In a stunning yet calculated move, Ohio State has officially opted out of the postseason, declining an invitation to participate in FOX’s inaugural College Basketball Crown Tournament. This decision effectively brings the curtain down on a season filled with highs, lows, and what-ifs—leaving fans wondering what could have been.
The Harsh Reality: A Third Straight NCAA Tournament Snub
For the third consecutive year, Ohio State finds itself on the outside looking in when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes were tantalizingly close, but a late-season collapse—marked by five losses in their final seven games—sealed their fate. These stumbles, combined with early-season heartbreakers against Pitt and Oregon, ensured that the Buckeyes were left as one of the first teams left out of the Big Dance.
Jake Diebler, in his first season at the helm, had Ohio State fans believing at times, but ultimately, his squad failed to deliver when it mattered most. And now, rather than extend their season in an alternative postseason tournament, they’ve chosen to shut the door entirely.
A Controversial Decision – Pride or Pragmatism?
By turning down the College Basketball Crown Tournament, Ohio State is making a strong statement: If it’s not the NCAA Tournament, it’s not worth their time. The program is contractually bound to either compete in the NCAA Tournament or the Crown, leaving no other options on the table. However, choosing to skip the event entirely raises eyebrows.
Wouldn’t a postseason experience, no matter the tournament, be valuable for a team looking to build chemistry and momentum for the future? Some critics argue that Ohio State is allowing pride to dictate its path instead of seizing an opportunity to end the season on a high note. Others see it as a justified stance—a refusal to settle for anything less than the highest level of competition.
The Transfer Portal Storm Is Coming
With the season officially over, Diebler now faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet: keeping his roster intact. The transfer portal looms, and Ohio State’s top talent will undoubtedly attract suitors from across the country.
Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal, and John Mobley Jr. are at the heart of the Buckeyes’ future, but will they stick around? Rival programs will be circling like sharks, hoping to lure them away with promises of bigger roles, deeper tournament runs, and perhaps even a shot at the NBA. If Ohio State wants to reverse its fortunes next season, retaining these key players—and making strategic additions through the portal—will be absolutely crucial.
What Happens Next?
The basketball world now shifts its attention to two major dates:
- March 24 – The opening of the college basketball transfer portal, where roster shake-ups and stunning transfers will dominate the headlines.
- March 31 – The tipoff of the College Basketball Crown Tournament in Las Vegas, where Ohio State won’t be competing—giving fans one less team to root for (or against).
With the offseason officially underway, all eyes will be on Diebler’s next move. Can he build a team capable of returning Ohio State to national relevance? Or will the Buckeyes find themselves watching March Madness from home yet again next year?
One thing is certain: This offseason is shaping up to be just as dramatic as the season itself. Buckle up, Ohio State fans—it’s going to be a wild ride.
