2025-26 Big Ten offseason at a glance: Ohio State Buckeyes

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Welcome to “Big Ten offseason at a glance,” a team-by-team look at the conference at the start of the summer. We’ll examine roster movement for each Big Ten roster and give an early outlook for each Big Ten program for the 2025-26 season.

Previously: Rutgers, Penn State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Washington, Oregon, Nebraska, Maryland, Iowa, Wisconsin, USC

Today: Ohio State (17-15 overall in 2024-25, 9-11 in Big Ten play)

After Jake Diebler earned himself the full-time head coaching position at the end of the 2023-24 season, last year did not go as expected. The Buckeyes had tournament-level talent on the roster but could never consistently put it together. In year two, Diebler has a lot to prove.

Ohio State’s roster movement

Players returning with eligibility: Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., Devin Royal, Taison Chatman, Colin White, Ivan Njegovan, Kalen Etzler

Players departing due to exhausted eligibility: Micah Parrish, Ques Glover

Players departing via transfer: Aaron Bradshaw (to Memphis), Meechie Johnson Jr. (to South Carolina), Sean Stewart (to Oregon), Evan Mahaffey (to Akron), Austin Parks (to Toledo)

Players arriving via transfer portal: Gabe Cupps (from Indiana), Brandon Noel (from Wright State), Josh Oijanwuna (from Baylor), Christoph Tilly (from Santa Clara)

Players arriving from high school/overseas: A’mare Bynum (247sports Composite top 60), Myles Herro, Mathieu Grujicic

Diebler was tactful in his offseason approach and on paper it looks like a success. With perimeter production already secured through returnees, most notably All-Big Ten second teamer Bruce Thornton, the Buckeyes attacked several bigs in the portal to secure a strong inside presence. The incoming trio of Christoph Tilly, Brandon Noel and Josh Oijanwuna should all provide significant minutes down low and play different roles. He’s a tad undersized, but top-60 recruit A’mare Bynum could produce early as well. Gabe Cupps also adds backcourt depth.

What to like about Ohio State

Bruce Thornton is one of the best returning guards in the country, maybe even an All-American candidate, and leads the Buckeyes’ returning backcourt that will be a strength. Thornton does it all – finishes at the rim, shoots it extremely efficiently from 3-point range, is a great playmaker and takes care of the ball. Not only that, but other returnees Devin Royal and John Mobley Jr. will only continue to improve, especially with Thornton running the show.

The chemistry and experience of that backcourt is crucial. Ohio State is second in the Big Ten in returning minutes and returning possession minutes percentages, according to Bart Torvik. These guards know how to play together and that will go a long way.

The newly put together front court is diverse, which is key in the Big Ten. Oijanwuna is a bruiser who’s very efficient at the rim, scraps for offensive rebounds and can protect the paint defensively. If Noel’s game translates to the higher level, he could be a huge contributor. He can score at all three levels, has great range for his size and also displayed good vision as a passer. Tilly, however, may be the best get. With a similar skillset to Noel, the 7-foot German also protects the rim with a four percent block rate.

What to question with Ohio State

Diebler is among the lower tier of coaches in the conference. This roster is put together very well, but someone has to coach it to success. Diebler underperformed with last year’s team; can he take a step forward after a season of experience?

The frontcourt looks to be a strength, but that also relies on Tilly and Noel transferring production over to the high-major level. It’s easier said than done, and if that doesn’t happen, it could be a long season inside the post-centric conference.

Ohio State’s outlook for the 2025-26 season

Home: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Purdue, UCLA, USC

Away: Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Northwestern, Oregon, Rutgers, Washington

Home/Away: Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin

Bart Torvik projects Ohio State as sixth in the Big Ten and inside the top-20 nationally. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi forecasts the Buckeyes as a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament.

As long as the frontcourt shapes up as expected, this is a Big Ten contender. Thornton will be one of the top players in the conference and the country and the roster fits together very well. Currently projected the third-best adjusted offensive efficiency in the country, Ohio State will be potent.

(Photo credit: Ohio State Athletics)

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