Ohio State basketball is reportedly in the final stages of securing a blockbuster home-and-home series with a major non-conference opponent, signaling its intention to bolster its national profile and resume ahead of future NCAA Tournament runs. According to sources close to the Buckeyes program, the anticipated series—slated to begin as early as the 2025-26 season—will pit Ohio State against a perennial powerhouse from either the ACC or Big 12, offering a marquee matchup with far-reaching implications for both teams.
The identity of the opponent has not been officially disclosed, but insiders have indicated that discussions are centered around either Duke or Kansas, two of the sport’s most storied programs. Both options would represent a significant step forward for an Ohio State team looking to reclaim its standing among college basketball’s elite after an up-and-down stretch in recent years. If finalized, the series would mark one of the highest-profile non-conference commitments for the Buckeyes in over a decade.
Ohio State has a history of challenging itself with tough non-league schedules, but this potential deal represents a calculated and ambitious effort by athletic director Gene Smith and head coach Jake Diebler to elevate the program’s national perception. In an era where non-conference strength of schedule can significantly influence NCAA Tournament seeding and overall standing in the NET rankings, a matchup against a top-five-caliber team could provide early-season excitement and postseason dividends.
“Finalizing a series like this is about more than one game,” a team source said. “It’s about setting the tone for who we want to be and how we want to be viewed nationally. We know our fans are hungry for big-time basketball, and we’re working to deliver that.”
The timing of the potential announcement could align with the summer recruiting circuit, sending a clear message to prospective players that Ohio State isn’t backing down from national challenges. That could prove especially important for a Buckeyes team that is targeting several five-star prospects over the next two cycles, many of whom have expressed a desire to play on the biggest stage against the best competition. A home-and-home series with a Duke or Kansas would not only provide that but also offer invaluable exposure across major media platforms.
From a financial standpoint, the series also makes sense. Major non-conference matchups tend to drive ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and television ratings. Ohio State’s Value City Arena consistently ranks among the top venues in terms of attendance when marquee opponents visit Columbus, and bringing in a program with national cachet could push that even higher. The away leg of the series, whether in Allen Fieldhouse or Cameron Indoor Stadium, would likewise serve as a high-profile proving ground for Diebler’s team.
For Diebler, still early in his tenure as head coach, the move is a bold signal of confidence in his squad’s direction. Having taken over following the midseason dismissal of Chris Holtmann, Diebler has managed to re-energize a roster that had fallen short of expectations. His player-first approach, combined with renewed focus on defensive intensity and ball movement, has already started to resonate with recruits and fans alike. Securing a series of this magnitude could further galvanize belief in the program’s trajectory under his leadership.
“We’re building something here,” Diebler said in a recent interview. “And part of building a championship culture is embracing challenges. We want to be in the biggest games. We want to compete against the best, and we believe we’re heading in that direction.”
Historically, Ohio State has not shied away from marquee non-conference contests. The Buckeyes have previously faced North Carolina, Kentucky, Louisville, and even Duke in various neutral site and tournament settings. However, the opportunity to lock in a true home-and-home with a consistent top-five team stands out. The last time Ohio State played a comparable non-conference series was during the Thad Matta era, when the Buckeyes and Florida engaged in a brief but memorable back-and-forth in the mid-2000s.
What makes the potential Duke or Kansas matchup particularly compelling is the contrast in styles and legacies. Duke, with its modern emphasis on spacing, perimeter shooting, and one-and-done talents, offers a compelling test for Ohio State’s evolving identity. Kansas, on the other hand, combines bruising interior play with seasoned guard rotations—posing a different type of challenge that would require the Buckeyes to be at their tactical best.
The significance of the series also extends beyond the court. In a college basketball landscape that continues to shift with the expansion of the Big Ten and the emergence of NIL-fueled superteams, scheduling powerhouses can serve as a statement of purpose. Ohio State’s administration is clearly intent on signaling that the Buckeyes will not simply rely on a loaded conference slate to prove their mettle—they want the spotlight and the stakes from day one of the season.
The Big Ten itself is set for seismic shifts, with the additions of UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington poised to reshape the conference’s identity. In that environment, Ohio State’s efforts to cement national relevance are more vital than ever. A well-timed non-conference showdown could serve as a bridge between the old and new eras, preparing the Buckeyes for the elevated level of competition to come.
While no dates have been confirmed, preliminary discussions suggest the first leg of the series could take place at Value City Arena in November 2025, with the return game the following season. Networks like ESPN and FOX are already monitoring the negotiations, as both matchups would likely command prime-time billing, complete with national pregame coverage and branded segments.
For fans, the potential announcement is already generating buzz. Social media forums and message boards have lit up with speculation over which program Ohio State will face, and ticket holders are eager for confirmation. “It’s been a long time since we had that big game atmosphere in the non-conference,” one longtime season ticket holder said. “If they land Duke or Kansas, you better believe we’ll pack the place. That’s the kind of game you tell your grandkids about.”
The Buckeyes are coming off a rollercoaster season, one that saw flashes of brilliance tempered by inconsistency and a coaching change. But with momentum building under Diebler and a strong core of returning players—along with a promising recruiting class—there’s cautious optimism that Ohio State is turning the corner. Adding a non-conference juggernaut to the schedule would only accelerate that process.
As always, the finalization of such a deal will require coordination between schools, networks, and the NCAA’s ever-evolving calendar. But multiple sources have indicated that Ohio State is “deep in discussions” and “hopeful” for an official announcement within the next month. If and when it becomes official, the series could stand as a defining moment in the new era of Buckeyes basketball.
In the meantime, Diebler and his staff continue their offseason work, focusing on development, recruitment, and internal accountability. With the portal playing an outsized role in shaping rosters, and NIL dynamics continuing to evolve, securing high-stakes games is one more tool in a competitive arsenal. It’s about opportunity, exposure, and—perhaps most importantly—belief.
“Our guys want to play the best,” one assistant coach said. “And our fans want to see the best. That’s what college basketball should be about.”
As the Buckeyes finalize what could be one of their most ambitious non-conference scheduling moves in years, all eyes now turn toward confirmation—and the excitement that comes with seeing a heavyweight showdown on the horizon. Whether it’s the Cameron Crazies or the Rock Chalk faithful, Ohio State is ready to rise to the challenge, embrace the moment, and reignite its tradition of playing in games that matter. One series at a time, the Buckeyes are aiming to write the next great chapter in their storied basketball history.