Could Ohio State Be the Surprise Dark Horse That Shakes Up College Basketball This Season?

“The Buckeyes showed flashes of their potential last season but couldn’t quite string together a consistent run of form. With a terrific trio back in Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal and John Mobley Jr. — plus the additions of Christoph Tilly and Brandon Noel up front — Jake Diebler’s team should find itself in the NCAA tournament.”

OSU was able to retain some key pieces of its core group, but outside of that, there’s been a major overhaul of the guys suiting up in the scarlet and gray this season. The mix of old and new will have to come together for the Buckeyes to get back to the NCAA Tournament, but there’s good reason to believe that it could happen. Here’s what Borzello says about Ohio State this winter:We are all getting ready for the start of the college football season now just a little over a month away, but the college basketball season won’t be too far behind. In fact, we’re now within 100 days of the Ohio State basketball season, and ESPN took a big look at previewing hoops for 2025-2026 by looking at many different angles and storylines.

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It sure seems like Ohio State hasn’t had a shortage of talent over the last few years, but getting the team to come together and play as a team has been an issue that seems to be a problem in today’s day and age of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness. Here’s to hoping ESPN is right and that the Buckeyes make it back to meaningful games late and on into the postseason this basketball season.

One of the things Myron Metcalf and Jeff Borzello touched on was ten teams that “could make a jump” this coming season. And, if you are an Ohio State fan, then you have to like what the ESPN duo things of the Buckeyes this season because they were named as one of those ten teams.

With college football just around the corner, our eyes are already drifting to the hardwood — because hoops season is sneaking up faster than you might think. We’re ticking down to less than 100 days until the Ohio State Buckeyes tip off their 2025-2026 campaign, and ESPN’s taken a deep dive into who might elevate their game this year. Among the teams pegged for a leap forward, the Buckeyes caught some spotlight, garnering praise for their blend of returning stars and fresh talent. It’s a mix that could finally gel into the kind of squad that pushes deep into March Madness after flashes of promise last season. If you’re an OSU devotee, there’s plenty to feel jazzed about — with veterans like Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal, and John Mobley Jr. leading the charge, plus promising newcomers ready to make an impact. The challenge? Pulling it all together on the court amidst the modern whirlwind of transfers and NIL distractions. But hey, if ESPN’s right, we’re in for a thrilling ride this winter. LEARN MORE