From Foundation to Elevation: Team 126 Targets a Big Jump in Year Two under Jake Diebler
Expectations are high as Coach Jake Diebler enters his second season leading Buckeye Basketball. After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, optimism surrounds a retooled roster that features seven newcomers, including four transfers. Unlike last offseason—when Diebler was scrambling after his late hire to assemble a staff and roster—the Buckeyes took a more deliberate approach this time around. A year ago, big swings on high-upside but inexperienced transfers, coupled with injuries and inconsistency, left the team struggling to find its footing, despite an early marquee win over Kentucky and win over Purdue. This summer, the focus shifted to roster stability and experience. The Buckeyes retained their top three ‘eligible-to-return’ scorers as well as key developmental players and added proven veteran transfers, prioritizing reliability over raw upside. With that blend of returning production, portal additions, and incoming freshmen, Ohio State enters the 2025–26 season with renewed confidence in a loaded and competitive Big Ten.
Ohio State returns six scholarship players, led by the core trio of Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., and Devin Royal — the foundation of the program heading into the season. Coach Diebler added four transfers to bolster the roster, highlighted by 7-foot center Christoph Tilly from Santa Clara, an athletic big man who has impressed in early workouts. Fifth-year forward Brandon Noel, a Chillicothe native from Wright State, brings 19 points and 7.7 rebounds per game a year ago, and has drawn early comparisons to former Buckeye Kyle Young.
Ohio State bolstered both its backcourt and frontcourt with the additions of Centerville, Ohio native Gabe Cupps, a guard transferring from Indiana, and forward Josh Ojianwuna from Baylor, who is rehabbing a knee injury that will sideline him early but could prove to be a major portal steal once healthy. The Buckeyes also bring in three freshmen, headlined by top-50 prospect Amare Bynum, a high-upside talent who has impressed in early workouts and could push for a starting role by season’s end.
Despite finishing with a top-30 offense last season, there were clear deficiencies Coach Diebler aimed to fix. Rebounding was the first priority, addressed through portal additions like Tilly and Noel, the arrival of Bynum, and shifting Devin Royal to the wing. A lack of frontcourt production also contributed to a low assist rate, but early practices suggest that issue has been significantly improved. Another problem that significantly plagued last year’s team was the excessive fouling, tied to inexperience and limited size—a concern the new roster seems better built to handle.
While roster turnover often brings early chemistry challenges, Diebler believes this group is already well ahead of where last year’s team was at this stage. With veteran leadership, transfer experience, and promising young talent, Ohio State has raised its floor and looks poised to contend in the upper half of the Big Ten and secure a long awaited NCAA tournament berth.
SCHEDULE
The Buckeyes face another demanding schedule beyond the Big Ten, with the league once again shaping up as one of the deepest in the country. If Ohio State wants to end its NCAA Tournament drought, it will have to earn it.
The season begins with three mid-major “payday” games, followed by a mid-November test against an upstart Notre Dame squad — the Buckeyes’ first true challenge. After two more home dates against mid-majors, they’ll travel to Pittsburgh in late November to face a Pitt team that stole a win in Columbus last year, giving Ohio State a chance for payback. December opens with Big Ten play, as the Buckeyes visit Northwestern before hosting a talented Illinois team. From there, they head to Cleveland to face an improved West Virginia group at Rocket Arena.
The nonconference slate continues with a marquee matchup in the CBS Sports Classic, where Ohio State meets North Carolina in Atlanta. The Tar Heels remain the only opponent the Buckeyes have yet to beat in the event. They’ll close out the calendar year at home on December 23 against Grambling, and then take a short holiday break before diving into the full Big Ten schedule at Rutgers on January 2.
January will be a grind, with nine games that include road trips to Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and a likely top-10 Michigan team. February brings a slightly lighter load but still features a neutral-site clash with Virginia in Nashville and trips to Maryland, Michigan State, and Iowa. The season concludes in March with a final stretch that includes a road game at Penn State sandwiched between home dates with preseason No. 1 Purdue and rival Indiana on Senior Night to close the regular season.
ROSTER
The projected starting lineup looks mostly set, bolstered by the productivity and experience returning from last season. This roster boasts impressive depth and veteran leadership, highlighted by the most seasoned and dependable frontcourt Ohio State has had in years. While the backcourt will dictate the tempo and style of play Coach Diebler wants, the size and athleticism up front should deliver the offensive consistency that was often missing a year ago.
Projected Starting Lineup
PG – Bruce Thornton – Thornton, a pre-season All Big Ten honoree and undisputed leader of the team, returns for his senior season after weighing NBA feedback and deciding to remain in Columbus. Set to become the program’s first-ever four-time captain, he continues to serve as the driving force behind the Buckeyes. Last year, he posted a career-best 17.7 points per game while leading the Big Ten—and ranking among the nation’s top 10—in assist-to-turnover ratio. His efforts earned him All-Big Ten Second Team honors and Academic All-Conference recognition for the second consecutive year. Already 21st on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list, Thornton has a chance to challenge Dennis Hopson’s program scoring record by season’s end.
SG – John Mobley, Jr. – Mobley made an immediate impact as a freshman, stepping into the lineup early and showcasing his shooting range and shot-creation ability. Averaging 13 points per game, he only scratched the surface of his potential. Now entering his sophomore season, Mobley is poised to build on that strong debut and take a significant step forward.
SF – Devin Royal – Royal made major strides as a sophomore, starting 27 games while averaging 13.7 points and a team-best 6.9 rebounds. This offseason, he transitioned to the wing, a move designed to maximize his size and physicality on the perimeter. Early reports suggest he has surpassed expectations, showing growth as a shooter, ball handler, and athlete. Though slated to start at the three, his versatile skill set and 6’6″, 220-pound frame give him the ability to post up and create mismatches inside. The staff hopes his shift to the perimeter not only unlocks his offensive versatility but also allows Ohio State to play bigger in the paint and strengthen its rebounding presence.
PF – Brandon Noel – As the most experienced player on the roster, Noel brings a wealth of skill and leadership to the power forward spot. Last season at Wright State, he posted career highs of 19 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, showcasing both production and consistency. With the size and strength to compete in the Big Ten, he also adds elite athleticism at the position. Noel can score effectively on the block, facilitate out of the post with his passing vision, and finish with power around the rim. His high basketball IQ and rebounding presence not only elevate Ohio State’s frontcourt but also help address one of last year’s biggest shortcomings.
C – Christoph Tilly – Another key newcomer, Tilly adds tremendous size and valuable experience to the Buckeye frontcourt. After averaging 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds at Santa Clara, he arrives in Columbus for his final collegiate season with high expectations and has already turned heads in early practices. At 7-foot, 240 pounds, Tilly combines rare athleticism with excellent vision for a player his size, giving Ohio State an offensive dimension at center it has lacked in recent years. His presence could prove to be the most impactful addition of the offseason, raising the Buckeyes’ ceiling as they look to snap their NCAA Tournament drought.
Reserves
PF – Amare Bynum – A top-50 recruit in this year’s class, Bynum arrives in Columbus with the tools to make an immediate impact. At 6’8″, he combines elite athleticism with a quick first step and explosive leaping ability that make him the most dynamic finisher on the roster. Beyond his vertical game, Bynum is an above-average perimeter shooter who can stretch defenses while also attacking off the dribble to get to the rim efficiently. As he adjusts to the demands on both ends of the floor, there’s a strong belief within the program that Bynum could break into the starting lineup before season’s end.
G – Gabe Cupps – A Centerville, Ohio native and coach’s son, Cupps joins the Buckeyes after transferring from Indiana, where he took a medical redshirt last season due to a lower-body injury. With three years of eligibility remaining, he brings a high basketball IQ, strong leadership qualities, and steady decision-making to the backcourt. While a selective shooter, Cupps is capable of knocking down shots from deep and has the handle to create off the dribble and set up teammates. Projected to serve as the backup point guard, he provides valuable depth and stability off the bench.
G – Taison Chatman – Once a top-40 prospect, Chatman’s Buckeye career was put on hold after a knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2024–25 season. Now fully healthy, he is expected to play a key role in the backcourt rotation. At 6’4″, Chatman brings size, poise, and athleticism to either guard spot, along with the versatility to score from the perimeter or off the dribble. His playmaking and scoring ability provide valuable depth, ensuring Ohio State can rely on steady production when backing up either Thornton or Mobley.
F – Colin White – Slowed by injuries last season, White nonetheless showcased his athleticism and explosiveness in limited action as a freshman. He flashed scoring ability both as a perimeter shooter and as a finisher at the rim, while his size and defensive versatility became increasingly valuable as the year went on. Entering this season, his role will largely depend on his health, which has kept him out of action all summer and the beginning of practice, but when fully available, White gives the Buckeyes dynamic depth on the wing and an impactful two-way presence off the bench.
F – Josh Ojianwuna – A knee injury cut Ojianwuna’s 2024–25 season at Baylor short, but when healthy, he averaged a career-high 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting over 77% from the floor. Currently rehabbing, his availability this season remains uncertain, but when on the court, he brings significant size and athleticism to the Buckeye frontcourt. At 6’10” and 230 pounds, Ojianwuna combines strength, rebounding prowess, and defensive impact in the paint. Though still developing offensively, his high motor and shot-blocking ability make him a key presence. If he cannot play this year, he will likely redshirt and return in 2026–27, but the hope is that he is on the floor contributing before the calendar year ends.
C – Ivan Njegovan – Njegovan saw mostly mop-up minutes in his freshman season, spending much of last year acclimating to life and basketball in the United States. A native of Croatia, he boasts a prototypical Big Ten frame at 7’2″ and 250 pounds. Reports indicate he has made significant strides this offseason, improving both physically and mentally while learning the expectations of playing at a high collegiate level on both ends of the floor. If he continues this progression, Njegovan could provide valuable depth at the center position behind Tilly.
G – Mathieu Grujicic – Grujicic joins the Buckeyes as a freshman from FC Barcelona, where he competed with the U19 squad and earned recognition on the international stage. At 6’6″, he is a versatile guard, known for his mid-range scoring and the handle to dictate the tempo of a game. He brings a high basketball IQ and the ability to both distribute and finish at the rim off the dribble. As he adjusts to the speed and physicality of U.S. college basketball, his role is expected to grow, with the coaching staff anticipating a greater impact as the season progresses.
G – Braylen Nash – A former walk-on from New Albany, Ohio, Nash appeared in nine games as a freshman. While he is expected to play a similar role this season, his value extends to the scout team, where his handle and shooting ability help prepare the backcourt for the challenges of Big Ten competition.
G – Myles Herro – A three-star recruit and top-10 player from Wisconsin, Herro enters Ohio State after a senior season averaging 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, earning first-team all-league honors. Known for his playmaking and court vision, he is considered a work in progress, but his high basketball IQ points to significant potential. Coming from a basketball family—his brother Tyler currently plays for the Miami Heat—Herro is unlikely to see major minutes this season, but the expectation is that he will continue developing, get stronger, and become a contributor in future campaigns.
BIG TEN PROJECTIONS
The Big Ten is projected to be one of the deepest and most talented conferences in college basketball for the 2025–26 season as six teams begin the year in the AP Top 25, with Ohio State just on the outside receiving votes, while computer rankings place 15 squads among the nation’s Top 50. Purdue and Michigan are projected as potential No. 1 seeds, with several other programs likely to earn single-digit seed projections. While the depth and balance could result in teams competing heavily against one another for seeding, it also prepares the conference for high-level competition in the NCAA Tournament. Historically formidable, the Big Ten appears especially strong this year, with aspirations to end its 25-year drought of national championships.
1. Purdue – The Boilers return all their key pieces fresh off an uneven campaign that saw them peak at season’s end, capped with a Sweet 16 appearance and 4th place finish in the Big Ten. Led by reining and pre-season Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith, the Boilers sit atop the projected Big Ten Standings.
Key Returnees:
Braden Smith – 16.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 8.8 apg
Trey Kauffman-Renn – 19.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg
Fletcher Loyer – 14.1 ppg
Key Losses:
None
Key Newcomers:
Oscar Cluff – 6’11” 260 lb C 17.6 ppg, 12.3 rpg @ South Dakota State
Liam Murphy – 6’7” 215lb F 13.3 ppg @ North Florida
2. Michigan – The Wolverines are coming off a 2nd place Big Ten Finish and Sweet 16 appearance in Year 1 under Coach Dusty May. Although they lose a lot of production off of last year’s roster, Coach May has re-loaded via the portal and look to contend for the top of the conference once again.
Key Returnees:
Roddy Gayle, Jr – 9.6 ppg
Key Losses:
Vlad Goldin – 16.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg
Danny Wolf – 12.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg
Nimari Burnett – 9.9 ppg
Tre Donaldson – 11.5 ppg (Transfer to Miami)
Key Newcomers:
Yanel Lendeborg 6’9” 230lb F 17.7 ppg, 11.4 rpg @ UAB
Elliot Cadeau 6-1” 180lb G 9.4 ppg, 6.2 apg @ North Carolina
Morez Johnson 6’9” 225lb F 7.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg @ Illinois
Aday Mara 7’3” 240lb C 6.4 ppg @ UCLA
Trey McKenney 6‘4” 225lb G 21st ranked overall recruit
Winters Grady 6’5” 185lb F 78th ranked overall recruit
3. Illinois – Although the Illini lose a couple critical pieces, they return a key group of veterans from a 7th place finish in the Big Ten and 2nd round exit in the NCAA Tournament and look to bounce back, adding a pair of key transfers to a solid foundation.
Key Returnees:
Tomislav Ivisic 12.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg
Kylan Boswell 11.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg
Tre White 10.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg
Key Losses:
Kasparas Jakucionis 15.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.8 apg
Will Riley 12.2 ppg
Key Newcomers:
Andrej Stojakovic 6’7 205lb G 17.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg @ Cal
Zvonimir Ivisic 7’2” 220 C 8.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg @ Arkansas
4. Ohio State – The Buckeyes look to get back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 21-22, boasting one of the most veteran groups in the Big Ten, led by a trio of key returnees and utilizing the portal to add critical size and experience.
Key Returnees:
Bruce Thornton 17.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.5 apg
Devin Royal 13.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg
John Mobley, Jr. 13.2 ppg
Key Losses:
Micah Parrish 13.2 ppg
Key Newcomers:
Christoph Tilly 7’0” 240lb C 12.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg @ Santa Clara
Brandon Noel 6’8” 240lb F 19.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg @ Wright State
Josh Ojianwuna 6’10” 230lb F 7.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg before injuring his knee @ Baylor
Gabe Cupps 6’2” 180lb G Medical RS @ Indiana
Amare Bynum 6’8” 225lb F 47th overall prospect
5. UCLA – Coming off a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, Coach Mick Cronin’s squad enters the 2025–26 season with high expectations to build on a strong debut year in the Big Ten. Returning a pair of high-volume scorers and adding key transfers via the portal, the Bruins aim to compete for the top of the conference.
Key Returnees:
Tyler Bilodeau – 14.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg
Eric Dailey, Jr. – 12.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg
Key Losses:
Sebastian Mack – 9.2ppg (Transfer to Missouri)
Key Newcomers:
Donovan Dent – 6’2” 170lb PG 20.4 ppg, 6.4 apg @ New Mexico
Jamar Brown – 6’5” 205lb G 17.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg @ Missouri-Kansas City
Xavier Booker – 6’11” 205lb F 4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg @ Michigan State
6. Michigan State – The reigning Big Ten champions, the Spartans reached the Elite Eight last season as Coach Tom Izzo continued his storied run of success in East Lansing. While they lose a significant amount of talent from last year’s squad, they welcome a pair of highly regarded freshmen and have supplemented their roster through the transfer portal. Although projected sixth in this preview, Michigan State remains a contender for a repeat conference title.
Key Returnees:
Jaxson Kohler – 8.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg
Key Losses:
Jaden Akins – 12.9 ppg
Jase Richardson – 11.6 ppg
Tre Holloman – 9.1 ppg
Key Newcomers:
Cam Ward – 6’7” 210 lb F 50th overall prospect
Jordan Scott – 6’7” 185 lb G 52nd overall prospect
Kaleb Glenn 6’7” 210 lb F 12.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg @ FAU
Trey Fort III 6’4” 195 G 14.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg @ Samford
Divine Ugochukwu 6’3” 180 lb G 5.3 ppg @ Miami
7. USC – After a challenging inaugural season in the Big Ten, the Trojans finished near the bottom of the conference as they adjusted to the rigors and travel of league play. Facing an almost complete roster rebuild, new coach Eric Musselman turned to the transfer portal to bring in experienced, talented players and completely reshape the team. Their success in finishing in the upper half of the conference will hinge on how quickly the new roster adapts and develops chemistry.
Key Returnees:
None
Key Losses:
Chibuzo Agbo – 11.9 ppg
Terrance Williams II – 10.6 ppg
Saint Thomas – 9.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.1 apg
Wesley Yates III – 13.8 ppg (Transfer to Washington)
Desmond Claude – 15.8 ppg, 4.2 apg (Transfer to Washington)
Key Newcomers:
Amarion Dickerson – 6’7”185 lb F 13.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg @ Robert Morris
Keonte Jones – 6’6” 192 lb F 13.1 ppg, 9 rpg, 4 apg @ CS Northridge
Jaden Brownell – 6’9” 230 lb F 14 ppg @ Samford
Ezra Ausar – 6’8” 235 lb F 12.5 ppg, 5 rpg @ Utah
Rodney Rice – 6’4” 205 lb G 13.7 ppg @ Minnesota
Chad Baker-Mazare – 6’7” 190 lb F 12.3 ppg @ Auburn
Jordan Marsh – 5’10” G 18.8ppg @ UNC Asheville
Kezza Giffa – 6’2” 175 lb G 14.6 ppg @ High Point
Ryan Cornish – 6’4” 170 lb G 17.1 ppg @ Dartmouth
Jerry Easter – 6’3” 180 lb G 46th overall prospect
Alijah Arenas – 6’6” 195 G 10th overall prospect (Out for year with knee injury)
8. Wisconsin – Fresh off a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten and a first-round NCAA Tournament upset loss to 12-seed James Madison, the Badgers aim to build on an overachieving 2024–25 season. Despite losing three key players, Coach Greg Gard’s squad returns its second-leading scorer and has added important pieces through the transfer portal. Wisconsin is expected to compete in the upper half of the conference once again.
Key Returnees:
John Blackwell – 15.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg
Key Losses:
John Tonje – 18.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg
Steven Crowl – 9.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg
Max Klesmit – 9.7 ppg
Key Newcomers:
Austin Rapp – 6’10” 230 lb F 13.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg @ Portland
Nick Boyd – 6’3” 175 lb G 13.4ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.9apg @ San Diego State
Andrew Rohde – 6’6” 202 lb G 9.3 ppg, 4.3 apg, 41% 3pt @ Virginia
Elijah Gray – 6’8” 235 F 9.0 ppg @ Temple
Braeden Carrington – 6’5” 200 lb G 7.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg @ Temple
9. Oregon – In the inaugural year for the Ducks in the Big Ten, they finished with a 12-8 mark, good for a tie for 7th in a deep and balanced conference. The Ducks return their top two scorers, but lose a pair of key contributors off the 24-25 squad that made the Dance as a 5 seed and dropped a tight second round matchup to Arizona. Adding some key pieces in the portal, expect another steady year from Coach Dana Altman’s team this season.
Key Returnees:
Jackson Shelstad – 13.3 ppg
Nate Bittle – 14.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg
Key Losses:
Keeshawn Barthelemy – 10.2 ppg
T.J. Bamba – 10.2 ppg
Key Newcomers:
TK Simpkins – 6’3” 175 lb G 16.4 ppg @ Elon
Sean Stewart – 6’9” 220 F 5.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg @ Ohio State
The bottom half of the conference projections is listed below, but with significant roster turnover—including several teams undergoing near-complete rebuilds—there’s potential for surprises. The influx of talent, experience, and new coaching could allow one or two of these programs to rise unexpectedly. As noted, this year’s Big Ten is among the deepest and most talented conferences in the country, and it wouldn’t be surprising if two or three of the teams projected near the bottom, rise to the top half and earn NCAA Tournament bids.
10. Nebraska
11. Iowa
12. Washington
13. Indiana
14. Maryland
15. Minnesota
16. Northwestern
17. Rutgers
18. Penn State
Ohio State enters the 2025–26 season with lofty expectations, led by senior and four-time captain Bruce Thornton, whose scoring, leadership, and playmaking anchor the Buckeyes at point guard. Key returners like Mobley Jr. and Royal are joined by a talented group of newcomers —Tilly, Noel, Bynum, and Grujicic — bringing added size, athleticism, and versatility across the lineup. With depth on the wings and in the frontcourt, a high-IQ backcourt, and multiple players capable of creating mismatches, Ohio State appears well-equipped to contend near the top of a deep and competitive Big Ten.
Health and chemistry will be pivotal, but if this group clicks, the Buckeyes possess the tools to challenge for a conference title and make a meaningful NCAA Tournament run. National outlets have expressed growing optimism — ESPN’s Joe Lunardi currently projects Ohio State as a No. 6 seed, while several preseason polls place them in or near the Top 25. Conversely, an informal poll of Big Ten writers ranked them ninth in the league — a placement that feels low given the returning production and talent relative to other teams. Still, in the ever-changing transfer portal era, preseason rankings are far from exact science so take any ranking with a grain of salt.
Regardless of where they’re slotted in the preseason, there’s a renewed sense of energy and anticipation surrounding the program as the Buckeyes look to reestablish themselves on the national stage. The season tips off later this month when Ohio State hosts the Ohio Bobcats for a public exhibition at 2:30pm on October 26 (BTN+), followed by the official season opener against IU Indy on November 3 at the Schottenstein Center, tipping at 6:30pm also airing on BTN+.
-Jason Harris