Buckeyes Face No. 25 BYU in Season Opener

Ohio State University basketball players will begin their 2026-27 season against No. 25 BYU on Monday at 9 p.m. EST in Salt Lake City. The matchup takes place at the Delta Center and serves as the first test for a squad looking to improve upon a previous season where they defeated a ranked opponent for the first time only in mid-February.

The Buckeyes will face one of nine ranked teams on their upcoming schedule. Four of those opponents are nonconference opponents. BYU has added 10 newcomers to its roster and is returning Robert Wright III, a third-team All-Big 12 guard. Head coach Jake Diebler noted that the Cougars possess multiple offensive threats, with four or five players capable of high-scoring performances.

Diebler emphasized the need for defensive discipline and rebounding improvement before the season begins. In two exhibition games, Ohio State was outrebounded by a combined 19 rebounds. The team lost 79-68 to Cincinnati on October 7 and won 82-73 against Butler on October 25. Despite the mixed results, Diebler stated that the defensive trend has been positive, though the team must rebound better to compete effectively.

Chemistry remains a focus for the squad, which added nine new players during the offseason. Diebler observed that off-court relationships have developed quickly, but the team must translate that connection into on-court execution. He noted that turnovers exceeded assists in both exhibition contests. The coach described the current roster as the deepest and most talented he has managed in his three years as head coach.

Diebler plans to use depth as a strategic advantage to wear down opponents over the course of a game. He stated that having 10 or 11 usable players allows Ohio State to maintain intensity when other teams rely on smaller benches. The Buckeyes will also need to stick to their core principles to adapt to unfamiliar plays by experienced opponents.

Guard John Mobley Jr., selected for the Preseason All-Big Ten team, exited the October 25 exhibition game against Butler in the final minutes with an ankle injury. As of now, Diebler has not ruled out the possibility that Mobley or another player will miss the season opener. The coach said the team is not in a position to confirm any absences yet.

In the previous season, Ohio State played four ranked opponents away from the Schottenstein Center and lost all four games. The Buckeyes will attempt to change that record in their first official game of the year against the Cougars.