Ohio State Reloaded: Buckeyes Set Sights on Big Ten Contention in 2026-27

Coming off its first NCAA Tournament appearance in four years, Ohio State enters the 2026-27 season with expectations that have risen considerably. As Jake Diebler begins his third season at the helm, the Buckeyes have their sights set on something more than simply returning to March. They have legitimate aspirations of competing near the top of the Big Ten and establishing themselves as a national contender after completely retooling the roster with a compelling mix of returning talent, highly touted freshmen and proven transfers.

John Mobley Jr. and Amare Bynum provide an important foundation, with both expected to take on expanded leadership roles, while Justin Pippen brings valuable experience and physicality to the point guard position. The freshman class could ultimately determine just how high this team can climb, led by five-star forward Anthony Thompson, who enters Columbus with considerable expectations and the talent to make an immediate impact. Ohio State also added significant experience through the transfer portal, with Curtis Givens III, Jimmie Williams, Lee Aaliya and Andrija Jelavic among the newcomers expected to strengthen the rotation. The result is a roster that is considerably deeper, longer and more athletic than a year ago, with more scoring, shooting and defensive versatility available across the lineup.

Perhaps most importantly, Diebler has addressed several of the weaknesses that held Ohio State back last season. The Buckeyes now have considerably more depth beyond their starting five, giving them the ability to withstand injuries, foul trouble and inconsistent individual performances without such a dramatic drop-off. There are also more legitimate options on both ends of the floor, allowing Diebler to be more flexible with his lineups and matchups. While Ohio State may not have a proven top-10 transfer or one established superstar expected to carry the entire team, the overall talent level from top to bottom is arguably as impressive as anything the program has assembled in quite some time.

That depth, however, also creates the biggest question surrounding the season: How quickly can all of these pieces become a cohesive team?

Nine new faces have joined the program, meaning there will inevitably be an adjustment period as players learn new roles, develop chemistry and become comfortable playing alongside one another. The Buckeyes took an important step in that process during their summer trip to Puerto Rico, where the group had an opportunity to play together, build relationships and gain valuable experience before the start of the season. Still, translating that early chemistry into meaningful success against high-level competition will be the real test.

Replacing Bruce Thornton’s leadership may prove just as important as replacing his production. The all-time leading scorer leaves behind a significant void in the backcourt, both as a floor general and as the team’s emotional anchor. Ohio State has added considerable talent at guard, but talent alone does not automatically replace the consistency, toughness and leadership of an established veteran. That responsibility will likely be shared among several players rather than falling on one individual.

The upside, though, is substantial. Ohio State is bigger, deeper and more athletic, and Diebler now has considerably more options at his disposal. If Mobley takes another significant step forward and emerges as a consistent offensive centerpiece, Bynum establishes himself as a reliable force in the frontcourt and Thompson lives up to his considerable potential as a freshman, the Buckeyes could quickly evolve from an NCAA Tournament team into a legitimate Big Ten contender. Add continued development from the rest of the roster and increased production from the newcomers, and the ceiling becomes even higher.

The floor appears considerably safer than it was a year ago because of the sheer amount of depth and talent available. The ceiling, however, will ultimately be determined by how quickly the newcomers mesh, how effectively the backcourt replaces Thornton and whether Ohio State’s highest-upside players develop into difference-makers. There is no guarantee that all of those pieces will fall into place immediately, but the ingredients are there for something special.

For the first time in a very long time, Ohio State appears to have multiple players with legitimate NBA-caliber potential, along with a rotation that can go deep without sacrificing athleticism or skill. That gives the Buckeyes a higher ceiling than they have had in recent years. If Diebler can turn that collection of individual talent into a cohesive unit, Ohio State has the potential not only to return comfortably to the NCAA Tournament, but to challenge near the top of the Big Ten and make a serious run once March arrives.

Schedule

The Buckeyes face one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the country before entering Big Ten play, where the league is once again expected to be among the deepest and most talented in college basketball. If Ohio State wants to put itself in position for a deep March run, it will have to prove it can navigate a demanding schedule from the outset.

The season opens with a quasi-neutral matchup against a highly regarded BYU team in Salt Lake City before returning home for a pair of mid-major “payday” games. The Buckeyes will then face their first true road test of the season when they travel to Storrs, Connecticut, to take on UConn at one of the toughest home environments in the country. After just four games, including two against legitimate NCAA Tournament-caliber opponents, Ohio State should have a much better understanding of where it stands and what areas still need improvement.

Ohio State will then return home for four consecutive games, three against mid-major opponents. The most challenging of the stretch comes when Vanderbilt visits Columbus for the first game of a home-and-home series with the Commodores. Following that four game homestand, the Buckeyes will open Big Ten play on the road against Nebraska before returning home to face Maryland. Ohio State will then briefly step back into non-conference play, traveling to South Bend for the return matchup of its home-and-home series with Notre Dame before hosting another mid-major opponent.

The Buckeyes will close out December with a trip to New York City for the CBS Sports Classic, where they will face traditional powerhouse Kansas. Ohio State will then conclude the non-conference portion of its schedule at home against Mississippi Valley State, which finished near the bottom of the KenPom rankings a year ago, before closing out the calendar year against Oregon.

By the time January arrives, Ohio State should have a much clearer picture of what it has and what they need to do to put them in position for an NCAA tournament run. While the Buckeyes will have plenty of opportunities to accumulate wins, picking up two or three victories against major-conference opponents could prove particularly valuable. Those wins would strengthen Ohio State’s résumé while also providing an important boost of confidence heading into the grind of Big Ten play.

As always, January will be demanding, with eight conference games that include road trips to Iowa, Illinois, Purdue and defending national champion Michigan. The Buckeyes will host Northwestern, Penn State, Michigan State and Iowa during the month. February brings a slightly lighter schedule, but Ohio State will still face a challenging mid-month West Coast trip to UCLA and USC. The regular season will then conclude in March with a road trip to a tricky Minnesota team before the Buckeyes return home to close the regular season against arch-rival Michigan.

Roster

The projected starting lineup appears to be mostly settled, particularly at positions one through four, with center remaining the lone question mark, though that uncertainty is largely a product of the increased depth in the frontcourt. Bolstered by the returning production and experience from last season, along with significant additions to the roster, the Buckeyes enter the season with a level of size and depth they haven’t had in a very long time.

At the heart of it all is arguably the most experienced and dependable backcourt Ohio State has featured in years, giving the Buckeyes an impressive combination of size, athleticism and versatility across the roster. The backcourt will play a critical role in establishing the tempo and identity Coach Jake Diebler wants to play with on both ends of the floor, but the overall size, athleticism and depth throughout the roster should give Ohio State greater offensive consistency while also allowing the Buckeyes to switch more effectively on ball screens defensively, an area that was often a weakness a season ago.

Projected Starting Lineup

PG – Justin Pippen – Justin Pippen is one of the most important additions to Ohio State’s revamped roster and is expected to take over as the Buckeyes’ starting point guard. The son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, Justin brings valuable experience and proven production after emerging as a high-level guard at Cal, where he averaged 14.2 points, 4.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. His physicality on both ends, ability to create off the dribble and willingness to attack the basket should give Ohio State a different dynamic at the point compared with recent seasons. The biggest question will be how quickly he develops chemistry with John Mobley Jr. and the rest of a largely retooled roster, but if Pippen can consistently control the tempo, limit turnovers and provide reliable scoring, he has a chance to become the steady floor general Ohio State needs with an opportunity to be one of the most impactful transfer additions in the Big Ten giving the Buckeyes a legitimate veteran leader in the backcourt.

SG – John Mobley, Jr. – John Mobley Jr. enters the season as the clear leader of the team and is poised to take another major step in his development and potentially establish himself as one of the Big Ten’s best guards. After a strong sophomore campaign, Mobley returns with two years of Big Ten experience and should have an even bigger offensive role following the departure of Bruce Thornton. His elite three-point shooting, improved scoring ability and ability to play both on and off the ball make him a natural fit alongside Justin Pippen. The biggest area for growth will be his playmaking and ability to consistently attack the basket, but with a deeper and more talented roster around him, Mobley should have more opportunities to play to his strengths. If he becomes more consistent as a creator and defender, Mobley has a legitimate chance to earn All-Big Ten recognition while emerging as Ohio State’s leading scorer and one of the key pieces of a definitive NCAA Tournament team.

SF – Anthony Thompson – As arguably the most exciting new addition to the Buckeye roster, Thompson has the talent to make an immediate impact as a freshman. The 6’8” forward brings an impressive combination of size, length, athleticism and perimeter skill, with his left-handed shooting stroke and 7-3 wingspan giving the Buckeyes a versatile weapon on both ends of the floor. Thompson’s ability to score from the perimeter, attack mismatches and defend multiple positions should allow him to fit seamlessly into Jake Diebler’s deeper, more athletic roster. While adjusting to the physicality and speed of college basketball will be a challenge, his lottery pick projection suggests he has the potential to make an immediate impact. If Thompson’s shooting translates and he becomes comfortable creating his own offense, he could quickly develop into Ohio State’s most talented player, with a realistic chance to earn Big Ten Freshman of the Year consideration and become one of the best freshmen in the country.

PF – A’mare Bynum – Bynum enters the season as possibly Ohio State’s most important returning piece, looking to take a significant step forward in a bigger role after an impressive finish to his freshman campaign. He brings size, athleticism and versatility to the frontcourt, giving the Buckeyes another player capable of impacting the game as a scorer, rebounder and defender. The most athletic player on the roster, Bynum should benefit from improved spacing and less pressure to carry the offense, allowing his offensive game to come to him rather than forcing opportunities. His development into a more consistent scorer and rebounder will be critical, particularly against the bigger and more physical teams in the Big Ten. If Bynum can become more aggressive around the basket, improve his consistency from long range and provide a reliable defensive presence, he has the opportunity to establish himself as a key starter and one of the better two-way post players in the conference. If he develops as much as reports suggest, Bynum could become a critical component of Ohio State’s push to compete near the top of the Big Ten.

C – Josh Ojianwuna – Coming off a missed season due to recovery from a knee injury, Ojianwuna is an intriguing frontcourt piece for Ohio State and a player who could provide valuable depth, physicality and defensive presence either in the starting lineup or off the bench. The 6’10” big man brings strength, athleticism and a willingness to do the dirty work, giving the Buckeyes another capable rebounder and interior defender in a deep frontcourt. With Ohio State adding significant size and talent inside, Ojianwuna should be able to carve out a role by providing energy, protecting the rim, finishing around the basket and creating second-chance opportunities. His offensive development will be important, particularly his ability to become a more consistent scorer and finish through contact, but he doesn’t need to be a primary offensive option to have an impact. If Ojianwuna can continue to improve his offensive game while establishing himself as a dependable defender and rebounder, he could become a critical part of the Buckeye frontcourt and give Ohio State much more physicality against the Big Ten’s bigger frontcourts.

Reserves

SG/SF – Jimmie Williams  – A transfer from Duquesne, Williams is one of Ohio State’s most exciting newcomers and a player who could quickly become a valuable piece of the Buckeyes’ rotation. The 6’5” wing brings size, athleticism and proven scoring ability after averaging 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the Dukes while shooting 40% from three. Williams’ ability to score without needing the ball in his hands constantly should make him a strong fit alongside Ohio State’s primary creators, while his size and versatility give the Buckeyes another capable defender on the perimeter. He also brings a high level of consistency, scoring in double figures in 20 consecutive games during his final season at Duquesne. If Williams can translate that production to the Big Ten, knock down open perimeter shots and make an impact defensively, he could become one of Ohio State’s most reliable bench scorers and potentially push for starter minutes. His ability to provide instant offense while playing within himself could be especially valuable for a Buckeyes team with considerably more depth than a year ago.

PG/SG –Curtis Givens III  – The 6’3” Givens brings experience, athleticism and a smooth offensive game after averaging 9.4 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game at Memphis. Givens has shown the ability to control the game without forcing the action, making him a strong fit on a roster that already features several capable scorers and primary ball-handlers. His ability to create his own shot, attack the basket and keep the offense moving should give Jake Diebler another reliable option in the rotation. The biggest question will be how consistently he can produce against Big Ten competition, particularly from the perimeter and defensively. If Givens can knock down open shots, take care of the basketball and provide steady minutes, he could become one of Ohio State’s most valuable reserve guards and give the Buckeyes another experienced piece capable of keeping the offense productive when the starters come off the floor.

PF/C – Andrija Jelavic  – A potential starter, the 6’11” Jelavic brings a combination of size, skill and versatility that gives the Buckeyes another option capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. After spending last season at Kentucky, Jelavic arrives with high-level experience and should benefit from a larger opportunity in Ohio State’s deep frontcourt. His ability to score both around the basket and from the perimeter, rebound and defend the paint should complement Ohio State’s more athletic forwards and give Jake Diebler another reliable option against physical Big Ten teams. The biggest question will be how much his offensive role expands while playing the 4 or 5, but if Jelavic can become a versatile scorer while providing strong rebounding and rim protection, he has the potential to become one of Ohio State’s most important interior rotation pieces and give the Buckeyes a legitimate difference-maker in the post.

C –Ivan Njegovan  – Returning for his junior season, the 7’2” Njegovan gives the Buckeyes a true interior presence who can impact the game with his length, rebounding and ability to protect the rim. With Ohio State boasting one of its deepest frontcourts in recent years, he should be able to carve out a 10-12 minute per game role as a rebounder and rim protector as his size gives Jake Diebler a valuable matchup option against some of the Big Ten’s biggest teams, while his ability to run the floor and finish around the basket could provide an added dimension offensively. If Njegovan continues to improve, he has the potential to develop into a solid Big Ten center and give Ohio State another legitimate defensive anchor in the paint.

SG – LJ Smith – The 6’4” freshman Smith reclassified from the 2027 class after graduating high school early, giving Ohio State an unexpected addition with significant scoring ability. A 5 star in the 27 class, Smith was an elite scorer at Lincolnton HS, averaging 33.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists as a sophomore, and continued to show his shooting ability at Oak Hill and on the EYBL circuit, where he shot around 40% from three. While his youth and lack of college experience could limit his role early, Smith has the offensive talent to force his way into the rotation and potentially become one of Ohio State’s most dangerous perimeter scorers. His ability to score at all three levels, create for himself and play either guard spot gives Jake Diebler another versatile weapon, and if Smith adjusts quickly to the physicality and speed of college basketball, he could provide a major scoring boost off the bench and emerge as one of the most impactful freshmen in the Big Ten.

PF – Lee Aaliya – The latest addition to the roster, the 6’8” Aaliya, enters college basketball after a successful run as a pro, most recently playing for UCAM Murcia in Spain for one of Europe’s top leagues. The native Argentine brings a strong frame and an aggressive style of play that should translate well to the physical nature of Big Ten basketball. Aaliya’s ability to score around the basket, rebound through contact and defend multiple frontcourt positions gives Jake Diebler another versatile option in an increasingly deep Ohio State rotation. With the Buckeyes’ size in the frontcourt, Aaliya may have to compete for consistent minutes, but his toughness and ability to do the dirty work could make him a valuable matchup piece. If he can adjust quickly to the speed and physicality of college basketball while developing consistency as a scorer and defender, Aaliya has the potential to play significant minutes giving Ohio State another physical presence capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor.

SF/PF – Alex Smith – The 6’9” forward from Upper Arlington brings positional size, a high basketball IQ and the ability to score from all three levels, while his development as a perimeter shooter gives the Buckeyes a unique skillset as a stretch-forward option. Smith averaged 19.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game as a junior at Upper Arlington before transferring to Prolific Prep for his senior season, where he continued to show his shooting ability and versatility. With Ohio State boasting significant talent and depth in the frontcourt, Smith may have to earn his minutes early, but his skill set could allow him to separate himself from traditional bigs. Likely targeted as a little used reserve this season, but if he can adjust quickly to the speed and physicality of college basketball, knock down open threes and use his size to create mismatches, Smith has the potential to become a very useful rotation piece and perhaps one of the more pleasant surprises among Ohio State’s freshmen.

C – Vuk Lazarevic – Lazarevic, a 7’1” 230 pound Serbian center brings tremendous size and length, along with a developing skill set shaped by his time with Red Star Belgrade and Wasatch Academy. Lazarevic averaged 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and a team-high 1.2 blocks per game at Wasatch, where he earned a starting role and showed an ability to protect the rim, finish around the basket and make plays as a passer. His biggest challenge will be finding consistent minutes on a roster loaded with frontcourt options, so his role could initially be limited to matchup situations and developmental minutes. Still, his combination of size, basketball IQ and defensive instincts gives Jake Diebler increased depth in the paint and potentially become an important part of Ohio State’s future frontcourt.

G – Myles Herro – Coming off a redshirt season, the 6’2” Herro should be more physically prepared for the college game and could benefit from playing behind an experienced group of guards. His ability to handle the ball, create offense and distribute could give Jake Diebler another option when Ohio State needs a steady ball-handler, while continued improvement as a shooter and defender will determine how much he can contribute. With the Buckeyes expected to have significant competition for minutes on the perimeter, Herro will likely be a rarely used reserve, but continued development could make him a potential backcourt piece in future seasons.

G – Braylen Nash – The rarely used guard from New Albany, the 6’3” Nash has played sparingly in his first two seasons and is likely targeted for the same role this season. An important practice player, his familiarity with the system and willingness to embrace his role make him a valuable depth option, and a breakout into a more consistent rotation role would be a significant development for the junior guard.

BIG TEN PROJECTIONS

The Big Ten enters 2026-27 as arguably the deepest conference in college basketball, with several teams capable of competing for the league title and a large group with legitimate NCAA Tournament aspirations. After sending nine teams to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including Michigan breaking the 25 year national title drought, the conference should again be loaded from top to bottom. The biggest difference this season may be the uncertainty in the middle, where roster turnover creates opportunities for teams to rise or fall quickly. Overall, the Big Ten should be extremely competitive, physical and deep, with the potential to send another large contingent to March Madness. 

1.  Illinois – The Illini enter the 2026-27 season with legitimate expectations after making a Final Four run a year ago and retaining much of their core. Brad Underwood brings back five of the team’s eight leading scorers, while also adding a strong freshman class and transfer talent. The Illini’s combination of size, experience, versatility and frontcourt depth gives them one of the more skilled rosters in the Big Ten, although replacing elite point guard production and integrating several younger pieces will be critical. If the returning veterans take another step and the backcourt develops quickly, Illinois has the talent to remain near the top of the conference, earn a high NCAA Tournament seed and make another serious run in March.

 Key Returnees:

    Andrej Stojakovic – 13.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg

    David Mirkovic – 13.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.6 apg

    Tomislav Iviasic – 10.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg

   Key Losses:

    Kylan Boswell 12.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.0 apg

    Keaton Wagler 17.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.2 apg

   Key Newcomers: 

   #6 overall recruiting class

   Stefan Vaaks 6’7″ 206 SG 15.8, rpg, 3.2 apg @ Providence

2.  Michigan State – Michigan enters 2026-27 Tom Izzo’s Spartans bring back a large portion of last year’s production, entering 2026-27 with one of the deepest and most experienced rosters in the Big Ten, while adding a highly regarded recruiting class and much-needed size through the transfer portal. The Spartans have the versatility to play fast, defend at a high level and attack opponents with multiple lineups, while the return of several proven contributors gives the Spartans a strong foundation. The biggest challenge will be replacing some frontcourt production and integrating the newcomers, but the combination of experience, depth and athleticism gives Michigan State a legitimate chance to compete for the Big Ten title and make a deep NCAA Tournament run.

 Key Returnees:

    Jeremy Fears 15.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 9.4 apg

    Coen Carr 12.0ppg. 5.4 rpg

   Key Losses:

    Jaxon Kohler 12.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg

    Carson Cooper 11.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg

   Key Newcomers: 

   #5 overall recruiting class

   Ethan Taylor 7-0 244 C #28 overall

   Jasiah Jervis 6-4 190 SG #33 overall

   Carlos Medlock, Jr. 5-11 165 PG #46 overall

   Anton Bonke 7-2 270 C 10.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg @ Charlotte

3.       Michigan – Michigan enters 2026-27 facing the difficult task of defending its national championship after losing three major frontcourt pieces and head coach Dusty May, but the Wolverines still have enough talent to remain firmly in the national picture. The return of an experienced lead guard and a highly touted sophomore gives Michigan a strong backcourt foundation, while several talented transfers and freshmen provide the size, athleticism and versatility needed to rebuild the frontcourt. The biggest question is whether the newcomers can replace the production and defensive impact of last year’s dominant interior group, particularly with a new head coach taking over. With the roster’s overall talent level and depth, Michigan should remain a Big Ten contender and NCAA Tournament team, but repeating as national champions will likely require significant development from its returning guards and immediate contributions from the newcomers.                                     

Key Returnees:

Trey McKenney 9.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg

Elliot Cadot 10.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5.9 apg 

Key Losses:  

Yaxel Lendeborg 15.1 ppg. 6.8 rpg, 3.2 apg

Morez Johnson, Jr. 13.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg

Aday Mara 12.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.4 apg

Key Newcomers: 

#4 overall recruiting class

Quinn Costello 6’10” 195 PF #44 overall

Lincoln Cosby 6’8” 195 SF #45 overall

JP Estrella 6’11” 240 F 10.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg @ Tennessee

Jalen Reed 6’10” 245 PF 9.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg @ LSU

Moustapha Thiam 7’2” 250 C 12.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg @ Cincinnati

4.       Ohio State – The Buckeyes enter the season with a much deeper and more talented roster after a major offseason overhaul. While the Buckeyes lost significant scoring and leadership from last season, they addressed those holes with a combination of proven transfers and a highly regarded recruiting class. The roster now features considerably more size, athleticism and lineup versatility, giving the program far more depth from top to bottom. The biggest question will be whether the new pieces can develop chemistry quickly and whether the returning core can take another step forward. If that happens, Ohio State has the talent to compete near the top of the Big Ten, comfortably reach the NCAA Tournament and potentially make a deep March run. 

Key Returnees:                             

John Mobley, Jr. 15.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.8 apg

Amare Bynum 9.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg

Key Losses:

Bruce Thornton (OSU All time leading scorer) 19.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.9 apg

Devin Royal 13.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg (transfer to Villanova)

Christoph Tilly 11.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg

Key Newcomers:

#19 overall recruiting class

Anthony Thompson 6’8” 205 #7 overall

LJ Smith 6’4” 180 CG 5 star re-classed from ’27 class

Justin Pippen 6’3” 190 PG 14.2 pg, 3.9 rpg, 4.6 apg @ Cal

Jimmie Williams 6’5” 210 CG 15.1 ppg. 4.5 rpg, 2.6 apg @ Duquesne

Curtis Givens III 6’3” 185 CG 9.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.3 apg @ Memphis

Lee Aaliya 6’8” 225 PF 18.4 ppg, 9.6 rpg @ Spain’s top pro league

5.       Indiana – Indiana enters 2026-27 with renewed optimism after a major roster overhaul. The Hoosiers added significant size, shooting and playmaking through the transfer portal and should be much deeper and more versatile than last season. While building chemistry with so many newcomers will be a challenge, the talent upgrade gives Indiana a chance to return to the NCAA Tournament and compete in the upper half of the Big Ten. 

Key Returnees:                

None 

Key Losses:

Lamar Wilkerson 20.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.4 apg

Tucker DeVries 13.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.3 apg

Tayton Conerway 9.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.3 apg

Key Newcomers:

#22 Overall Recruiting Class

Jaeden Mustaf 6’5” 210 SG 10.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.4 apg @ Georgia Tech

Markus Burton 5’11” 166 PG 18.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.7 apg @ Notre Dame

Samet Yigitoglu 7’2” 265 C 10.7 ppg, 7.9 rpg @ SMU

Aiden Sherrell 6’11” 255 PF 11.1 ppg, 6.2 apg @ Alabama

Bryce Lindsay 6’3” 194 PG 12.3 ppg @ Villanova

6.       USC – USC enters 2026-27 with a much deeper roster after a major offseason overhaul. With three key returners back and a strong group of transfers and freshmen, the Trojans have the talent to make a significant jump and push for an NCAA Tournament berth

Key Returnees:                                

Rodney Rice limited to only 6 games last season due to knee surgery

Jacob Cofie 9.9 ppg. 6.8 rpg

Ailijah Arenas 14.1 ppg in 14 games 

Key Losses:       

Chad Baker-Mazara 18.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.8 apg (Dismissed from program)

Ezra Ausar 14.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg

Key Newcomers:            

#9 overall class

Adonis Ratliff 6’11” 215 PF #17 overall

Darisu Ratliff 6’11” 210 C #23 overall

Christian Collins 6’8” 200 PF #9 overall

Jalen Cox 6’3” 180 CG 17.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5.3 apg @ Colgate

Jadis Jones 6’5” 200 SG 15.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.6 apg @ Lindenwood

Isaac Bruns 6’5” SG 20.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg @ South Dakota

7.       Nebraska – Coming off a surprising sweet 16 appearance, Fred Hoiberg’s Huskers will have to replace several key contributors, however, return a strong core led by Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager while adding significant size and experience through the transfer portal. With Fred Hoiberg back and plenty of talent surrounding Sandfort, Nebraska has the pieces to remain near the top of the Big Ten and return to the NCAA Tournament. 

Key Returnees:                                

Pryce Sandfort 18.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.0 apg

Braden Frager 11.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg                               

Key Losses:                        

Rienk Mast 14.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.8 apg

JaMarques Lawrence 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg

Key Newcomers:

2 Top 100 Recruits

Sam Orme 6’9” 220 SF 12.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg @ Belmont

Trevan Leonhardt 6’5” 175 SG 11.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.0 apg @ Utah Valley

Boden Kapke 6’11” 255 C 10.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg @ Boston College

Damon Wilkinson 6’10” 245 C 13.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg @ San Diego State

8.       UCLA – There’s plenty to be excited about for Bruin fans entering 2026-27 after an NCAA tournament appearance a year ago. Despite losing significant contributors, The Bruins return five rotational players, providing valuable continuity, while adding more talent around an experienced core. With improved depth and several players poised for bigger roles, UCLA should be firmly in the NCAA Tournament conversation and capable of competing near the top of the Big Ten.

Key Returnees:                                

Trent Perry 12.6 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.8 apg

Eric Dailey, Jr. 11.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg 

Key Losses:                        

Tyler Bilodeau 17.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg

Donovan Dent 13.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 7.6 apg

Skyy Clark 11.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.0 apg

Key Newcomers:                            

#49 overall class

Joe Philon 6’8” 180 PF #71 overall

Jaylen Petty 6’1” 168 PG 9.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.2 apg @ Texas Tech

9.       Purdue – The Boilers come off a sweet 16 appearance, losing to eventual champion Michigan, but face a major transition after losing three cornerstone players from last season. The Boilermakers return a deep group and add Caden Pierce from Princeton, but replacing that level of scoring, playmaking and leadership will be difficult. Purdue should remain competitive under Matt Painter, but a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten finish feels more realistic, with an NCAA Tournament berth likely dependent on how quickly the younger players develop.

Key Returnees:                           

None                                               

Key Losses:                        

Braden Smith 14.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 8.8 apg

Fletcher Loyer 14.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.1 apg

Trey Kauffman-Renn 14.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.5 apg

Oscar Kluff 10.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg 

Key Newcomers:                            

#8 overall class

Luke Ertel 6’1” 170 CG #41 overall

Caden Pierce 6’6” 220 11.9ppg 7.9 rpg, 2.5 apg (sat out 25-26)

The bottom half of the Big Ten should be highly competitive, with several teams capable of exceeding expectations and moving up the standings. There is a clear talent gap between the top contenders and the teams near the bottom, but the depth of the conference means there likely won’t be many easy wins especially on the road. For those teams, roster development, chemistry and consistency will be critical, and a few could emerge as surprises in what should be a tightly contested middle and lower tier.

10.   Minnesota

11.   Wisconsin

12.   Oregon

13.   Rutgers

14.   Washington

15.   Maryland

16.   Iowa

17.   Northwestern

18.   Penn State

Ohio State enters the 2025–26 season with extremely high expectations having completely retooled the roster, bringing in nine new faces while retaining key pieces such as John Mobley Jr. and Amare Bynum. The result is a roster that is bigger, deeper and more athletic, with a strong blend of experienced transfers and high-upside young talent. Ohio State has the talent to play at a faster, more physical pace and should have considerably more flexibility with its lineups and defensive schemes allowing the Buckeyes to employ much more of a positionless lineup, which has become the trend around college basketball in recent years.

Ohio State enters 2026-27 with legitimate NCAA Tournament expectations, but simply making the field should be viewed as the floor rather than the goal. If the backcourt establishes itself, the frontcourt consistently produces and the roster develops chemistry, the Buckeyes have the talent to compete near the top of the Big Ten and earn a favorable NCAA Tournament seed. After an aggressive roster rebuild, this season represents an opportunity for Ohio State to take the next step under Jake Diebler and establish itself as a legitimate Big Ten and national contender.

Preseason expectations should reflect that potential. Ohio State has a realistic chance to open the season ranked in the Top 25 and move comfortably into the top 20 if the pieces come together quickly despite a challenging non-conference schedule. A top-five Big Ten finish, 20-plus wins and an NCAA Tournament seed in the 4-7 range are reasonable benchmarks, while a second-weekend appearance should be within reach. The ceiling rises considerably if Anthony Thompson makes an immediate impact, John Mobley Jr. takes another step forward and Amare Bynum becomes a consistent interior presence. With improved depth and a roster capable of going nine or 10 deep, the Buckeyes should have a relatively high floor and the potential to be much more than simply a tournament team.

Regardless of where Ohio State lands in the preseason rankings, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the program as the Buckeyes look to establish themselves as a national contender. Fans will get their first look at the revamped roster when Ohio State travels to Mason, Ohio, on Wednesday afternoon to face Cincinnati at the Lindner Family Tennis Center at 3 p.m. (No TV) as part of the CareSource Invitational supporting mental health, with Dayton taking on Xavier in the nightcap. Following a closed door scrimmage at Louisville on October 17, the Buckeyes will host Butler on October 25 (BTN+) in their final preseason tune-up before officially opening the regular season November 2 against BYU in Salt Lake City. Following a major roster overhaul and a productive summer focused on building chemistry, Ohio State enters the season with the potential to make 2026-27 one of the more anticipated campaigns in recent program history.

-Jason Harris