Ohio State men’s basketball enters the 2026-27 season with a clear identity shift. After finishing 21-13 overall and 12-8 in the Big Ten last year before an NCAA Tournament first-round loss to TCU, head coach Jake Diebler and his staff prioritized size and versatility in the offseason. The result is one of the tallest and deepest rosters the program has assembled in recent years, averaging roughly 79 inches per player across the full group.
That physical upgrade addresses a longstanding issue. In last season’s tournament loss, Ohio State was outrebounded 38-32. The Buckeyes lost key contributors such as Bruce Thornton (selected in the NBA Draft) and Devin Royal (transferred), along with frontcourt pieces like Christoph Tilly. In their place, Diebler added length, athleticism, and experience at nearly every position. The question now is whether the new makeup can translate into better defense, stronger rebounding, and consistent contention against the top of the Big Ten.
How the Roster Grew Taller and Deeper
Ohio State brought in multiple transfers who add immediate size and production. Andrija Jelavic, a 6-foot-11 forward from Kentucky, provides stretch and versatility in the frontcourt after averaging 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in limited minutes last season. Justin Pippen, a 6-foot-4 guard from Cal (previously Michigan), arrives after averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 1.9 steals. Jimmie Williams, a 6-foot-4 Ohio native from Duquesne, posted 15.1 points per game in the Atlantic 10, while Curtis Givens III adds another athletic guard option from Memphis.
In the frontcourt, the Buckeyes return Josh Ojianwuna, who missed all of last season recovering from a knee injury but averaged 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds at Baylor in 2024-25. Amare Bynum, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, returns after a productive freshman year, and 7-foot-2 Ivan Njegovan provides additional rim protection. Freshman additions include five-star Anthony Thompson (6-foot-9), one of the highest-rated recruits in the class and a preseason Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate, along with other young talent such as LJ Smith and Vuk Lazarevic (7-foot-1).
Overall, the roster features more players in the 6-foot-8 to 7-foot-2 range than last season’s group. Diebler has called this the deepest team he has had in his tenure, noting that the combination of returning pieces like John Mobley Jr. and the influx of transfers and freshmen creates flexibility.
Impact on Defense and Rebounding
Size alone does not guarantee defensive improvement, but it creates different options. Last season’s rebounding shortfalls were especially costly in close games and the tournament. With Ojianwuna healthy, Jelavic available, and Bynum continuing to develop, Ohio State should contest the glass more effectively. Multiple bigs allow Diebler to mix lineups that can switch on the perimeter while still protecting the rim.
Defensively, the added length can help close driving lanes and contest shots without over-committing. Pippen’s steals production and Williams’ size in the backcourt give the perimeter more physicality. Thompson’s athleticism at the wing position should also help in transition defense and help-side rotations. Diebler has emphasized toughness and competitiveness as program staples, and the returning players (Mobley and Bynum) are expected to set that standard for the newcomers.
Early exhibition results have shown mixed results, with the team still working through chemistry and rebounding consistency. Those issues are common with heavy roster turnover, but the physical tools appear better suited for Big Ten physicality than the previous group.
Competing in a Loaded Big Ten
The Big Ten remains one of the deepest conferences in the country. Preseason rankings often place Michigan State, Illinois, and Michigan near the top, with several other teams expected to contend. Ohio State has typically been projected in the middle of the pack, often around eighth in media polls, which would still position the Buckeyes for an NCAA Tournament bid if they perform near that level.
Mobley returns as one of the conference’s top shooters after averaging nearly 16 points last season and earning preseason All-Big Ten recognition. Pairing him with Pippen creates a backcourt that can score and facilitate. Thompson is expected to contribute immediately as a versatile scorer and athlete. If the frontcourt holds up—particularly Ojianwuna’s availability and Jelavic’s spacing—the Buckeyes can field lineups that match up better against longer teams like Illinois or Michigan.
The schedule presents clear tests. Non-conference games include BYU, UConn, Vanderbilt, and Kansas in the CBS Sports Classic. In conference play, the Buckeyes face Michigan twice (including a season-ending home game), along with road trips to Illinois, Purdue, and a West Coast swing to UCLA and USC. Success in those matchups will determine whether the size advantage translates into wins against the top tier.
Outlook for a Breakthrough Season
Jake Diebler enters his third season with more continuity in his core principles and a roster built closer to his preferred style. The program made the tournament last year for the first time under his full leadership and now aims to advance further. The added size addresses a specific weakness exposed in March, while the mix of proven transfers and high-upside freshmen provides both immediate production and long-term upside.
Chemistry remains the primary variable. Integrating nine new faces with the returning core takes time, and early results will depend on how quickly the frontcourt and backcourt mesh. If Ojianwuna stays healthy and Thompson develops as expected, Ohio State has the pieces to improve defensively and compete more consistently with the Big Ten’s best.
Whether this becomes the season the Buckeyes break through depends on execution more than talent alone. The roster construction gives them a better chance than in recent years. Fans and analysts will watch closely when the regular season begins in early November to see if the taller, deeper group can turn physical advantages into conference wins and a longer March run.
