Picture this: As Ohio State football fans are still cheering through the autumn gridiron battles, a shocking reality is creeping up for basketball enthusiasts—both the men's and women's programs have just earned a dubious spot in college hoops history by missing the preseason top 25 rankings entirely. It's a moment that stings for any Scarlet and Gray supporter, highlighting a slump that's hard to ignore. But here's where it gets interesting: With the season kicking off in just about a month, could this be the spark needed for a roaring comeback, or is it a sign of deeper troubles? Let's dive into the details and explore what this all means for Ohio State's basketball future.
While football dominates the headlines right now, the basketball calendar is ticking down fast. Ohio State's men's and women's teams are gearing up for what they hope will be redemptive seasons after some tough endings last year. The men's squad, led by coach Jake Diebler, had a disappointing collapse late in the campaign, ultimately falling short of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament altogether—a major letdown for a program with such high expectations. On the women's side, under coach Kevin McGuff, the team suffered another heartbreaking home defeat in the NCAA Tournament, a pattern that's becoming all too familiar and frustrating for fans.
But here's where it gets controversial: McGuff faced some serious personal challenges during the offseason, including an arrest for OVI—that's Operating a Vehicle under the Influence, essentially driving while intoxicated (for those new to the term, it's a serious offense that can lead to legal consequences and public scrutiny). This incident has undeniably intensified the heat on his position, especially given the team's ongoing struggles. Meanwhile, Diebler has stirred up fan outrage by reportedly not pursuing a big-name hire like John Calipari to lead the program. Imagine the debates among fans: Was this a missed opportunity for a superstar coach, or a smart play to build from within? It's the kind of decision that divides opinions and sparks heated discussions. And this is the part most people miss—how these off-court dramas can ripple into on-court performance, making the preseason rankings feel like just the tip of the iceberg.
Speaking of those rankings, they've just been released for both men's and women's college basketball, and unfortunately, neither Ohio State team cracked the top 25. This marks the first time since the 2018-19 season that both programs have been left out, a rarity that underscores their current standing. To put this in perspective, the top 25 rankings are like the big leagues of college sports—they predict who the contenders will be, influencing everything from recruiting to media buzz. For beginners wondering why this matters, think of it as a preseason power ranking that helps fans and analysts gauge which teams are poised to make tournament runs or even challenge for championships. The women's team did manage to land in second place among teams receiving just 'others' votes (meaning they were close but not quite in the top 25), while the men's team sat at fifth in that category. Still, expectations are tempered; neither squad is seen as a major player this year, which adds pressure to prove doubters wrong.
Yet, there's a silver lining for the men's team—they successfully retained three of their top talents through the transfer portal last season. Players like Bruce Thornton, Juni Mobley, and Devin Royal are sticking around, providing a strong foundation to rebuild around. This is a win in the world of college basketball, where star players can switch schools freely, often leaving programs scrambling. It's like having a core group of reliable starters that any coach would envy, and it gives Diebler's team a fighting chance to stabilize and grow.
On the women's side, the picture is a bit different. They bid farewell to standout player Cotie McMahon, who transferred to Ole Miss after three impactful years with the Buckeyes—a tough loss, as she was a key contributor to their offensive firepower. But McGuff's team has a bright spot in sophomore Jaloni Cambridge, who's stepping up to become the team's top player this season. For those unfamiliar, transfers like McMahon's are common in the portal era, where athletes seek better opportunities, but they can disrupt team chemistry and force quick adaptations.
All in all, both coaches are under the microscope this year, needing to deliver results to regain the trust and enthusiasm of the fanbase. And for the players, these preseason snubs could serve as prime motivation, turning potential embarrassment into fuel for a breakout campaign. It's a critical juncture for Ohio State basketball—one that begs the question: Can they bounce back and reclaim their spots among the elite?
What do you think, Ohio State fans? Does McGuff's OVI arrest make him unfit to coach, or should we give him another chance to turn things around? And was Diebler right to avoid chasing a high-profile name like Calipari, or is that holding the program back? Perhaps even more controversially, could this ranking miss be a blessing in disguise, forcing the teams to innovate and surprise everyone? Share your takes, agreements, or disagreements in the comments—let's keep the conversation going!
