Ohio State will discover its postseason fate shortly. Follow below for updates throughout the NCAA men’s tournament selection show and see the full bracket.

As the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Selection Show approaches, Ohio State University finds itself anxiously awaiting its postseason fate. Every college basketball team dreams of hearing its name called during the annual Selection Sunday broadcast, but for the Buckeyes, this year’s journey to the Big Dance could be one of the most uncertain yet dramatic in recent memory.

Ohio State’s men’s basketball program has long been a cornerstone of the Big Ten Conference, with a rich history of success under various head coaches. However, this season has been one of both promise and disappointment, marked by ups and downs that left fans and analysts wondering what kind of team would emerge come March. The team’s postseason chances are on the line, and the outcome of their selection could shape the trajectory of the program for years to come.

This article will follow Ohio State’s journey through the Selection Show, breaking down their regular-season performance, the key players to watch, and the factors that could influence the Buckeyes’ chances of earning a spot in the tournament. We’ll also take a closer look at their potential seeding, the challenges ahead, and what their postseason appearance—or lack thereof—could mean for the future of the program.

Ohio State’s Regular Season: A Roller Coaster Ride

Ohio State entered the 2024-2025 NCAA basketball season with high hopes. Head coach Chris Holtmann had assembled a talented roster, featuring a mix of returning players and incoming recruits that promised to be competitive in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. However, the season quickly turned into a roller coaster of highs and lows, leaving fans and analysts uncertain about the team’s true potential.

The Good: Signature Wins and Promising Performances

Despite some rough patches, Ohio State had a number of signature wins that helped their resume, showcasing that they were capable of competing with the best. Notably, the Buckeyes earned wins over key conference rivals such as Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois—each of which were top 25 teams at various points of the season. Ohio State also had a memorable victory against Kansas, one of the perennial powerhouses in college basketball. These victories were crucial in boosting the Buckeyes’ net ranking and positioning them as a legitimate contender in the eyes of the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee.

At the center of this success was Zed Key, Ohio State’s standout center, who proved to be a dominant force in both the post and on defense. Key was a consistent scorer, rebounding machine, and shot-blocker who became one of the most reliable players on the roster. His ability to control the paint and anchor the defense gave Ohio State a competitive edge in several of their marquee matchups.

The emergence of Bruce Thornton, a sophomore guard, was another bright spot. Thornton’s ability to score in a variety of ways, along with his leadership and playmaking, made him one of the most exciting players to watch. His performances were especially valuable in close games, where he took over in clutch moments to ensure that the Buckeyes stayed in contention.

The Bad: Missed Opportunities and Unpredictable Losses

However, for every high point, there were several low points that plagued Ohio State throughout the season. Despite impressive victories, the Buckeyes also suffered bad losses to teams that were on the bubble or even outside the NCAA Tournament conversation. Early in the season, Ohio State lost to unranked opponents like Rutgers and Minnesota, games that they should have won if they were to solidify their postseason resume.

Furthermore, a midseason stretch saw Ohio State lose several games in a row to higher-ranked teams like Purdue and Wisconsin. In some of these games, the Buckeyes were unable to execute down the stretch, often faltering in the final minutes. Their inconsistency was evident, leaving many to question their ability to handle pressure in critical moments.

The team’s poor performance on the road also came into focus during the latter half of the season. Despite their homecourt advantage at Value City Arena, Ohio State struggled to win key games away from Columbus, which hurt their standing in the eyes of the Selection Committee. A loss to Penn State on the road, combined with another defeat to Michigan State, highlighted the team’s vulnerability in hostile environments.

Key Players to Watch for Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament

As the Buckeyes await their fate on Selection Sunday, there are several key players who will be crucial to their success, should they make the tournament. The performances of these players could determine whether Ohio State’s postseason dreams become a reality or fade into disappointment.

Zed Key: The Backbone of Ohio State’s Defense

Zed Key’s importance to Ohio State cannot be overstated. As one of the most dominant big men in college basketball, his ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor will be a game-changer in the postseason. His rebounding and shot-blocking will be crucial against higher-ranked opponents, particularly those with elite frontcourt players.

In March Madness, games are often decided by physicality in the post, and Key’s experience and strength in the paint give Ohio State a significant advantage. Additionally, his ability to score in the low block and draw fouls could open up the offense for teammates like Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr., who excel in open-floor situations.

Bruce Thornton: The Playmaker and Scorer

Bruce Thornton’s development as a leader and scorer has been one of the highlights of Ohio State’s season. His ability to attack the basket, create for others, and knock down key shots in crunch time has made him the go-to player in tight games. In a tournament setting, where every possession counts, Thornton’s ability to remain calm under pressure will be paramount.

As Ohio State’s best perimeter threat, Thornton will need to be efficient and consistent. His shooting percentage, especially from three-point range, will play a major role in how far the Buckeyes can go. If he can become a primary scorer and make his teammates better, Ohio State has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament.

Roddy Gayle Jr.: The X-Factor

Roddy Gayle Jr. is one of Ohio State’s most versatile players. A strong defender and capable scorer, Gayle has the ability to be a difference-maker in multiple areas of the game. His versatility allows Coach Holtmann to use him in a variety of roles, whether it’s as a secondary ball handler or a lock-down defender.

In the postseason, where games can be decided by defense and hustle plays, Gayle’s ability to guard multiple positions and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates could be a key asset. His experience and mental toughness will be essential for Ohio State’s success in March.

Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament Resume: Bubble or Lock?

As Selection Sunday draws near, the big question for Ohio State is whether their regular-season performance, marked by both quality wins and frustrating losses, will be enough to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Selection Committee considers a variety of factors when determining the field, including a team’s strength of schedule, quality wins, losses, and overall performance in conference play.

The Buckeyes’ overall resume presents a mixed picture. On one hand, Ohio State has multiple Quad 1 wins, including victories over Michigan, Indiana, and Kansas. Their wins against these high-caliber teams show that they can compete with the nation’s best, which will be an important selling point to the Selection Committee.

However, their bad losses—particularly against Minnesota, Rutgers, and Penn State—are a major red flag. These are games that a team on the tournament bubble cannot afford to lose if they hope to punch their ticket to the Big Dance. Additionally, Ohio State’s lack of a strong finish to the season, with losses in crucial games to teams like Wisconsin and Michigan State, could hurt their case for an at-large bid.

Looking at Ohio State’s overall record and performance in conference play, it seems likely that they will fall somewhere in the 5-10 seed range, depending on the final results of conference tournaments and other bubble teams’ performances. They may be one of the last teams in or one of the first teams out, which means their fate will likely come down to Selection Sunday.

The Road Ahead: What Does Ohio State Need?

For Ohio State to secure an NCAA Tournament bid, they’ll need to demonstrate their resilience and avoid the inconsistency that marked much of their regular season. If they are to have any hope of receiving an at-large bid, they will need to finish strong in the Big Ten Tournament, which could provide an opportunity to further bolster their resume with quality wins.

Even if they make the tournament, Ohio State will likely need to avoid drawing a top-tier opponent in the first round. With the right matchups, the Buckeyes could make a run to the Sweet 16 or beyond, especially with their star players like Zed Key and Bruce Thornton leading the way.

If Ohio State is snubbed on Selection Sunday, it would mark a disappointing end to what has been a tumultuous season. However, even if they don’t make the tournament, the Buckeyes can take solace in the fact that they have key players who will return next season, and their program will likely be back in contention for a tournament bid in the future.

The Waiting Game

As Ohio State anxiously awaits its fate, one thing is certain: Selection Sunday will have major implications for the Buckeyes’ future. The NCAA Tournament represents the pinnacle of college basketball, and for Ohio State, making it there

would be a fitting reward for a season that featured both highlights and challenges. The next few hours will determine whether Ohio State gets another shot at a national championship or if they must wait until next season to try again. Stay tuned for updates throughout the Selection Show to find out if the Buckeyes will be dancing in March.