Ohio State Doesn’t Need to RUSH to Replace Chip Kelly | Ohio State Buckeyes Podcast

As the 2025 women’s basketball season unfolds, Ohio State University’s women’s basketball team finds itself preparing for one of the most challenging and thrilling stretches of their regular season. The Buckeyes are set to visit California for a crucial series of games against two of the most formidable programs in women’s college basketball: No. 1 UCLA and No. 7 USC. For the Ohio State Buckeyes, this upcoming road trip is not only a test of their skill and resilience but also an opportunity to make a statement on the national stage as they look to secure a high seed in the NCAA tournament.

Both UCLA and USC have been dominant forces in women’s basketball for years, with rich histories, strong rosters, and championship ambitions. These games will present unique challenges for Ohio State, but the Buckeyes are a team with the talent and drive to rise to the occasion.

The Challenge of UCLA: No. 1 in the Nation

UCLA has long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. With 13 NCAA tournament appearances, including a title in 1999, and consistently ranking among the top programs in the country, the Bruins have established themselves as a dominant force in the Pac-12 and nationally. As of 2025, UCLA has earned the coveted No. 1 spot in the national rankings, a position they have earned through stellar performances, a deep roster, and excellent coaching under head coach Cori Close.

UCLA’s success in recent years has been driven by an outstanding group of players, including standout guard Charisma Osborne, who has been an offensive and defensive juggernaut for the team. Osborne, who has been named to multiple All-Pac-12 and All-American teams, is known for her scoring ability, leadership, and all-around playmaking. She is capable of putting up big numbers and has the ability to take over games, which will make her a key player for Ohio State to watch.

UCLA’s roster features a mix of veteran experience and exciting young talent, with players who can score from anywhere on the floor. The Bruins’ defense is also one of the most stifling in the nation, and they are particularly dangerous in transition, where they can quickly turn defense into offense. For Ohio State, facing a team as talented and well-coached as UCLA will be a tough test, but it will also be a great opportunity to measure where they stand against the best in the country.

For Ohio State, this game will be a critical opportunity to show their mettle. The Buckeyes will need to keep pace with UCLA’s offensive firepower and limit their fast-break opportunities. Ohio State’s defense, which has been solid throughout the season, will be put to the test against the Bruins’ high-powered attack. The key for Ohio State will be to execute their game plan and remain composed in a high-pressure environment.

One of Ohio State’s strengths this season has been their ability to guard the perimeter and contest three-pointers, and they’ll need to carry that over into this matchup. With players like Osborne capable of stretching the floor and attacking the basket, Ohio State will need to prioritize defensive rotations and communication to keep the Bruins from running away with the game.

On offense, Ohio State’s balanced attack—led by key players like Jacy Sheldon, who has been a standout guard for the Buckeyes—will be critical. Sheldon’s scoring ability and leadership will be key in keeping Ohio State competitive against UCLA’s suffocating defense. The Buckeyes will also need strong performances in the paint, where players like Eboni Walker will need to battle the Bruins’ frontcourt and win physical matchups.

The UCLA matchup promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive games of Ohio State’s season, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to prove themselves against the No. 1 team in the nation.

USC: A Rival and a Major Threat at No. 7

USC, ranked No. 7 in the nation, presents yet another difficult test for the Buckeyes. The Trojans have built a strong program under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, and their roster is full of talented players who have the potential to challenge Ohio State. USC has long been a contender in the Pac-12, and their powerful offense and stout defense make them one of the top teams in the country.

A key player to watch for USC is Jordan Sanders, a forward who has become one of the team’s top scorers and rebounding threats. Sanders is known for her versatility, her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting, and her prowess around the basket. She is one of the most dangerous players in college basketball and will be a focal point for the Buckeyes’ defense.

Like UCLA, USC plays a high-paced, physical style of basketball. They are known for their intense pressure defense, which forces turnovers and leads to easy fast-break opportunities. USC’s full-court press can be overwhelming, and Ohio State will need to be prepared to handle the pressure in order to execute on offense.

One of the areas in which USC has excelled this season is its ability to capitalize on turnovers. The Trojans are excellent at turning defensive stops into scoring opportunities, making them a dangerous opponent in transition. Ohio State will need to focus on maintaining possession of the ball, reducing turnovers, and controlling the pace of the game. Keeping the game in the half-court will be essential for the Buckeyes if they hope to avoid being overwhelmed by USC’s high-octane style.

On the other hand, Ohio State has been one of the best rebounding teams in the nation this year, and they will need to continue that dominance in the paint to neutralize USC’s physicality. With strong post players like Sienna Durr and forward Taylor Mikesell, Ohio State has the depth to battle USC’s size and strength in the frontcourt. Winning the rebounding battle will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this game.

On offense, Ohio State’s ability to spread the floor and create open shots will be crucial. The Buckeyes have been effective at hitting three-pointers this season, and they’ll need to maintain that sharp shooting against USC’s tight defense. Players like Sheldon and Mikesell, who can score from the perimeter and drive to the basket, will play a huge role in breaking down USC’s defense.

As with the UCLA game, Ohio State’s ability to remain calm under pressure will be key in the USC matchup. The Buckeyes will need to execute offensively while dealing with the Trojans’ aggressive defense. If Ohio State can manage to break USC’s press and control the tempo of the game, they will put themselves in a strong position to win.

What’s at Stake for Ohio State?

For Ohio State, these games against UCLA and USC represent a critical stretch in their season. With aspirations of securing a high seed in the NCAA Tournament, the Buckeyes will need to prove that they can compete with and beat the best teams in the country. A victory over UCLA, the No. 1 team in the nation, would not only boost Ohio State’s resume but also serve as a statement win for the program. Beating USC, the No. 7 team in the nation, would also be a huge confidence booster heading into the postseason.

The Buckeyes have been playing some of their best basketball of the season in the lead-up to these games, with a well-balanced roster that excels on both ends of the floor. Ohio State’s defense has been a key factor in their success, and they’ll need to continue locking down on the perimeter while making it difficult for teams to score in the paint. The offense, led by Sheldon, Mikesell, and a supporting cast of talented players, has been potent all season, but in these games, it will need to operate at an even higher level against two of the toughest defenses in the nation.

With March Madness on the horizon, these games will serve as a valuable preparation for the Buckeyes as they look to fine-tune their game in the lead-up to the NCAA Tournament. For fans and analysts alike, Ohio State’s performance in California will offer a glimpse of their potential—and whether they have what it takes to go deep in the tournament.

 A Defining Moment for Ohio State

Ohio State’s upcoming games against No. 1 UCLA and No. 7 USC will be some of the most important of their season. Both teams are championship contenders, and for the Buckeyes, these games are an opportunity to prove they belong in the same conversation as the best teams in the country. With a talented roster, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence, Ohio State is more than capable of taking on these challenges head-on. How they respond to these games will go a long way in shaping the trajectory of their season, their postseason hopes, and their place in women’s college basketball history.