Ohio State Men’s Basketball Better Make the NCAA Tournament or Risk Losing Fans’ Interest
The Ohio State men’s basketball team has long been one of the proudest programs in college basketball. With a rich history of success, passionate fanbase, and a tradition of competing in the NCAA Tournament, the Buckeyes have built a reputation as a program to be reckoned with. However, the pressure is mounting for Ohio State to deliver this season, as their inability to consistently make the NCAA Tournament in recent years has led to increased criticism, skepticism, and growing discontent among their fanbase.
If the Buckeyes fail to secure a spot in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the repercussions could extend beyond the basketball court, affecting not just the program’s standing but also its ability to maintain its loyal following. With each year that passes without a tournament berth, the risk of losing fans’ interest becomes greater—and Ohio State cannot afford to let that happen.
The State of Ohio State Basketball
The Ohio State men’s basketball program has experienced ups and downs in recent years. Under head coach Chris Holtmann, the Buckeyes had some early success, making multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and winning Big Ten games against tough opponents. However, in the past couple of seasons, the program has struggled to regain its previous form.
In 2021, Ohio State reached the NCAA Tournament, where they made it to the second round before falling to Oral Roberts in a shocking upset. That was supposed to be a springboard for even greater success, but the following seasons have been inconsistent, with the Buckeyes failing to advance deep into the tournament and falling short of expectations. The 2023-2024 season, in particular, saw the team fall short of NCAA Tournament contention, leaving fans frustrated and concerned about the program’s trajectory.
When a program like Ohio State fails to make the tournament in back-to-back seasons, it begins to raise questions about the direction of the program. How much longer can Holtmann and his coaching staff remain in place? Is the recruiting strategy sustainable? More importantly, how much longer can the Buckeyes expect their loyal fanbase to stay engaged if the team fails to deliver on the national stage?
The Importance of NCAA Tournament Berths
For any college basketball program, the NCAA Tournament represents the pinnacle of achievement. Not only is it the most significant stage for college basketball players to showcase their talent, but it’s also where programs make their mark and capture the national spotlight. Making the tournament is expected for elite programs, especially one as storied as Ohio State.
While regular-season success is important, the real test for college basketball programs comes in March. A deep run in the tournament can elevate a team’s prestige, recruit better talent, and generate excitement for years to come. Conversely, missing out on the tournament—especially in consecutive years—creates a sense of stagnation, which can ultimately lead to apathy among fans. For Ohio State, a program with a proud basketball tradition, missing the NCAA Tournament again would be a significant blow to its status in college basketball.
In addition, the Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, making each season a battle for survival. Ohio State’s failure to consistently secure NCAA Tournament berths in recent years is particularly concerning because of the strength of their conference. With powerhouse teams like Michigan State, Indiana, and Purdue, a program like Ohio State should be contending for top spots year in and year out. A failure to make the tournament despite competing in a conference of that caliber sends the message that Ohio State is not living up to its potential.
A Dwindling Fanbase and Growing Frustration
Ohio State fans are some of the most passionate and loyal in all of college sports. Football and basketball enthusiasts alike follow their teams with fervor, and the atmosphere in the Schottenstein Center is typically electric for home games. However, fan loyalty can only go so far if the team’s performance doesn’t match the passion of its supporters. When a team consistently falls short of expectations, fans begin to question whether their loyalty is being rewarded.
This growing frustration has led to dwindling interest among some fans, especially when it comes to Ohio State basketball’s postseason aspirations. For many fans, the NCAA Tournament is non-negotiable. When the Buckeyes fail to secure a spot, it’s not just a lost opportunity—it’s a missed chance to prove that the program is still one of the top programs in the country.
As time goes on without postseason success, fans will start to turn their attention elsewhere. They might lose interest in attending games or watching on television, feeling as if their support doesn’t make a difference in the program’s future. For Ohio State basketball, the longer they stay out of the NCAA Tournament, the more difficult it will be to win back the support of their fanbase.
The Toll on Recruiting
Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college basketball program, and Ohio State is no exception. Without a consistent NCAA Tournament presence, it becomes harder for the Buckeyes to lure in top-tier recruits. High school basketball players are drawn to programs with a proven track record of success on the national stage, and with the rise of transfer portal recruiting, programs that consistently make the tournament will have the inside track in attracting high-caliber talent.
As Ohio State has struggled in recent years, recruiting has taken a hit. While the Buckeyes have still managed to bring in some solid recruits, they have not been able to consistently land elite prospects, especially in comparison to some of their Big Ten rivals. This lack of high-level talent can further contribute to the team’s struggles on the court, making it a vicious cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break.
If Ohio State doesn’t make the NCAA Tournament this year, recruiting for the next cycle could become even more difficult. It would be hard to convince top prospects that Ohio State is the right place to play when the program has failed to meet expectations, particularly in a competitive Big Ten environment. Without success on the recruiting trail, the Buckeyes will continue to fall behind their rivals, making it even harder to break through in future seasons.
What Needs to Change?
To avoid further alienating the fanbase and ensure the long-term success of the program, Ohio State basketball must make the NCAA Tournament in 2025. Coach Chris Holtmann and his staff need to prove that they can build a team capable of competing in March, and they need to do so now.
This begins with ensuring that the team is firing on all cylinders throughout the regular season. Ohio State has some talented players, but it needs to maximize that talent and find a winning formula that can carry them through tough Big Ten competition. Additionally, strong leadership from the coaching staff is critical—Holtmann must find a way to get the most out of his roster and show the basketball community that Ohio State is still a powerhouse.
Ohio State must also prove that it can perform when it matters most. Winning close games, avoiding midseason slumps, and showing resilience during the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament stretch run will be key. If the Buckeyes can take care of business in the regular season and win the games that matter, they will make a statement to both their fanbase and the college basketball world.