Men’s basketball: Ohio State is formally eliminated from the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive year.

For the third consecutive year, Ohio State’s men’s basketball team faces the bitter reality of being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, marking a troubling trend for a program once renowned for its consistent success and championship aspirations. This recurring fate for the Buckeyes has raised serious questions about the direction of the program and the future of its leadership. While basketball at Ohio State has historically been a symbol of pride and excellence, the team’s recent performances underscore a deeper problem that needs to be addressed.

This year’s early exit from the NCAA Tournament only adds to the disappointment felt by fans, analysts, and players alike. As Ohio State finds itself on the outside looking in once again, it’s worth taking a closer look at the team’s journey throughout the season, examining the key moments, missed opportunities, and systemic issues that have led to its recurring inability to break through in March. In this exploration, we’ll discuss not just the results but the broader context that surrounds the Buckeyes’ struggles, from roster decisions and coaching changes to the increasing pressure on Ohio State to restore its place among the nation’s basketball elite.

A Storied Program Facing Uncertainty

Ohio State’s basketball program has a long and storied history, with past teams achieving great success in the NCAA Tournament. From their national championship win in 1960 to their most recent appearance in the Final Four in 2007, the Buckeyes have long been expected to compete at the highest level. But in recent years, that expectation has been harder to fulfill, as the team has struggled to live up to the standard set by previous generations of players and coaches.

After making the NCAA Tournament consistently in the mid-2010s, Ohio State’s run of excellence began to falter. The departure of key players, struggles with recruiting, and challenges in building team chemistry have all played a role in the team’s recent inability to advance deep into March Madness. The result has been a program mired in inconsistency, failing to secure a spot in the tournament’s later rounds, and ultimately getting knocked out far earlier than fans or analysts anticipated.

The Current Season: High Hopes, Low Results

Heading into the 2024-2025 season, optimism surrounded Ohio State’s men’s basketball team. After a disappointing 2023 season, where the team failed to make a deep run in March and finished with a record below expectations, changes were made in an attempt to return the program to its former glory. A mixture of promising recruits, experienced players, and a renewed focus on team defense was supposed to get the Buckeyes back on track.

The season began with high hopes. The Buckeyes showed glimpses of their potential early on, with strong performances against non-conference opponents and a few notable wins in Big Ten play. However, it quickly became clear that the team was still far from the cohesive, well-rounded squad necessary to compete at the highest level of college basketball.

Inconsistent play, injuries, and poor decision-making at critical moments became recurring themes throughout the season. There were flashes of brilliance—dominant victories over lower-ranked teams and strong individual performances—but these moments were often overshadowed by frustrating losses, particularly against other high-ranking teams. The struggles were evident in the Big Ten Conference, where competition was fierce, and Ohio State found itself battling not only to qualify for the NCAA Tournament but also to maintain any semblance of confidence in the locker room.

The Road to Elimination

Ohio State entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament on the bubble, with its fate hanging in the balance as it hoped to secure an at-large bid. The team’s performance in the regular season had left too many unanswered questions about its ability to compete against the nation’s top teams, but the possibility of an invitation to the tournament still loomed large.

In the days leading up to Selection Sunday, the Buckeyes anxiously awaited the committee’s decision, holding out hope that their body of work would be enough to earn them a chance to dance in March. However, as the announcement was made, it became clear that Ohio State had once again fallen short, officially eliminated from NCAA Tournament contention for the third consecutive year.

The elimination came as a blow to a program that had once been a fixture in March Madness. For fans, the news was a crushing reminder of the team’s struggles over the past few seasons, and the absence from the tournament left a gaping hole in what should have been an exciting month of basketball.

Missed Opportunities: What Went Wrong?

As the team’s early exit from the tournament was confirmed, it was time to reflect on what went wrong during the 2024-2025 season. A number of factors contributed to Ohio State’s downfall, including coaching challenges, roster decisions, and, most importantly, an inability to close out close games.

1. Inconsistent Offensive Play

One of the primary struggles for Ohio State this season was its inability to consistently score points, particularly when facing tough competition. While the Buckeyes had capable shooters and playmakers on their roster, the team often failed to execute offensively in high-pressure situations. Key players, who had the potential to be stars, went through stretches where they struggled to find their rhythm, and this inconsistency proved costly in big games.

Despite the presence of experienced players on the roster, the offense often became stagnant when the team needed to execute its plays with precision. The lack of offensive flow led to poor shot selection, turnovers, and an inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities—elements that are detrimental to any team with championship aspirations.

2. Defensive Vulnerabilities

While Ohio State was generally solid on defense, its defensive schemes were at times exposed by fast-paced and more dynamic offenses in the Big Ten and beyond. The Buckeyes struggled to contain opposing teams’ star players, particularly in key matchups against highly ranked opponents. Ohio State’s defense, while often suffocating, lacked the consistency needed to lock down on both the perimeter and in the paint.

In addition, defensive breakdowns in crucial moments—especially late in games—allowed opposing teams to mount comebacks and seize momentum, pushing the Buckeyes further from victory. In the tournament, where every possession matters, such lapses in defensive execution are lethal.

3. Coaching and Leadership

Although head coach Chris Holtmann entered the season with the hope of steering the team back to greatness, the lack of progress has raised questions about his future with the program. Holtmann is a well-respected coach, but his tenure at Ohio State has been marked by underwhelming results relative to expectations.

The inability to advance in the tournament in each of the past three years has led to increased scrutiny over Holtmann’s coaching decisions. Critics have pointed to questionable game management, lineup changes, and a failure to adjust during critical moments. As Ohio State continues to fall short of its goals, the pressure on Holtmann to find a way to turn things around has only intensified.

4. Roster Decisions and Development

Another area of concern for Ohio State has been its recruiting and player development. While the team brought in talented players, the overall roster lacked the depth and cohesion required for deep tournament runs. Injuries to key players further exacerbated these issues, leaving the team unable to rely on its full complement of talent when it mattered most.

Moreover, the development of younger players has been inconsistent, with several high-profile recruits failing to meet expectations. While there were bright spots, such as individual standout performances from certain players, the team as a whole never found the consistency needed to compete with the best of the best.

The Road Ahead: A Crossroads for Ohio State Basketball

As Ohio State’s men’s basketball program faces yet another season without an NCAA Tournament appearance, it is clear that the team is at a crossroads. For a program with such a rich basketball history, this period of uncertainty represents a pivotal moment for the future.

The Buckeyes need to reassess their approach to both recruitment and player development. They must find ways to build a more cohesive unit, with better chemistry on and off the court. Additionally, Ohio State must address the issue of inconsistent leadership and coaching, as the future of Chris Holtmann’s tenure will likely be a major talking point as the program seeks to regain its stature among the nation’s basketball elite.

The fanbase is yearning for a return to the days when the Buckeyes were a fixture in the tournament, and there is no shortage of talent in the state of Ohio that could help them get there. However, without the right changes, the road back to NCAA Tournament contention may be longer than anyone anticipated.

Ultimately, Ohio State’s men’s basketball program must refocus and recalibrate. The challenges ahead are significant, but they are not insurmountable. The Buckeyes have the history, the talent, and the resources to return to prominence. But it will take leadership, vision, and sustained commitment to rebuilding a program that once prided itself on its ability to succeed in March. Until those pieces fall into place, however, Ohio State’s march to greatness will remain a dream unfulfilled.