Big Ten Basketball: Purdue, Ohio State, Wisconsin rise in latest power rankings

5. Ohio State (3-1)

Things did not go according to plan in Columbus last year, but the tide has somewhat turned in recent months. Jake Diebler took over as interim head coach back in mid-February and led Ohio State on a nice run to end the season. He earned the full-time gig and has the Buckeyes in a position to contend in the Big Ten again right off the bat, with Ohio State now twelve years removed from their last trip to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

Opening night was the proof that Diebler can be the guy, as his Buckeyes dealt Texas a shocker in Las Vegas. The Buckeyes did lose at Texas A&M the following week in a really tough contest, but still have the defense and scoring ability to win these types of tough ballgames. Their most recent outing was actually a 50-point win over Evansville, with Ohio State allowing just 30 points in a smothering performance.

Bruce Thornton is back and making baskets while freshman John Mobley is living up to early expectations for the Buckeyes. The season obviously isn’t declared a win for one win over the Longhorns or for smothering an MVC team. Getting more production out of their sophomore forwards could make this Ohio State a legitimate title contender in the Big Ten with the other veteran talent on this roster.