Four Ohio State Buckeyes earned All-Big Ten honors as legendary coach Ty Tucker was named Coach of the Year for 18th time.

Ohio State men’s tennis continues to dominate the Big Ten with remarkable consistency, and the 2025 season added yet another chapter to that legacy. Legendary head coach Ty Tucker has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year for an astonishing 18th time, further cementing his place as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA tennis history. Alongside Tucker’s latest honor, four Ohio State players earned All-Big Ten accolades, highlighting the strength and depth of a program that continues to thrive under his leadership.

The awards serve as a testament not only to the Buckeyes’ perennial excellence but also to the culture Tucker has cultivated over more than two decades in Columbus. With a blend of elite talent, rigorous preparation, and unmatched intensity, Ohio State has become a national powerhouse, and the 2025 season has been no exception.

A Coaching Icon Continues to Set the Standard

Ty Tucker’s 18th Big Ten Coach of the Year award is a milestone few coaches in any sport, collegiate or professional, can rival. Since taking the helm at Ohio State in 1999, Tucker has built a dynasty. His teams have captured dozens of Big Ten titles, advanced to multiple NCAA Final Fours, and sent a steady stream of players to the professional ranks.

This latest recognition comes after another dominant regular season by the Buckeyes, who finished atop the Big Ten standings with a near-flawless conference record. Ohio State’s only losses came in tightly contested non-conference matches against other national powerhouses, and their consistency in conference play once again underscored Tucker’s ability to prepare his team week in and week out.

“Every year, Coach Tucker pushes us to be the best versions of ourselves,” said senior Justin Boulais. “Whether it’s early morning workouts or late-night practices, he demands excellence and earns our respect every day.”

Tucker’s fiery passion, strategic mind, and commitment to player development have turned Ohio State into a program that recruits itself. His attention to detail—whether in scouting opponents, adjusting doubles pairings, or refining footwork—remains unmatched, and his ability to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of college tennis has kept the Buckeyes at the top.

All-Big Ten Selections Reflect Team Depth

Ohio State’s haul of four All-Big Ten selections is a reflection of how balanced and talented the 2025 roster is. Each honoree brought a unique skill set to the team, contributing to its overall success in singles and doubles play.

1. Cannon Kingsley (Senior)
A fifth-year leader and one of the most consistent performers in college tennis, Kingsley once again anchored the Buckeyes at the top of the singles lineup. Known for his baseline consistency and mental toughness, Kingsley posted a 19-4 singles record during the regular season and clinched several key matches in conference play. This is Kingsley’s fourth straight All-Big Ten selection.

“Cannon has been a warrior for us,” Tucker said. “He thrives in big moments and leads by example.”

2. Justin Boulais (Senior)
Boulais, another veteran who has been instrumental to Ohio State’s success, earned All-Big Ten honors for the second consecutive season. Often playing at the No. 2 or 3 spot, Boulais brought a mix of shot-making flair and competitive fire to every match. He also contributed heavily in doubles, helping secure early momentum for the team.

“Justin’s versatility and intensity are huge for us,” Tucker said. “He’s a guy who can flip a match in a few games.”

3. Jack Anthrop (Sophomore)
Anthrop’s emergence in 2025 as one of the most improved players in the conference was a major storyline for the Buckeyes. The former blue-chip recruit showed maturity beyond his years, regularly winning tight matches and contributing to the team’s overall energy. Anthrop’s All-Big Ten nod is a sign that he’s ready to take over as a leader once the senior class departs.

“Jack grew up a lot this season,” said Kingsley. “He’s fearless and fits the Buckeye mentality perfectly.”

4. JJ Tracy (Graduate Student)
A steady performer throughout his Ohio State career, Tracy added another All-Big Ten honor to his resume in what could be his final collegiate season. His blend of athleticism, tactical awareness, and calm under pressure made him a mainstay in the lineup and a key closer in team matches.

“He’s been clutch for us so many times,” Tucker said. “Whether it’s singles or doubles, JJ finds a way.”

Building a Program, Not Just a Team

One of the reasons Ty Tucker remains so respected within the coaching community is his ability to build more than just a winning team—he builds a program. Ohio State men’s tennis has become synonymous with excellence, structure, and an expectation of greatness.

Recruits from around the world choose Columbus because of Tucker’s reputation, the team’s competitive schedule, and the resources available at the Ty Tucker Tennis Center, a state-of-the-art facility named in his honor. The culture of accountability, where every practice is treated like a championship match, is a hallmark of Tucker’s program.

“You don’t just show up and win here,” Boulais said. “You earn every point, every set, every spot in the lineup. That’s the standard Coach Tucker sets.”

This season’s All-Big Ten honors further validate that approach. The balance between upperclassmen leadership and young talent speaks to the program’s ability to reload, not rebuild.

Looking Ahead: Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Ambitions

With the regular season now in the books, the Buckeyes turn their attention to the Big Ten Tournament, where they will enter as the top seed and heavy favorites. A strong showing there could set them up for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, where they aim to break through and win their first national championship under Tucker.

Despite years of dominance, the NCAA title has remained elusive for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have reached the national championship match twice under Tucker but fell short each time. The 2025 squad, with its mix of experience, depth, and hunger, believes it can finally break through.

“We’ve been so close, and we believe this is our year,” Anthrop said. “We’ve got the pieces. We’ve got the coach. Now we just have to execute.”

Ty Tucker’s Enduring Legacy

At 55 years old, Ty Tucker shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, his energy on the court and in practice remains as fiery as ever. He still walks miles around the courts during matches, living and dying with each point, and barking encouragement (or correction) when needed.

He’s not only respected but feared—in the best way—by opponents. Former players credit him with transforming their mental toughness and preparing them for professional tennis and life after the game.

“What Coach Tucker teaches you stays with you forever,” said former Buckeye standout Mikael Torpegaard, now a pro. “He holds you accountable like no one else, and you come out better because of it.”

With 18 Big Ten Coach of the Year awards, dozens of conference titles, and a roster full of All-Big Ten talent, Ty Tucker’s status as one of college tennis’ greatest leaders is undisputed. But for him, it’s not about accolades.

“It’s always about the guys,” Tucker said after being notified of his latest award. “I just want them to compete the right way, play for each other, and represent Ohio State with pride. That’s all that matters.”