MAC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season

4. Ohio Bobcats

Last Season: 19-14 (10-8 in MAC play)

One of the quieter accensions in MAC standing, the Ohio University Bobcats look to bounce back this year after a somewhat lackluster 2022-2023 campaign. Despite a less desirable record, the Bobcats stayed just above .500 in their 19-14 run playing some competitive games against bigger teams at times. The potential they showed in addition to the added talent on this year’s roster is what puts them this high. With the level of parity that happens in college basketball, it can be easy for teams to flip the script in one season and go from bottom or mid-tier teams to high level competitors.

As noted, the transfers of this team are what really boost this Bobcat program on top of their already had talent led by Creighton transfer Shereef Mitchell. Mitchell brings experience from a power-6 conference level and although not an everyday starter for the Bluejay’s he was able to be a part of some big games and plays. Ike Cornish is another addition from the power ranks hailing from Maryland. Again, seeing decent playing time bring the former 4-star wing will be in conditioned for league play in the MAC.

The Bobcats definitely seem to have a quieter rise to potential prominence this coming year, but that does not mean they will underperform. If they can use the transfers correctly while building from the program guys already there, they could be a less flashy, but stellar team. Don’t be surprised to see Ohio make a potential run for the conference champion.