The women’s college basketball world is buzzing, and it’s all thanks to the seismic rise of Ohio State’s breakout superstar. In a program long known for producing elite talent and fierce competitors, one player has now ascended into a tier of her own, dominating opponents with an intoxicating blend of skill, swagger, and relentless intensity. The Buckeyes have found their unstoppable force—and now the entire nation has taken notice.
As the 2025 offseason rolls into high gear and teams across the country prepare for another run at March glory, one question is echoing in the minds of fans, analysts, and opposing coaches: Who can stop Ohio State’s new queen of the court?
Meet the Star: Celeste Taylor 2.0?
While Ohio State lost key veterans after the 2024 NCAA tournament, it was a returning name—sophomore Jacy Sheldon Jr.—who has rewritten the narrative. Heralded as a high-upside recruit just a year ago, she has exploded into superstardom over the last six months, combining elite two-way play with a charisma that mirrors past program legends like Kelsey Mitchell and Samantha Prahalis.
The Buckeyes’ coaching staff, led by head coach Kevin McGuff, saw flashes of brilliance in Sheldon Jr.’s freshman campaign. But her sophomore leap has been transcendent.
“We always knew she had it in her,” McGuff said. “She’s put in the work, and now you’re seeing the results. She doesn’t just want to be good—she wants to be legendary.”
And legendary she is becoming. Over the last 10 games of the 2024–25 season, including postseason play, Sheldon Jr. averaged:
- 22.4 points per game
- 6.7 assists
- 5.1 rebounds
- 3.3 steals
- Shooting 46% from the field and 41% from three
Those numbers catapulted her to All-Big Ten First Team honors and placed her firmly in the conversation for National Player of the Year heading into next season.
How She Took Over the Big Ten
What makes Sheldon Jr. so dangerous is her versatility. She can run the offense like a seasoned point guard, score in isolation, and defend the opposing team’s best player. Her ability to switch from on-ball scorer to lockdown defender in an instant has been critical to Ohio State’s high-pressure defensive schemes.
In a pivotal February matchup against Iowa, Sheldon Jr. put the entire country on notice. With Caitlin Clark now in the WNBA, many assumed the Big Ten belonged to teams like Indiana or Michigan. But Sheldon Jr. dropped a career-high 34 points, dished out 9 assists, and recorded 5 steals in a statement win that saw Ohio State defeat Iowa by double digits.
Her leadership during that game drew comparisons to WNBA greats. ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo noted:
“Sheldon Jr. isn’t just playing basketball—she’s commanding the court. She has the presence of someone ready to lead a Final Four team.”
Ohio State Reloads, Not Rebuilds
Though the Buckeyes lost valuable seniors like Taylor Thierry and Rikki Harris, the 2025 recruiting and transfer classes have fans expecting a deeper and even more versatile roster.
Key Additions:
- Sierra Morrow, a 6’4” forward transfer from Minnesota, brings rebounding and rim protection
- Nevaeh Taylor, a McDonald’s All-American freshman, is an elite shooter with a high basketball IQ
- India James, a high-flying sophomore wing from the SEC, transferred in to provide immediate scoring off the bench
Combined with returning players like Cotie McMahon—an All-Big Ten forward with pro potential—Ohio State’s core is built to dominate both in transition and in half-court sets.
“This group is built for March,” said Big Ten Network analyst Christy Winters-Scott. “They can press, they can score, they can adjust. And Jacy Sheldon Jr. is the perfect engine.”
A New Era of Identity and Swagger
Under Coach McGuff, Ohio State has long been known for pressing defense and fearless shot-making. But this year’s team is adding something extra: swagger. With Sheldon Jr. leading pregame huddles, chest-bumping teammates, and smiling after draining deep threes, there’s a palpable joy and fire around the program.
She’s also winning over fans nationally. Her highlight reels are going viral weekly on social media, with clips of her ankle-breaking crossovers, slick passes, and clutch steals racking up millions of views.
Sheldon Jr. has also become a prominent voice for the team off the court—advocating for NIL rights, female athlete visibility, and equity in training resources.
“Basketball is just part of who I am,” she said in a recent interview. “I want little girls watching us to believe they can lead, dominate, and inspire too.”
National Implications: Final Four or Bust?
After bowing out in the Sweet 16 last season, the Buckeyes now have the talent and leadership to make a deep tournament run. Analysts across the board are placing them in the top five of early preseason polls, behind only powerhouses like UConn and LSU.
Top Early 2025–26 Rankings (Projected):
- UConn
- LSU
- South Carolina
- Ohio State
- Texas
Ohio State’s strength lies in balance. They aren’t dependent on one style of play and now boast multiple scoring options beyond Sheldon Jr., including Cotie McMahon and Nevaeh Taylor. Their defense, meanwhile, is expected to remain elite with returning guards applying full-court pressure.
Should Sheldon Jr. continue this trajectory, she could be the first Buckeye to win National Player of the Year since Katie Smith in 1996—and could be a top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
NIL Stardom and Branding Empire
Jacy Sheldon Jr. is also becoming a major force in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) landscape. She recently inked a lucrative partnership with Nike, headlined a Gatorade campaign featuring top women athletes, and even teased a signature sneaker collaboration with a Columbus-based design firm.
“Ohio State is a brand, and I want to elevate it,” she said. “It’s about more than just what happens on the court.”
Her growing fame has drawn comparisons to Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark in terms of crossover appeal—especially as the WNBA and international leagues scout their next generational stars.
What’s Next for the Buckeyes?
With summer workouts underway and a stacked non-conference slate ahead—including a showdown with UConn in Madison Square Garden—Ohio State’s 2025–26 campaign could be historic.
Fans are already circling dates on the calendar:
- November 14 vs. UConn
- December 3 at Texas
- January 7 vs. Michigan (B1G opener)
- March 2 at Indiana (Regular-season finale)
If the Buckeyes can run the gauntlet and secure a top-two seed in the NCAA Tournament, a Final Four berth seems not just possible—but expected.