Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham (1) warms up at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Michigan football made what was nearly a crucial mistake against archrival Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Linebacker Jaishawn Barham, the standout Wolverine defender, headbutted a referee late in the first quarter of "The Game" and was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The flag handed Ohio State an automatic first down after previously being held to a third-and-goal try from Michigan's 5-yard line.

Barham appeared to converse with one of the referees before attempting to show what an Ohio State player did after a Michigan tackle for loss on second down. Regardless, those kinds of mistakes can be costly.

Barham remained in the game and Ohio State was held to a field goal after being called for a false start on fourth-and-1 from the Wolverines' 1-yard line.

The fourth-year senior entered the game with 31 total tackles and four sacks this season, along with four pass deflections and a forced fumble. The second-year transfer from Maryland has 12 sacks across his career.

Michigan was lucky to get away with only allowing three points after the mistake gave Ohio State an automatic first down. Still, the Wolverines led 6-3 at the end of the first quarter and are looking to win their fifth consecutive game against the Buckeyes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan's Jaishawn Barham headbutts referee in game vs Ohio State

Reporting by Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

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