Where is Ohio State basketball in latest Big Ten standings? How Buckeyes stack up in conference

As of the 2025 season, the Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team has found itself in an important stretch of the Big Ten Conference, where every game could be a determining factor for their postseason hopes. The team has shown a mixed performance, with moments of brilliance and lapses that have left their place in the standings teetering. So, where exactly do they stand in the latest Big Ten standings, and how do they measure up against the rest of the league? Let’s take a closer look at Ohio State’s current standing and what their future holds.

Current Big Ten Standings: February 2025

As of mid-February 2025, Ohio State is sitting at 7-7 in the Big Ten standings, which places them in a tie for 8th in the conference. This is significant because the Big Ten is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. With only a few games left in the regular season, every contest matters as teams fight for seeding in the Big Ten Tournament, as well as a potential spot in the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State’s record puts them in the middle of the pack in a league full of powerhouse teams.

A Deeper Look at Ohio State’s Performance

In a season where the Big Ten is more competitive than ever, Ohio State’s 7-7 record places them in an interesting position. While they have shown some flashes of high-level play, consistency has been an issue. A strong win can sometimes be followed by a surprising loss, and this has contributed to their .500 record in conference play.

Offensive Play

One area in which Ohio State has been strong is on the offensive end. The team has the ability to put up points in bunches, and they rank among the more potent offenses in the Big Ten. They are averaging around 80 points per game, which is impressive in a conference known for its defense-first mentality. This ability to score at a high rate is largely due to their diverse offensive attack, with multiple players capable of contributing in a big way on any given night.

One of the most consistent contributors has been guard Bruce Thornton. Thornton has been the engine that drives Ohio State’s offense, averaging 15.7 points per game and 4.8 assists. His ability to create plays and make clutch shots in key moments has kept the Buckeyes competitive in many of their games.

In addition to Thornton, forward Micah Parrish has emerged as another scoring threat. Parrish, who has averaged around 14 points per game, can shoot from deep and has shown an ability to stretch defenses. His offensive versatility has been crucial in keeping Ohio State’s attack fluid and capable of competing against some of the top-tier teams in the Big Ten.

Defensive Struggles

Despite their offensive firepower, Ohio State’s defense has been the team’s Achilles’ heel this season. Allowing 71.4 points per game, the Buckeyes have struggled to get stops when needed most. This inconsistency on the defensive end has been a big reason why Ohio State has been unable to separate itself from the middle of the pack in the Big Ten standings.

While they have some capable defenders, including the long and athletic forward Felix Okpara, Ohio State has had issues with guarding the perimeter and rebounding, which has allowed opposing teams to score in bunches. In a conference as deep as the Big Ten, where teams like Purdue, Indiana, and Michigan are able to punish teams for defensive lapses, this issue is magnified.

In games against top-ranked opponents, Ohio State has often found themselves at a disadvantage when their defense falls short. For example, in their loss to Purdue earlier in the season, the Boilermakers were able to dominate inside and knock down critical outside shots. Ohio State’s inability to stop elite scorers like Zach Edey has been problematic.

The Bench Depth and Leadership

One of the strengths of this Ohio State team has been its depth. Head coach Chris Holtmann has managed to rotate players effectively, ensuring that fresh legs are available when needed. However, this depth can sometimes cause inconsistency, as young players struggle to adjust to the intensity of Big Ten play.

Ohio State’s bench has seen contributions from several players throughout the season. Forward Brice Sensabaugh, though not a regular starter, has come off the bench to provide valuable minutes. Similarly, players like Jamari Wheeler and Sean McNeil have had solid performances in certain games, giving Ohio State much-needed scoring off the bench.

Leadership has also been a key element for Ohio State, especially with Thornton leading the charge on both ends of the floor. However, at times, the lack of a clear, consistent second leader has made it difficult for the team to close out games, as the pressure of big moments can sometimes get the best of them.

Ohio State’s Key Wins and Losses

To understand where Ohio State stands in the Big Ten, it’s important to look at the key wins and losses they’ve experienced so far in the 2025 season.

Key Wins:

1. Victory over Michigan: One of Ohio State’s standout wins this season came in a hard-fought game against Michigan. The Buckeyes showcased their offensive prowess, shooting over 50% from the field. Thornton and Parrish were outstanding in leading the charge, and this win helped the Buckeyes’ case for an NCAA Tournament spot.
2. Win vs. Iowa: Another crucial victory for Ohio State came against Iowa, one of the top teams in the conference. This win showed that the Buckeyes can compete at a high level when they execute well offensively and lock in defensively.

Key Losses:

1. Loss to Purdue: Ohio State’s struggles with top-tier teams were evident in their loss to Purdue. The Boilermakers, led by star center Zach Edey, overwhelmed Ohio State with their size and physicality. This loss revealed the Buckeyes’ issues with defending inside and rebounding.
2. Loss to Indiana: In a back-and-forth game, Ohio State came up short against Indiana, which has been one of the strongest teams in the conference this season. The loss was a tough blow as it dropped Ohio State further in the standings, but it also exposed some of their struggles in closing out games against high-quality teams.

NCAA Tournament Outlook

As the regular season enters its final stretch, Ohio State’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament are still very much alive, but their margin for error is shrinking. A 7-7 conference record is not a lock for the NCAA Tournament, especially in the ultra-competitive Big Ten. The Buckeyes will likely need to finish with a winning record in the conference and make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament to secure their spot.

Ohio State’s performance in the final weeks of the regular season will be crucial. Wins over ranked opponents, coupled with strong play in the tournament, will improve their seeding and bolster their chances of making the tournament. If the Buckeyes can continue their strong offensive play while improving defensively, they should have a shot at a successful postseason run.

How Ohio State Stacks Up in the Big Ten

Despite sitting in the middle of the Big Ten standings, Ohio State has the talent to compete with the best teams in the conference. The key to their success will be finding consistency in both their offensive and defensive play. With players like Thornton, Parrish, and Okpara leading the charge, Ohio State can certainly make a run for a higher seeding and potentially go deep in the tournament.

However, their defensive struggles remain a significant concern. In a conference filled with high-level teams like Purdue, Michigan, and Indiana, Ohio State’s ability to defend will be tested at every turn. If the Buckeyes can tighten up defensively, they’ll be a dangerous team for anyone in the Big Ten.