Pittsburgh Basketball: Ranking the 10 confirmed non-conference opponents for 2024-25

3. LSU Tigers - 2023-24 season record: 17-16 (9-9 SEC)

The top two scorers are gone in Jordan Wright and Will Baker but the rest of the core is back, including guard Jalen Cook (15.6 ppg) and forwards, Jalen Reed and Tyrell Ward. Three key transfers join the team, including double-digit scoring guards, Jordan Sears (21.6 ppg at UT-Martin) and Cam Carter (14.6 ppg at Kansas State). They’ll need JUCO transfer Noah Boyed to have an impact inside to match with the solid guard depth on paper.

2. Mississippi State Bulldogs - 2023-24 season record: 21-14 (8-10 SEC)

Several key seniors moved on from the roster, including star big man, Tolu Smith. Who is back is Josh Hubbard, the star freshman who led the team with 17.1 ppg. Six transfers joined the team, including guards Kanye Clary (16.7 ppg at Penn State), Claudell Harris (13.7 ppg at Boston College), and Riley Kugel (9.2 ppg at Florida). The frontcourt has more questions on paper, needing transfers Michael Nwoko and Jeremy Foumena to have an impact but few teams nationally have as much perimeter firepower as the Bulldogs will have next season.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes - 2023-24 season record: 22-14 (9-11 Big Ten)

The Buckeyes have kept former interim HC Jake Diebler for the long haul and brought back its best player for next season in Bruce Thornton, who led the team with 15.7 ppg and 4.8 apg. Replacing the rest of the rotation includes four key transfers. Meechie Johnson led South Carolina with 14.1 ppg and 2.9 apg, while Micah Parrish is a 6’6 versatile wing from San Diego State.

What will determine how good Ohio State can be next season is the transfer duo of Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky) and Sean Stewart (Duke). Both are former 5-star prospects who played limited minutes as freshmen. If they break out this upcoming season, the Buckeyes will be top 25 teams and the toughest opponent for Pittsburgh Basketball to deal with.