For the first time since the 2021–22 season, Ohio State heard its name called by the NCAA Selection Committee. The Buckeyes, who finished the season 21–12, officially earned a No. 8 seed in the South Region in Greenville, SC and will face TCU in the first round on Thursday. Time TBD.

The winner of that matchup will advance to play the winner of No. 1 Duke and No. 16 Siena on Saturday.

Based on their overall résumé and, more importantly, their health and level of play down the stretch, the Buckeyes may very well be underseeded. Most analytical metrics place Ohio State closer to a No. 7 seed, while their performance since February 1 tells an even stronger story. According to BartTorvik.com, Ohio State has played at the level of the No. 14 team in the country during that stretch — the equivalent of a No. 4 seed in the tournament field.

With that in mind, the Buckeyes could present a dangerous first-round matchup and have a legitimate puncher’s chance if they were to meet top-seeded Duke in the Round of 32 with a trip to the Sweet 16 at stake.

Either way, Ohio State is back in the Big Dance. Let the madness begin.

-Jason Harris

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