ROSEMONT, Ill. – Most of the high-profile games had already been announced, but the full Ohio State men’s basketball nonconference schedule was released Aug. 19. Four weeks later, the Buckeyes got dates for their 20-game Big Ten schedule.
The 32-game schedule was set. The rosters for the teams they would be playing were an entirely different situation. With eligibility lawsuits ongoing across the country, the NCAA’s lobbying Congress for the Protect College Sports Act and the ever-present need to find an edge somewhere, rosters across the sport remained unsettled as the Big Ten’s coaches and players converged for the league’s media day Oct. 8.
“I never would’ve really envisioned three years ago that when you put your schedule together it had a chance to get significantly harder in October,” Ohio State men’s basketball coach Jake Diebler said.
Ohio State Buckeyes huddle during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna fights for the ball against center Ivan Njegovan during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. dribbles the balll during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen chases after the loose ball against Jimmie Williams during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen passes the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson runs down the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum laughs with assistant coach Luke Simons during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Braylen Nash shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes listen to head coach Jake Diebler during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Recruiting Coordinator Terence Dials walks on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes participate in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler laughs with his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler blows the whistle during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. holds the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to Amare Bynum during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes LJ Smith and Curtis Givens III participate in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes Curtis Givens III dribbles the ball against LJ Smith during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III moves the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith plays defense during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith deflects as pass during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Alex Smith celebrates with teammates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye react during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Andrija Jelavic participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes Justin Pippen participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen plays defense during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams dribbles the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams dribbles the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams passes the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Vuk Lazarevic speaks to his teammates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye forward Josh Ojianwuna participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna attempts to block a shot during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna dribbles the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Alex Smith participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Alex Smith celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes react during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Associate head coach Jamall Walker stands on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Assistant coach Mike Wells walks on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Assistant coach Brian Walsh walks on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Myles Herro (8) participates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum reaches for the ball against John Mobley Jr. during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum attempts to block the shot of Josh Ojianwuna during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. passes the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan (7) celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum (1) reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes huddle during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes huddle during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna fights for the ball against center Ivan Njegovan during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. dribbles the balll during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen chases after the loose ball against Jimmie Williams during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen passes the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson runs down the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum laughs with assistant coach Luke Simons during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Braylen Nash shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes listen to head coach Jake Diebler during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Recruiting Coordinator Terence Dials walks on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes participate in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler laughs with his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler blows the whistle during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. holds the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to Amare Bynum during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes LJ Smith and Curtis Givens III participate in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes Curtis Givens III dribbles the ball against LJ Smith during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III moves the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith plays defense during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye LJ Smith deflects as pass during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Alex Smith celebrates with teammates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye react during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Andrija Jelavic participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes Justin Pippen participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Justin Pippen plays defense during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Anthony Thompson participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams dribbles the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams dribbles the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams passes the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Vuk Lazarevic speaks to his teammates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye forward Josh Ojianwuna participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna attempts to block a shot during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Josh Ojianwuna dribbles the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Alex Smith participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Alex Smith celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes react during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Associate head coach Jamall Walker stands on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Assistant coach Mike Wells walks on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Assistant coach Brian Walsh walks on the court during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes guard Myles Herro (8) participates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum shoots the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) participates in practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum reaches for the ball against John Mobley Jr. during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum attempts to block the shot of Josh Ojianwuna during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. passes the ball during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to his players during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes center Ivan Njegovan (7) celebrates during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Jimmie Williams speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeye Curtis Givens III speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Jake Diebler speaks to the media after practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
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Ohio State Buckeyes forward Amare Bynum (1) reacts during practice in the practice gym at the Schottenstein Center on July 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch)
The Buckeyes will open the season against BYU in Salt Lake City on Nov. 2. Since that game was announced, the Cougars have added Jaxon Kohler, a former Michigan State forward who averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds in his fourth season of college basketball. He filed a lawsuit in California, received a temporary restraining order and signed with BYU after spending time with the Utah Jazz in the NBA Summer League.
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On Dec. 19, the Buckeyes will play Kansas in Madison Square Garden as part of the annual CBS Sports Classic. Always a formidable foe, the Jayhawks have added wing Tre White and guard Melvin Council Jr. since mid-September after both secured preliminary injunctions. White, who averaged 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds for Kansas in his fourth season, received his ruling in Indiana and Council, who averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds last year, got his from New York.
There are plenty of others across the league who are dealing with similar situations. Some, like Minnesota, are hoping one will fall in their favor.
Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler, left, shoots as Ohio State’s Amare Bynum defends during the second half on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
Cade Tyson, who averaged a career-high 19.6 points for the Golden Gophers last year, is seeking a fifth year of eligibility and remains in limbo. At Big Ten media day, coach Niko Medved said the Gophers are supportive of his legal efforts to secure a fifth year and hopeful of getting a final determination soon.
“When would we want to know the answer to that? Today when I leave would be ideal,” he said Oct. 8. “You hopefully have a much better picture here before you tip off. Who knows where this is going to go?”
That is the big question more than a week later. On Oct. 14, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued an executive order preventing any Ohio colleges from enforcing NCAA rules prohibiting them from allowing players a fifth year of eligibility. Later that night, NCAA president Charlie Baker issued his own memo pushing back on DeWine’s order, and it’s not clear whether it will stand or not.
Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) shoots around Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) during the NCAA men’s basketball game at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus on Feb. 8, 2026.
That’s just for Ohio. At the federal level, the pursuit of a blanket waiver for all members of the class of 2022 was initially granted only for the NCAA to win a stay in the case. That is still being argued but, for now at least, players from 2022 hoping for a fifth year have to be part of a state-issued injunction in order to be eligible.
Former Ohio State player Roddy Gayle Jr., who spent two seasons with the Buckeyes before transferring and playing two more at Michigan, is one of those. He is on Michigan’s roster and, like Tyson, practicing with his team, but Gayle did not participate in an exhibition game Oct. 11 against Eastern Michigan.
The reason? The injunction he received did not “address his participation in (NBA) Summer League,” coach Mike Boynton told reporters afterward. At Big Ten media day, his likely 2026-27 teammates spoke as if he would be part of the team.
“He’s going to help us tremendously,” guard Trey McKenney said. “I think he’s going to be super impactful this year.”
That is, assuming everything is ironed out legally and that nothing changes from there. While coaches debated whether or not players could or should be added to rosters, most Big Ten coaches were in agreement on one thing: once the season starts, hopefully more changes are not on the table.
“My hope is it’s not a situation where you have guys in and out of games,” Diebler said. “I hope it doesn’t get to that.”
