Ohio State aims for early win against BYU in Utah
The Buckeyes seek their first victory over a ranked opponent in 2026-27 after losing four such games last season.
By Zoe Harrison ·
Ohio State fans hoping for a quick start to the 2026-27 basketball season will see their team face a high-profile test on Monday night. The Buckeyes travel to Salt Lake City to play No. 25 BYU at the Delta Center. The game begins at 9 p.m. EST. Last season, the team waited until mid-February for its first win over a ranked opponent. This year, the schedule includes nine ranked teams, four of which are nonconference rivals.
The path to this matchup involved a stretch of exhibition play that highlighted areas for improvement. On Oct. 7, the Buckeyes lost to Cincinnati by a score of 79-68. Two weeks later, on Oct. 25, they defeated Butler 82-73. In both games, Ohio State was outrebounded. The team gave up a combined total of 19 more rebounds than it secured. They also recorded more turnovers than assists across those two contests.
Head coach Jake Diebler noted that the team brought in nine new players during the offseason. He observed that off-court chemistry has been strong even before the players arrived on campus. However, he said the group must translate that rapport into on-court execution. Diebler emphasized the need for better spacing, ball movement, and defensive connection.
"What we're working on is that chemistry carrying over in between the lines. When it does, when we have great spacing and the ball's moving, and we're connected defensively, it's a beautiful thing. We've got to do it more," Diebler said.
The Cougars present a specific offensive challenge for the Buckeyes. BYU has added 10 newcomers and returns Robert Wright III, a third-team All-Big 12 guard. Diebler described the opponent as having multiple scoring threats. He pointed out that four or five players on the BYU roster are capable of high-scoring performances. This versatility allows the Cougars to maintain pace and keep defenses off balance.
Health remains a variable for Ohio State. Guard John Mobley Jr., a Preseason All-Big Ten selection, left the Butler exhibition with an ankle injury in the final minutes. As of Friday, Diebler said the team is not in a position to confirm who will be available for Monday. He declined to rule out any player but also did not announce a specific absence.
The Buckeyes lost all four games they played against ranked opponents outside of their home arena last year. Diebler believes this roster has more depth and talent than any group he has coached in his three years as head coach. He plans to use that depth to tire opponents who have fewer rotation players. The team will look to apply its principles strictly to adjust to the game flow.
The matchup serves as the opening contest for a season that features nine AP Top 25 opponents. The Buckeyes will attempt to start with a win to avoid the slow start that defined their previous campaign. The result will set the tone for their nonconference schedule.
