Who is the next opponent for Ohio State basketball in the NCAA Tournament? Bracket update for the second round

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has been full of exciting upsets, surprising victories, and dominant performances. As Ohio State University continues its journey through March Madness, the second round of the tournament presents a fresh challenge. After advancing past their First Round opponent, the Buckeyes now look to push deeper into the tournament with their eyes set on making a deep run, potentially to the Sweet 16 and beyond.

With the excitement of Ohio State’s opening-round victory still fresh in the minds of fans, the road to the next round has already been mapped out. The Buckeyes will face their second-round opponent, which will test their resilience, strategy, and ability to perform on the biggest stage. But before delving into the specifics of Ohio State’s next opponent, let’s take a look at the broader NCAA Tournament landscape, the bracket update, and how Ohio State has positioned itself for success.

Ohio State’s First Round Success: A Glimpse Into Their Potential

Before focusing on Ohio State’s second-round matchup, it’s important to acknowledge the Buckeyes’ performance in the first round of the tournament. The Buckeyes entered March Madness as a 6-seed, a strong position that indicated their potential to make a deep run. Their first-round opponent, 11-seed Drake, was no slouch, coming off a solid season, but Ohio State proved to be the stronger team, defeating them with a comfortable margin.

In their victory, Ohio State demonstrated several key strengths that could propel them through the tournament. First, C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes’ star guard, showed why he’s one of the top players in the nation, leading the team with an efficient performance, scoring 24 points, and showing his ability to control the game. Ohio State’s defense also performed well, limiting Drake’s offense and forcing turnovers in crucial moments. The team’s ability to dominate in transition and their poise under pressure were highlights of the win.

Ohio State’s bench depth also proved crucial. Players like Justice Sueing, who has been a steady contributor all season, provided valuable minutes, and Brice Sensabaugh continued his strong play, showing that the Buckeyes have multiple scoring threats. With the win in hand, Ohio State advanced to the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, now facing an entirely new set of challenges.

Ohio State’s Second-Round Opponent: A Clash of Titans

The second-round matchup for Ohio State in this year’s tournament pits them against a formidable opponent: 3-seed Tennessee. After a hard-fought victory over their own first-round opponent, Tennessee enters the second round with confidence, knowing they can handle the pressure of March Madness. Ohio State’s game against the Volunteers will be a thrilling contest between two powerhouse teams, each hungry to keep their championship hopes alive.

Tennessee Volunteers: A Complete Team with Defensive Prowess

Tennessee, led by head coach Rick Barnes, is a well-rounded team with an emphasis on defensive efficiency. Known for their ability to shut down opposing offenses, Tennessee’s defense ranks among the best in the nation. The Volunteers have a potent combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ that makes them a difficult matchup for any opponent.

At the heart of Tennessee’s defense is Josiah-Jordan James, who is a versatile wing player capable of guarding multiple positions. James’ ability to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers will be critical in Tennessee’s effort to slow down Ohio State’s offensive attack. Additionally, Olivier Nkamhoua provides a strong presence in the post, offering both offensive and defensive contributions. With Tennessee’s defensive reputation, Ohio State will need to adjust its offensive strategy to break through the Volunteers’ pressure.

On the offensive side, Tennessee has several key players who can score from all areas of the court. Santiago Vescovi, a sharpshooting guard, can knock down three-pointers with ease and stretch the defense. His ability to hit clutch shots could prove to be a game-changer, especially in tight moments. Furthermore, Zakai Ziegler, Tennessee’s point guard, is a dynamic playmaker who can break down defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. His speed and ball-handling make him one of the most dangerous players on the floor.

Key Matchup: Ohio State’s Offense vs. Tennessee’s Defense

The defining aspect of this second-round matchup will be Ohio State’s offense against Tennessee’s defense. Ohio State’s high-powered offensive unit, led by C.J. Stroud and Brice Sensabaugh, is capable of lighting up the scoreboard, but they will need to navigate Tennessee’s swarming defense to succeed. The Buckeyes’ offense is centered around ball movement, spacing, and the ability to drive to the basket, but Tennessee’s defensive strategy will test Ohio State’s ability to execute under pressure.

In particular, Ohio State’s shooting efficiency will be crucial. Tennessee will look to force Ohio State to take contested shots, particularly from beyond the arc, where the Buckeyes have had mixed results this season. If Ohio State can knock down open three-pointers and stretch Tennessee’s defense, they’ll have a chance to break through. However, if the Buckeyes struggle with shooting and allow Tennessee to dictate the tempo, it could be a long night for Ohio State.

The matchup also pits Ohio State’s defensive capabilities against Tennessee’s offense. Ohio State’s defense has been solid throughout the season, particularly in containing fast breaks and limiting easy opportunities. Zed Key will be instrumental in guarding the paint and limiting Nkamhoua’s impact inside. Additionally, Justice Sueing and Roddy Gayle Jr. will need to play solid perimeter defense to keep Tennessee’s shooters in check. If Ohio State can control the defensive glass and prevent second-chance opportunities, they’ll be able to limit Tennessee’s offensive flow.

Bracket Update: The Road to the Sweet 16

As Ohio State prepares for their showdown with Tennessee, the overall 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket is starting to take shape. The first round of the tournament featured several thrilling upsets, with lower-seeded teams taking down higher-seeded favorites, adding an element of unpredictability to the tournament. This year’s March Madness has once again proven why it’s one of the most exciting and unpredictable sporting events in the world.

Ohio State’s Path to the Sweet 16

With their First Round victory secured, Ohio State is now looking ahead to the Sweet 16, a place the team has reached in previous years but has been aiming for since last season. A win over Tennessee would set up a matchup against the winner of another exciting second-round contest. If Ohio State were to win, they would then be one step closer to reaching the Elite Eight—an opportunity to continue proving their mettle against the best teams in college basketball.

Ohio State’s potential bracket path to the Sweet 16 is as follows:

• First Round: Ohio State vs. Drake (WIN)
• Second Round: Ohio State vs. Tennessee (upcoming)
• Sweet 16: Winner of Ohio State vs. Tennessee vs. Winner of next second-round matchup (potentially Duke, Kansas, or Arizona)

The Sweet 16 matchups will bring Ohio State face-to-face with other powerhouse programs, and while Tennessee will certainly be a formidable opponent, Ohio State’s ultimate goal remains clear: to advance as far as possible in the tournament.

Other Key Second-Round Matchups to Watch

As the second round progresses, fans will be closely watching the outcomes of several other thrilling matchups across the bracket. Here are a few other games that could have significant implications for the overall tournament:

• Duke vs. Michigan State: Both teams have been playing some of their best basketball in recent weeks, and this matchup could be one of the most competitive of the second round.
• Kansas vs. Arkansas: Kansas, the defending national champions, will look to continue their quest for a repeat, but Arkansas is a dangerous team that can compete with anyone.
• UCLA vs. Auburn: A battle between two talented, high-scoring teams, with the winner likely advancing deep into the tournament.

Ohio State’s Key Players to Watch in the Second Round

As Ohio State heads into their highly anticipated matchup with Tennessee, several players will need to step up if the Buckeyes hope to secure a win and continue their tournament journey. Here are a few of Ohio State’s most important players to watch as they prepare for this crucial second-round contest:

C.J. Stroud: The Buckeyes’ star guard has been one of the most efficient players in the tournament. Stroud’s ability to handle the ball, make plays, and score from all areas of the court will be vital in Ohio State’s efforts to break down Tennessee’s defense. He’ll need to stay aggressive and control the tempo of the game.

Brice Sensabaugh: Ohio State’s leading scorer has shown throughout the season that he’s capable of taking over games with his shooting and scoring ability. Against Tennessee, Sensabaugh will need to make timely shots and help stretch the defense to open up driving lanes for his teammates.

Zed Key: The physical presence in the paint, Zed Key will be crucial in both scoring inside and protecting the rim. His ability to defend Tennessee’s bigs and secure rebounds will be pivotal in slowing down the Volunteers’ offense.

Justice Sueing: The experienced forward has been an anchor for Ohio State throughout the season. His

leadership and ability to make plays in clutch moments will be crucial in the high-pressure environment of the NCAA Tournament.

 What’s at Stake for Ohio State

As Ohio State prepares to face Tennessee in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, everything is on the line. With hopes of advancing to the Sweet 16 and beyond, the Buckeyes have a tough challenge ahead of them, but their talent and determination are undeniable. A win would not only boost the program’s stature but also give the team confidence as they look to continue their journey through March Madness.

Ohio State’s journey this season has been marked by highs and lows, but their success in the NCAA Tournament would be a crowning achievement. Whether or not they can overcome the formidable challenge of Tennessee will be determined in the next few days, but one thing is certain: Ohio State basketball is ready for the fight.