It’s a rare nonconference game here in the middle of February but it’s certainly a game worth watching. The Nashville Hoops Showdown will see Virginia and Ohio State take a break from their conference races to matchup on Valentine’s Day in a game that both teams would certainly love to add to their resumes.
There have been exceptions, but Virginia (21-3) has spent recent weeks putting themselves in fantastic shape in the ACC. The Cavaliers have a few tough losses but boast a 10-2 record in conference play, putting them just a game back of first place. While this matchup clearly won’t affect that, Virginia will be looking to make a different kind of statement while extending a win streak that recent hit five games, with three of those away from Charlottesville.
Stability is what Ohio State (16-8) is seeking as they head to Nashville for a break from the Big Ten race. They’ve basically ping ponged between wins and losses over the last two months, with some really tough late game stretches, especially in losses to North Carolina and Pittsburgh. The Buckeyes get another crack at a talented ACC squad and are hoping to gain some momentum before returning to the grind of the Big Ten.
Virginia vs. Ohio State: When and Where
Date:Â Saturday, February 14, 2026, 8:00 pm ET
Location:Â Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee
Virginia vs. Ohio State: Where to Watch or Stream
Watch:Â FOX
Streaming: FuboTV
Virginia vs. Ohio State: Betting Odds
Spread: Virginia Cavaliers -4, Ohio State Buckeyes +4
Moneyline:Â Virginia Cavaliers -194, Ohio State Buckeyes +175
Total:Â 147.5
Virginia vs. Ohio State: Series History
All-time series:Â Series tied 3-3
Last meeting:Â Virginia 63, Ohio State 61 (November 30, 2016)
Projected Starting Lineups
Virginia Cavaliers
Thijs De Ridder (16.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg)
Malik Thomas (12.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
Sam Lewis (10.6 ppg, 3.7 rpg)
Johann Grunloh (7.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg)
Dallin Hall (5.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.2 apg)
Ohio State Buckeyes
Bruce Thornton (19.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.8 apg)
John Mobley Jr. (15.1 ppg, 2.8 apg)
Devin Royal (14.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg)
Christoph Tilly (11.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg)
Amare Bynum (9.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
Based on their recent play it’s hard not to like the Cavaliers in this matchup but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Virginia’s defense has been back at a very solid level under Ryan Odom this season, though the offense hasn’t exactly been lighting it up even during this winning streak. The Buckeyes need a brilliant defensive effort and to slow down De Ridder. Perhaps the most important player in this game will be Thornton and the impact he can have in every aspect for Ohio State as they look for a breakthrough victory after missing some chances during Big Ten play.
Can Virginia continue their recent string of prosperity and get an important nonconference win here in Nashville? Could Ohio State use this opportunity to propel themselves forward and to help guarantee their spot in March Madness?