bit too far.

Jaishawn Barham was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for making dangerous contact with an official in the first quarter.

When the Wolverines forced a third down, a referee was talking to Barham, but he got aggressive in return. Barham moved his head forward, making contact with the referee.

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Jaishawn Barham (1) of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of a college football game against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Oct. 18, 2025. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 24-7. (Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

That resulted in a personal foul and an automatic first down for the Buckeyes inside the 5-yard line.

Ohio State didn't take advantage, as they were stuffed three straight times and had to settle for a field goal after a false start on 4th and 1.

Ohio State is looking to snap its four-game losing streak against the Wolverines, who came into the day as nearly 10-point underdogs on their own home field.

Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) reacts in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Oct. 4, 2025. (Rick Osentoski/Imagn Images)

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Michigan is coming off the biggest upset in the rivalry’s history, when, as three-touchdown underdogs, they went to Columbus and won, 13-10.

After the game, Michigan players planted a U-M flag at midfield, prompting an all-out brawl.

Jaishawn Barham (1) of the Michigan Wolverines is seen on the field before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Nov. 1, 2025. (Raj Mehta/Getty Images)

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Michigan leads the season series, 62-56-6. Michigan’s four straight wins have come after losing 15 of the previous 16 times.

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Michigan player draws unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after helmet makes contact with ref in heated exchange