NCAA Basketball: Top 25 preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

A theme for the top Big Ten teams this season is the return of their respective star big men. That’s the case for Ohio State, who got great news that forward E.J. Liddell is back after averaging 16.2 ppg and 6.7 rpg. He’s a great offensive player still with room to grow but his energy and skill set makes him an effective college player.

The Buckeyes weren’t able to keep leading scorer Duane Washington but were able to land a wood replacement in transfer Cedric Russell. The 6’2 guard from Louisiana averaged 17.4 ppg last season while shooting an impressive 40% from three-point range. He’ll be opposite Penn State point guard transfer Jamari Wheeler in the backcourt, who isn’t much of a scorer but is a two-time All-Big Ten defender and will make life difficult for opposing guards.

The most likely third scoring option for this team will be Justice Sueing, who averaged double figures in his first season with the Buckeyes after transferring over from Cal. This team has a lot of solid role players such as center Kyle Young, Indiana transfer Joey Brunk, and wing Justin Ahrens but needs to not rely on Liddell offensive each game. Sueing, a 6’8 combo forward that can create his own offense both inside and out.

Look out for top-30 freshman Malaki Branham to potentially have a bigger role than expected if the backcourt needs an offensive jolt. But while Washington would’ve made them better, this roster for Ohio State should have them in Big Ten title contention as they are.