Picture this: it’s February 21, 2025, and the Buckeyes are in the thick of a so-so season under Jake Diebler, who’s locked in with a five-year deal from last March. Realistically, Ohio State isn’t shopping for a new coach right now—but let’s play “what if” and toss around some names of top coaches who might be on their radar if things went sideways. These are the folks who could bring some fire to Columbus, based on their track records, rumors, and just plain gut feelings.

Coaches Ohio State Fans Might Dream About

Dusty May (Michigan)

Why He’s a Fit: Dusty’s the guy who took Florida Atlantic to the Final Four and nearly landed the Ohio State gig last year before Michigan swooped in. He’s got that fast, fun style—like watching a highlight reel on loop—and he’s from the Midwest (Indiana, baby!). If his first year at Michigan’s a bust, maybe he’d listen to Ohio State calling his name again.

The Vibe: Imagine him pacing the sidelines at the Schottenstein Center, turning Buckeye recruits into a scoring machine. He’s young, hungry, and knows how to win big.

Chances: Slim, unless Michigan’s a total mess. He’s got a shiny new contract, but you never know with these coaching carousel twists.

Sean Miller (Xavier)

Why He’s a Fit: Sean’s a name Ohio State fans have heard before—he was in the mix last year. He’s been killing it at Xavier (well, mostly), and at 56, he’s got that “been there, done that” vibe from his Arizona days. Plus, he’s from the region—Pennsylvania—and knows the Big Ten’s backyard.

The Vibe: He’d bring grit and a knack for landing top recruits. Sure, he hasn’t hit a Final Four yet, but he’s the kind of guy who could get Ohio State back in the spotlight.

Chances: Decent shot if Xavier stumbles. He might just be ready for one last big swing.

Nate Oats (Alabama)

Why He’s a Fit: Nate’s the mad scientist behind Alabama’s rise—fast, smart, and a little wild. Ohio State sniffed around him last year, and with the Buckeyes’ cash and talent pool, he could turn Columbus into a hoops party. He’s locked in down South, but whispers say he’s got an itch for new challenges.

The Vibe: Picture Ohio State flying up and down the court, draining threes like it’s nothing. Nate’s all about winning with swagger.

Chances: Tough pull—he’s got a sweet deal at Alabama—but if he’s restless, Ohio State’s got the juice to tempt him.

Lamont Paris (South Carolina)

Why He’s a Fit: Lamont’s the Ohio kid (born and raised!) who’s turned South Carolina into a legit squad. He knows the Big Ten from his Wisconsin days, and he was a hot name for the Ohio State job last year. If he keeps shining, he’s the kind of guy who could come home.

The Vibe: He’s tough, no-nonsense, and feels like a Buckeye at heart. Perfect for rallying the fanbase and grinding out wins.

Chances: Pretty good if he’s ready to level up. South Carolina’s cool, but Ohio State’s home.

Will Wade (McNeese State)

Why He’s a Fit: Will’s the wild card. He’s a wizard—22-3 at McNeese this year after getting canned at LSU over some NCAA drama. His penalty’s up in 2025, and he’s itching for a big gig. Ohio State’s NIL money and roster could be his playground.

The Vibe: He’s intense, a recruiting beast, and wins wherever he goes. Yeah, he’s got baggage, but the dude’s a baller.

Chances: Solid if Ohio State’s cool with a little risk. He’d jump at it.

Greg McDermott (Creighton)

Why He’s a Fit: Greg’s the steady dad of this group—60 years old, Elite Eight with Creighton, and a name Ohio State floated last year. He’s comfy in Omaha, but a big-time job like this might pull him out of his cozy nest.

The Vibe: He’s calm, runs a smooth offense, and knows how to win. Not flashy, but reliable as heck.

Chances: Maybe a long shot. Depends if he’s still got the fire for a new adventure.

Josh Schertz (Saint Louis)

Why He’s a Fit: Josh had Indiana State buzzing last year (NIT runner-up!) and just jumped to Saint Louis. He’s Midwest through and through, and his teams play fast and fearless—Ohio State fans would eat it up.

The Vibe: Young gun with big ideas. He’d bring energy and a fresh start to Columbus.

Chances: Could happen if he crushes it at Saint Louis and Ohio State comes knocking.

What’s Really Going On

Right now, Jake Diebler’s the man in Columbus. He’s got the Buckeyes at 14-11 (6-8 in Big Ten) as of mid-February 2025—not lighting the world on fire, but not crashing either. His five-year deal means Ohio State’s probably sticking with him for next season unless something crazy happens—like a total collapse or him bolting for another job (unlikely). Still, fans love dreaming about the next big hire, and these names are the ones that’d get tongues wagging.

The Ohio State basketball program has just received an interesting piece of news which is worth sharing. The commitment to play for the Buckeyes from A'mare Bynum, a four-star forward in the class of 2025 is one to highlight. That’s a significant plus for Coach Jake Diebler and all players in the team since Bynum has the ability to be an effective player with many capabilities. To understand this better, let us go to the most important information about what he means and what it stands for in the progress of Ohio State basketball.

The Decision

Bynum made his choice to join the Buckeyes public following a hectic fall that included official visits to a number of prestigious programs. The Omaha, Nebraska native, who played his senior season at Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, cited his strong bond with Coach Diebler as a key factor in his decision. "It’s been great. Ever since the summer he’s been talking to me pretty much every day, Facetiming me, doing whatever he can to get me, and it worked," Bynum said.

A Versatile Forward

Standing at 6'8" and weighing 210 lbs, Bynum is listed as a center but is expected to play as a power forward at Ohio State. One of his great assets is that he is versatile above all things. ‘‘Basically, I’ve always been able to do it all." He is a great asset to the club because of his ball handling, passing, and outside shooting skills.

On-Court Impact

Bynum showed his basketball potential, averaging 16 points and 8 rebounds per game for Mokan Elite in the Nike EYBL last summer. His energetic play and nonstop motor have caught the eye of many coaches and recruiters. "I see myself as a freshman coming in at the position and making a big impact for the team," Bynum said. "I could help the team out right away by stretching the floor out and being versatile."

Joining the Buckeyes

Bynum joins Richmond Heights, Ohio's four-star guard Dorian Jones as the second player in the 2025 class to pledge to Ohio State. Bynum's dedication is a big step in creating a good recruiting class, and the Buckeyes are anticipated to sign up to four players in this class.

Final Thoughts

What A’mare Bynum brings to the table is groundbreaking for Ohio State basketball. In fact, he is the perfect collegiate player for the Buckeyes due to his well-rounded nature, skill, and hardworking attitude. For us fans, we are hopeful that Bynum will step on the floor and make an impact right away ensuring the team’s ultimate success.

In a blistering hot weekend in fall, Ohio State University campus had a lot of life. The football team is getting ready for a highly anticipated game with Marshall in the grand Ohio Stadium. Just like that, the seats were quickly becoming occupied with fervent fans who were waiting eagerly to see the two teams clash against each other.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the campus, the basketball team was hosting two promising recruits, Niko Bundalo and Davion Hannah. Both players were sought after highly, placing them among the top 40 prospects and four-star recruits as recorded by the renowned 247Sports.com rankings. To these talented young athletes, the university’s great basketball tradition and modern basketball facilities were highly anticipated.

Ohio State vs Marshall Thundering Herd

The energy in the air at Ohio Stadium was electric as the football team took to the field; this could be heard over the whole campus in the form of the roaring crowd. The players were focused and determined to secure a victory, fueled by the support of their loyal fans.

Campus Tour and Horseshoe Atmosphere

While Niko Bundalo and Davion Hannah got shown around the basketball facilities, the chance for them to meet the coaching staff and mingle with players was availed to them. On the other hand, they could see themselves playing major roles in the future success of the team; they were wowed by how dedicated the school was to winning both academically and athletically.

As the football game unfolded with thrilling plays and intense moments, the recruits couldn't help but feel the energy reverberating through the campus. They knew that they wanted to be a part of such a vibrant and competitive athletic community.

Alex Smith from Upper Arlington has made a substantial move towards realizing his dream by pledging allegiance to Ohio State’s men’s basketball team. The 6-9 forward from Upper Arlington High School situated in Columbus, made this announcement through a Monday post on X which is quite important for him at this early stage of life.

Joining the 2026 Class

Smith's commitment makes him the second recruit in Ohio State's 2026 class, joining five-star point guard Marcus Johnson. This future star duo is anticipated to add more thrill and ability in the Buckeyes’ list of players. Head coach Jake Diebler showed his excitement for what’s ahead, as he has a considerable role in turning around the program.

A Dream Come True

“I have always been a Buckeye fan since I was able to walk and talk,” Smith aid to Eleven Warriors. “Going to OSU has always been my dream. The sensation that all the hard work I put in has finally bore fruit is quite surreal at the moment of my commitment, especially considering that this is where I have always wanted to play.”

The Journey to Commitment

Smith's decision came after a visit to Columbus this past weekend, one of many trips that solidified his choice. He met Marcus Johnson during his visit, which made him even more determined to become a Buckeye. Smith rejected offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, Nebraska and Xavier in favor of Ohio State that demonstrated his loyalty to the school as well as football program.

Building a Strong Future

With Smith and Johnson on board, Ohio State is looking to add one more prospect to their 2026 recruiting class. The Buckeyes also have a commitment from four-star shooting guard Dorian Jones in the 2025 class, indicating a bright future for the program.

Hope for the Program

Under Diebler's leadership, the Buckeyes are working hard to become contenders once again. The addition of talented players like Smith and Johnson brings renewed hope and excitement to Ohio State basketball fans.

Alex Smith's commitment is not just a personal milestone but a promising sign for the future of Ohio State basketball. As he prepares to don the scarlet and gray, fans eagerly anticipate the impact he will make on the court.

Philly was electric! Carmen’s Crew, those Ohio State guys, were going head-to-head with the tough Forever Coogs from Houston. With a million bucks on the line, you can bet the place was going crazy! Everyone in the Daskalakis Center was on the edge of their seat, waiting to see who'd come out on top.

A Clash of Titans

The Forever Coogs, a team with a storied history, boasted former Houston Cougars stars. Their athleticism and precision made them a force to be reckoned with. But Carmen's Crew, fueled by nostalgia and the promise of redemption, stood tall.

Sullinger's Heroics

Jared Sullinger, the heart and soul of Carmen's Crew, channeled his inner Buckeye. His post moves were poetry, each basket a tribute to Ohio State's legacy. The crowd roared as he spun past defenders, laying the ball in with finesse.

The Wesson Brothers Unleashed

Andre and Kaleb Wesson, inseparable on and off the court, anchored the defense. Andre's three-pointers rained down like meteors, while Kaleb patrolled the paint, swatting shots into oblivion. Their synergy was uncanny—a brotherly bond forged in scarlet and gray.

Target Score 68

What a thrilling finish! With a final score of 69–65 and a target score of 68, Carmen's Crew secured their victory against the Forever Coogs. The tension must have been palpable as they battled it out on the court.

This game was super intense. Every single point counted, and those final shots? Forget about it. You could’ve heard a pin drop in the place. Whether it was Sullinger’s clutch free throws or the Wesson brothers’ defensive prowess, the Buckeye faithful surely celebrated this hard-fought win.

Here’s to Carmen's Crew—a million-dollar triumph etched in Ohio State lore!

The Buckeyes just snagged a huge dude from Croatia to fill their last open spot for next season. Ivan Njegovan is a 7-foot-1 monster who's coming to Ohio State after killing it last year for KK Bosco in the Croatian pro league.

Bosco Shot Blocker

Yeah, this kid's a beast. Njegovan is only 19 but he was already cleaning the glass and blocking shots like crazy for Bosco. He averaged almost five boards and two blocks a game, and he was way better than his teammates at both. Seriously, he blocked like 40% of Bosco's shots all season!

Croatia U20 Team

Njegovan also played for Croatia's U20 team in a big international tournament last summer. He wasn't scoring a ton of points, but he was a real defensive beast out there.

Frontcourt Lineup

With a full four years of eligibility, Njegovan will compete for playing time behind Sean Stewart, Aaron Bradshaw, and Devin Royal in the frontcourt. Sophomore center Austin Parks will also be in the mix for minutes off the bench.

Chris Holtmann just signed a 6-year deal to be the new head coach at DePaul! Apparently, they offered him a sweet package, remembering how good he was back when he coached at Butler in the Big East.

At Ohio State, things were pretty good for Holtmann for a while. Even though they let him go last month, he took the Buckeyes to the NCAA tournament four years in a row, and they were even a really high seed in 2021. His very first year was amazing, with a 25-9 record, and they won an NCAA tournament game each of his first two years as coach. They might have lost early in the tournament a couple times, but hey, making it that far is pretty good!

Before Ohio State, Holtmann did great things at Butler too, taking them to the NCAA tournament three years in a row. He started out as an assistant coach at a smaller school and just kept moving up the ladder. At DePaul, he's replacing their old coach who got fired after a rough start to the season. DePaul hasn't even been to the NCAA tournament in ages, let alone the Sweet Sixteen!

Hey Buckeye Fans! Get ready to high-five the sky because Aaron Bradshaw is coming to Ohio State!

Hey, remember that super tall dude who played for Kentucky? Yeah, the one who looked like he could dunk from the free throw line? That's Aaron Bradshaw! This guy's got skills for days, like a squirrel with an endless stash of nuts! And guess what? He's ditched the bluegrass for some scarlet and gray action.

The Bradshaw Buzz

That's the thing about Bradshaw, right? High school, he was a highlight reel! Alley-oops, throws down like nobody's business, arms longer than a whole dang summer. But yeah, freshman year at Kentucky? Let's just say it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. More like a haunted house funhouse – all the twists and turns, some good, some...well, not so much. Bradshaw actually missed the first part of his freshman season due to a foot injury. That definitely threw a wrench in getting his rhythm going.

From Bluegrass to Buckeye Country

But hold your horses, folks! Bradshaw's transferring to Ohio State, and Coach Jake Diebler is grinning like a Cheshire cat. Diebler's been busy as a bee, reshaping the Buckeyes' squad faster than you can say "three-pointer." He's got Meechie Johnson from South Carolina and Marcus Johnson, the guard with moves smoother than butter. And now, Bradshaw's the cherry on top.

What's in the Bradshaw Bag?

Picture this: Bradshaw in the paint, swatting shots like a ninja with a broomstick. He's got hands softer than a marshmallow, and his shooting game? Well, let's just say he's got more range than your Wi-Fi signal. Whether it's a hook shot or a fadeaway J, Bradshaw's got it covered. And those Buckeye fans? They're already practicing their "Aaron! Aaron!" chants.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 13th in the Big Ten and missed the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2016. However, head coach Chris Holtmann has reloaded his roster with a mix of returning veterans, talented transfers, and highly rated freshmen. Here is a breakdown of the Buckeyes’ projected roster and depth chart for the 2023-2024 season.

Point Guard

Starter: Bruce Thornton Backup: Dale Bonner

Bruce Thornton returns for his sophomore season as the Buckeyes’ starting point guard. He averaged 10.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game as a freshman, while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range and 45.6 percent from the field. He is a strong and quick guard who can attack the rim, create for others, and defend at a high level. He ranked 17th in the Big Ten in offensive rating (113.7) and 20th in assists (92) last season¹.

Dale Bonner is a graduate transfer from Baylor, where he played a reserve role for the Bears for two seasons. He averaged 4.7 points, 2.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and 44.1 percent from the field². He is a versatile and experienced guard who can play both on and off the ball, as well as provide some defensive pressure.

Shooting Guard

Starter: Roddy Gayle Jr. Backup: Bowen Hardman

Roddy Gayle Jr. is a sophomore who transferred from Wasatch Academy in Utah, where he averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game as a senior³. He is a four-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 48 player in the nation by ESPN⁴. He is a smooth and athletic wing who can score from all three levels, as well as rebound and defend multiple positions.

Bowen Hardman is a sophomore who played sparingly as a freshman, averaging 1.8 points and 0.6 rebounds per game in 5.8 minutes per game⁵. He is a sharpshooter who made 11 of his 22 three-point attempts last season (50 percent). He will look to earn more playing time with his shooting ability and improved defense.

Small Forward

Starter: Jamison Battle Backup: Evan Mahaffey

Jamison Battle is a graduate transfer from Minnesota, where he averaged 16.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 40 percent from three-point range and 43 percent from the field⁶. He was named to the All-Big Ten3rd Team by the media. He is a skilled and versatile forward who can stretch the floor, attack the basket, and play inside-out.

Evan Mahaffey is a sophomore who transferred from Penn State, where he averaged 3.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game as a freshman. He is a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 10 player in Ohio by ESPN. He is a long and athletic wing who can slash to the rim, finish in transition, and defend multiple positions.

Power Forward

Starter: Zed Key Backup: Devin Royal

Zed Key is a senior who has been a solid contributor for the Buckeyes for three seasons. He averaged 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 55 percent from the field. He is a strong and physical post player who can score with either hand, rebound on both ends, and protect the paint.

Devin Royal is a freshman who was ranked as the No. 8 player in Ohio by ESPN. He is a four-star recruit who averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game as a senior at Pickerington Central High School. He is a skilled and mobile forward who can shoot from the perimeter, handle the ball, and pass well.

Center

Starter: Felix Okpara Backup: Austin Parks

Felix Okpara is a sophomore who transferred from Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee, where he averaged 12 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks per game as a senior. He is a four-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 39 player in the nation by ESPN. He is an elite shot-blocker who can alter shots at the rim, run the floor, and finish with authority.

Austin Parks is a freshman who was ranked as the No. 11 player in Ohio by ESPN. He is a three-star recruit who averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks per game as a senior at St. Mary’s Memorial High School. He is a big and strong center who can score in the post, rebound well, and set hard screens.

Kennedy Cambridge, a standout guard and former player for Kentucky, has decided to transfer to Ohio State. She made the announcement on Wednesday night through her Instagram, and Buckeye fans couldn't be more thrilled about this addition to their team. Let's dive in and learn more about Kennedy Cambridge and what she brings to the table.

Who is Kennedy Cambridge?

Kennedy Cambridge is a talented basketball player who recently made the move from the University of Kentucky to Ohio State. With one season of experience under her belt, she averaged an impressive 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game during her time at Kentucky. Known for her speed, agility, and scoring ability, Cambridge is a versatile player who can make an impact from anywhere on the court.

Ohio State women's basketball is certainly not done bolstering their roster. In addition to Kennedy Cambridge, they've also added former Duke guard and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Celeste Taylor and Michigan State forward Taiyier Parks from the transfer portal. This influx of talent is sure to take the Buckeyes to new heights in the 2023-24 season.

What skills does she bring to the Ohio State women's basketball team?

So, what skills does Kennedy Cambridge bring to the Ohio State women's basketball team? Well, her speed and agility make her a formidable force on offense. She has the ability to score from anywhere on the court, and her knack for sinking shots is sure to keep the Buckeyes in the game. Moreover, Cambridge's experience playing at the Division I level will provide valuable leadership to the team.

How did her transfer from Kentucky come about?

Now, let's talk about her transfer from Kentucky to Ohio State. Kennedy Cambridge made this decision primarily because she wanted to be closer to her family in the Midwest. After entering the transfer portal, she received interest from various schools, but the strong culture and the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten conference ultimately drew her to Ohio State. Cambridge is eager to don the Buckeye jersey and make her mark on the court.

What impact is she expected to have on the team's performance?

When it comes to the impact Kennedy Cambridge is expected to have on the team's performance, it's safe to say that she'll be a game-changer. Her experience and talent will undoubtedly raise the level of play for Ohio State. Last season, she played in 25 games for Kentucky and averaged an impressive 5.2 points per game. With her speed, agility, and three-point shooting prowess, Cambridge will be a valuable addition to the Buckeyes' roster.

What are the team's goals for the upcoming season?

Now, let's talk goals. The Ohio State women's basketball team has their sights set high for the upcoming season. They're determined to improve their overall record and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. With the addition of Kennedy Cambridge and the talent they have on their roster, the Buckeyes are confident that they can compete at the highest level and achieve their goals.