The season is slipping away as a result of Ohio State’s significant offseason swings blowing up in their face.
As the 2025 season for Ohio State men’s basketball trudges on, what was once a promising and highly anticipated year has begun to slip through their fingers. The Buckeyes entered the offseason with big aspirations, brimming with the belief that their roster could push them into title contention. Yet, as the season reaches its critical juncture, the Buckeyes are now faced with the sobering reality that their offseason moves may have failed them. The significant changes they made to strengthen the team and position themselves for greatness have instead led to unforeseen struggles, leaving Ohio State in a precarious position.
What should have been a triumphant return to prominence after a series of early-season wins and big roster upgrades has instead turned into a tale of missed opportunities, flawed decision-making, and a team that has failed to find its rhythm. Ohio State’s basketball program, once synonymous with championship contention, has seen its title hopes and competitive aspirations fade as the season progresses. The painful truth is that Ohio State’s offseason swings, whether through recruiting, player development, or coaching adjustments, have backfired in ways that the program might not have anticipated.
Ohio State’s Offseason Ambitions: A Bold Approach
Heading into the 2025 season, Ohio State men’s basketball was in the midst of an ambitious overhaul, determined to build a roster capable of competing not just in the Big Ten, but on a national scale. The Buckeyes had seen success in recent years but had failed to reach the ultimate goal of a national championship. With the support of their passionate fanbase and the resources of a top-tier athletic department, Ohio State set out to make significant moves during the offseason.
The first of these moves was in recruiting. Head coach Chris Holtmann, who had previously proven his ability to bring in high-quality talent, brought in several highly-ranked recruits. These players were viewed as the next generation of Buckeye stars, with the potential to elevate Ohio State’s game to new heights. One of the most noteworthy of these recruits was five-star shooting guard, Amari Williams, a player who was expected to make an immediate impact with his scoring ability and defensive prowess. Williams’ addition was expected to fill a major gap in Ohio State’s backcourt and provide a much-needed scoring spark.
Additionally, Holtmann made a strategic decision to add experience and depth to the team by bringing in several transfers, including a veteran point guard from the transfer portal who had played in high-pressure, big-game situations. This player was brought in to steady the Buckeyes’ offense and provide leadership, especially in clutch moments where Ohio State had faltered in past seasons. The hope was that his leadership would be invaluable as the team sought to compete with the best.
Moreover, the coaching staff worked hard on player development, emphasizing team chemistry, defense, and the importance of maximizing each player’s potential. Ohio State’s goal was clear: to take the next step, dominate their conference, and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The offseason moves seemed logical, and on paper, Ohio State appeared to have the necessary pieces to make a significant leap forward.
The Early Promise Fades Quickly
While the excitement around Ohio State’s revamped roster was palpable, the actual product on the court hasn’t matched expectations. Initially, the Buckeyes showed promise. The team played with energy, and the individual pieces—Williams, the veteran transfer, and returning stars like Brice Sensabaugh—seemed poised to mesh well. Ohio State had solid wins early in the season, and there was a growing sense of optimism that this could finally be the year the Buckeyes made a serious run.
However, cracks began to appear as the season wore on. The team’s defense, which was supposed to be a strength under Holtmann, began to falter. The Buckeyes struggled to defend against high-powered offenses, giving up easy baskets in key moments. Ohio State’s inability to contain fast-paced teams, like UCLA and Michigan State, exposed their lack of cohesion on the defensive end. These defensive breakdowns allowed opponents to build momentum, which led to Ohio State suffering unexpected losses.
Offensively, Ohio State’s performance was equally inconsistent. The addition of Amari Williams, a highly-touted recruit, failed to spark the team’s offense in the way they had hoped. Despite flashes of brilliance, Williams couldn’t consistently carry the load as a primary scorer, and his struggles to adapt to the college game were evident. His shooting inconsistencies led to frustrating stretches where Ohio State couldn’t find an offensive rhythm. Furthermore, the veteran point guard, who was supposed to provide stability and leadership, struggled to keep control of the offense in high-pressure moments. Turnovers became a significant issue for the Buckeyes, and their inability to execute in crunch time led to losses in close games.
Even Brice Sensabaugh, the team’s star player, couldn’t single-handedly lift the team to victory. While he remained a potent scoring threat, Sensabaugh’s supporting cast couldn’t consistently step up. Felix Okpara, once thought to be the missing piece in the frontcourt, struggled with foul trouble and inconsistency, failing to provide the interior presence that Ohio State desperately needed. The team’s overall offensive structure was lacking, and it became clear that the chemistry Holtmann had hoped for just wasn’t there.
The Offseason Moves Backfire: Roster Construction Issues
As the season wore on and the losses began to pile up, it became increasingly apparent that Ohio State’s offseason moves had not worked as intended. The decision to rely heavily on freshman recruits, like Williams, to lead the team offensively turned out to be a risky gamble. Freshmen often take time to acclimate to the college game, and Williams’ struggles with consistency were a stark reminder of the challenges that come with expecting immediate production from young players. Though Williams had flashes of brilliance, his overall impact on the team was not as significant as expected.
Meanwhile, the veteran transfer point guard, who was supposed to bring stability, was unable to command the offense effectively. While he contributed some solid minutes, his inability to manage the tempo of the game and make critical plays in clutch situations became a glaring issue. Ohio State’s offense often seemed disjointed, unable to execute in high-pressure moments. At times, the veteran transfer’s inability to create offense or set up teammates led to offensive stagnation, further compounding the team’s struggles.
The offseason moves also placed an immense amount of pressure on returning players like Sensabaugh and Okpara. These players were expected to take on even bigger roles, but their inability to consistently perform under the spotlight has been a major issue. Sensabaugh has been Ohio State’s go-to player, but he has often found himself isolated without enough support. Okpara, despite his size and athleticism, has failed to make the impact that was expected, leaving Ohio State thin in the post.
The offseason changes, though well-intentioned, simply did not mesh with the team’s needs and have exposed gaps in Ohio State’s roster construction. The Buckeyes are left scrambling to make adjustments, but it is becoming clear that some of their decisions, particularly with regard to roster balance and player development, may have been misguided.
Coaching Struggles and Lack of Adjustments
In addition to the roster challenges, head coach Chris Holtmann has found himself in a difficult position. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop players, Holtmann has faced criticism for his inability to adjust to the evolving challenges of the season. Despite Ohio State’s struggles, Holtmann has remained steadfast in his approach, but this lack of flexibility has raised doubts about his ability to course-correct in critical moments.
Many fans and analysts have questioned Holtmann’s reliance on certain strategies that have not been working. For example, Ohio State’s defense, which was expected to be a strength, has been too passive and reactive, allowing opposing offenses to dictate the pace. Additionally, Holtmann’s offensive schemes have lacked the fluidity needed to take advantage of his team’s talents. Instead of implementing more dynamic sets that could alleviate the pressure on Sensabaugh and Williams, the offense often looks stale, with players standing around and relying too heavily on individual efforts.
Holtmann’s decision-making in high-pressure situations has also come under scrutiny. Whether it’s choosing the right lineup combinations or managing in-game adjustments, Holtmann has not shown the level of flexibility that a team in Ohio State’s position requires. In close games, Ohio State has failed to execute in crucial moments, and the coaching staff has been unable to provide the necessary adjustments to swing the momentum back in their favor.
The Path Forward: Can Ohio State Recover?
The road ahead for Ohio State is a difficult one. With their title aspirations slipping away and a string of disappointing losses, the Buckeyes now find themselves in a must-win situation for the remainder of the season. The program’s hopes of salvaging the season depend on their ability to correct the flaws that have plagued them all year.
To have any chance of turning things around, Ohio State must focus on reestablishing their defensive identity. The Buckeyes have the talent to be a strong defensive team, but they need to play with more intensity, especially in transition and at the rim. The coaching staff must find a way to get this team back to basics, simplifying schemes and allowing the players to use their athleticism.
Offensively, Ohio State needs to find more balance. They cannot rely solely on Brice Sensabaugh to carry the scoring load. Other players need to step up and contribute consistently, especially in clutch situations. Amari Williams and Felix Okpara must become more reliable, and the veteran point guard must take on more of a leadership role.
As for Chris Holtmann, the pressure is on him to find answers. His reputation as a capable coach is on the line, and his ability to adjust and lead the Buckeyes through this rough patch will define his tenure at Ohio State. With the right adjustments, Ohio State can still salvage the season and position themselves for a postseason run, but time is running out.
The Consequences of Ohio State’s Offseason Choices
The 2025 season for Ohio State men’s basketball has not gone according to plan, and much of the blame can be attributed to offseason decisions that have blown up in the team’s face. The recruitment of freshmen and reliance on transfers, while well-intentioned, have not panned out, and the coaching staff’s inability to adjust has left the team vulnerable. As the season enters its final stretch, Ohio State must quickly address these issues if they hope to salvage anything from what was once a highly promising campaign. The Buckeyes have the talent to turn things around, but whether they can make the necessary adjustments in time remains to be seen. The clock is ticking, and their hopes of a successful season hang in the balance.
