The portal is closed, the frantic pace has slowed, and now there’s a real chance to take a breath and look at what Jake Diebler has actually built in Columbus. This doesn’t feel like a roster still searching for answers. It feels like a team that at least has a direction. For Buckeye fans, that’s a meaningful turn, especially after a few seasons where things felt like they were being patched together.
1. This is probably the team you’re getting
Barring something unexpected with eligibility rules, this is essentially the roster Ohio State will carry into next season. That level of certainty matters more than it seems because it allows Diebler and his staff to fully shift from roster-building to actual coaching. Instead of waiting on another addition or adjusting roles on the fly, the focus can now be on developing chemistry and defining rotations early. In today’s portal-heavy landscape, simply having clarity going into the summer is a quiet advantage.
2. Justin Pippen gives them a real point guard again
Last season, the offense could feel disjointed at times, with stretches of isolation and not enough consistent flow. Justin Pippen changes that dynamic in a way that goes beyond scoring. He brings structure, tempo control, and the ability to organize possessions so that Ohio State’s top options can actually operate within a system. Defensively, he adds another layer with his ability to pressure the ball and create turnovers, something this team lacked. It may not always show up in scoring totals, but his presence should make everything feel more connected.
3. The bench might actually help this time
If there was one clear weakness last season, it was the lack of reliable bench production. Too often, the drop-off when starters sat was noticeable, and it cost Ohio State in key moments. This offseason addressed that directly. Adding players like Jimmie Williams and Curtis Givens brings proven scoring and experience into the rotation. Even if their numbers dip slightly in smaller roles, the overall floor of the bench should be significantly higher. That kind of depth helps stabilize games and gives the starters a chance to stay fresh deeper into the season.
4. Anthony Thompson is about to be a good problem
There is always one player fans circle early, and this year it is Anthony Thompson. The expectations are not subtle, either. He has the talent to step into a major role immediately and could realistically become the team’s primary scoring option as the season progresses. That kind of impact from a freshman changes the ceiling of a team. If Thompson delivers the way many expect, Ohio State suddenly has a player defenses have to account for every possession, something that has been missing at times.
5. This team should feel different right away
This is not just about being better. It is about being different. The roster has more size, more athleticism, and more versatility across positions. Defensively, there is a strong case that Ohio State leans more into aggressive man-to-man concepts, especially with players who can pressure the ball and switch effectively. Offensively, the approach should look more balanced, with multiple players sharing responsibility rather than leaning heavily on one primary option. When that kind of system clicks, it becomes much harder to defend over the course of a full game.
The real question for Ohio State
On paper, this roster makes sense. There is more depth, more balance, and more upside than what Ohio State had a year ago. But the real test is never in April. It comes when games tighten up in conference play and in March. The Buckeyes took a step of getting back to the NCAA Tournament last season. Now the expectations shift toward doing something meaningful once they are there.
Add us as a preferred source on Google