8. Ohio State Buckeyes
Despite the talent, Ohio State underperformed relative to preseason expectations last season, finishing just 17-15 despite a top-40 rank in KenPom. They were the highest-rated team to not receive an at-large bid in 2024-25.
The hope is, of course, that that can change in 2025-26. On paper, I believe that it will, thanks to key retention.
First, Ohio State returns Bruce Thornton, who can make a serious run at the Big Ten Player of the Year race after averaging 17.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 4.6 APG last season.
Secondly, Ohio State returns John Mobley Jr., who averaged 13.0 PPG on a near 40% clip from three as a freshman last season. And we can’t forget Devin Royal either, who adds both scoring and rebounding prowess on the wings.
The key to success hinges on its new-look frontcourt, swapping Sean Stewart and Aaron Bradshaw for Santa Clara transfer, stretch-five Christoph Tilly, and Baylor transfer Josh Ojilanwuna.
If both bigs can hit the ground running in Columbus, the Buckeyes will pack quite the punch in the Big Ten in 2025-26.
7. Oregon Ducks
If there’s one thing that’s certain in NCAA Basketball, it’s to never bet against Dana Altman.
Entering the 2025-26 season, Altman and the Oregon Ducks will be armed with two prominent returnees: All-Big Ten lead guard Jackson Shelstad and the lengthy shot-blocking machine in Nate Bittle.
With both Shelstad and Bittle returning, Altman has a lethal two-man/high-low to lean on with the addition of Texas transfer Devon Pryor, who caught my eye this offseason:
Texas transfer Devon Pryor has the skillset to be the X-factor for the Oregon Ducks next season.
— Cole Amundson (@playformarch) June 15, 2025
Immensely athletic, can guard arguably 1-through-four/five and has some serious NBA-level upside to his game. A name worth monitoring next season in the #BigTen. pic.twitter.com/9Ts4Sgb7vv
Secondly, high-scoring Elon transfer TK Simpkins enters the fold. And he’s exactly the type of transfer portal the Ducks needed this offseason: a veteran three-point shooter.
There’s plenty to like with the Ducks’ roster this season, and I have every reason to believe Oregon will be in the mix for a top-five finish in the Big Ten come November.