Last year I ran this piece for exactly three weeks in January, the first edition on Jan. 9 when Ohio State was projected as a seven seed in the NCAA Tournament and the last on Jan. 25 when the Buckeyes fell outside the Big Dance picture after an all-to-familiar January collapse under Chris Holtmann. More losses followed and despite a late-season surge under then-interim head coach Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes settled for the NIT.

One year since that discontinuation, the series is suddenly worth resurrecting. Thoughts of a first-season tourney bid for the Diebler regime were mere pipe dreams 10 days ago, with the Buckeyes standing at 10-8 and preparing to play No. 11 Purdue on the road.

Then Ohio State went and beat the Boilermakers in Mackey Arena, the first time they had fallen there in nearly 700 days. That momentum carried over to a blowout win over Iowa on Tuesday, the two victories Quad 1 and Quad 2 wins for NCAA Tournament purposes.

Not only is there a chance for Ohio State to bounce back from a 1-4 start to January to close 4-4 at Penn State on Thursday, the Buckeyes are right in the thick of the NCAA Tournament conversation. Their conference standing for the Big Ten Tournament – no longer a guarantee as only 15 of the conference’s 18 teams make it starting this year – has improved in equal measure.

NCAA Tournament Outlook

Projections from a variety of the nation’s best bracketologists have Ohio State among the last four teams in the NCAA Tournament as things stand.

That’s true for ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, who places the Buckeyes in the first of his last four in slots ahead of Texas, North Carolina and UCF. Bracketmatrix.com has 85 different bracket projections aggregated and Ohio State makes the Big Dance in 71 of them. 59 of those have the Buckeyes as an 11-seed, the last seed line for at-large bids. One of the 14 brackets excluding the Buckeyes is CBS’ Jerry Palm, who has OSU as the first team out of the tourney.

A 12-8 record isn’t great on its surface, but the strength of the Buckeyes’ schedule boosts the value of that mark. Diebler had the fortitude to set up five non-conference matchups with power conference opponents, and though Ohio State went 2-3 against those teams, it picked up valuable Quadrant 1 wins against Texas and then-No. 4 Kentucky on neutral courts.

The depth of the Big Ten is also bolstering the Buckeyes’ schedule strength. Seven other schools in the conference are projected as being in the NCAA Tournament by the bracket matrix. Ohio State gets opportunities at two more Q1 wins in league play this week at Penn State and No. 18 Illinois.

Lastly, the Buckeyes’ NET ranking of 29th is the best among its competitors along the bubble, a reflection of its aforementioned schedule strength and its handful of quality wins. Every single Ohio State loss also falls into either Q1 or Q2, Indiana being the worst loss on its résumé with a NET ranking of 68th.

Big Ten Outlook

With the Big Ten Tournament format shifting to 15 teams this year, the bottom three teams will be excluded in the conference while the top nine schools receive a first-round bye and the top four receive a double-bye to the tourney’s quarterfinals.

The Penn State game not only offers a chance for Ohio State to bring its January record back to .500, it can level out its mark in the Big Ten, too. A victory over the Nittany Lions would bring the Buckeyes back to 5-5 in conference play.

A win at Penn State would put valuable distance between Ohio State and the bottom three spots in the conference, which will be left out of the conference tournament. The Buckeyes’ current 4-5 record in the league has them 1.5 games ahead of that placement, with the Nittany Lions and Minnesota tied at 3-7 for third-to-last. Nebraska (2-7) and Washington (1-8) have worse conference marks.

With a strong close to the year, a first-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament and Ohio State’s first NCAA Tournament bid in three seasons are well within reach.

Fresh off a national championship, Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day might have an unexpected recruit on his radar — LeBron James.

While on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Monday, Fallon brought up an old post on X from the Los Angeles Lakers star. James wrote: “Do I have college eligibility if I went to play another sport besides basketball? How does that rule work?”

Fallon then jokingly asked Day that if, hypothetically, James wanted to play for the Buckeyes, would it be possible?

The Ohio State head coach immediately acknowledged James’ support for the program, but made it clear that wouldn’t give him a pass for playing time.

“With that being said, he’d be right in line with the freshmen in the back of the room,” Day said. “We’d have to work his way up. I mean, he doesn’t get any special treatment.”

James agreed with Day’s plan, writing on X in reaction to the video: “I don’t mind it one bit Coach Day! Earned Not Given!” Day, however, jokingly pointed out an offer is on the table.

Just to be clear, we have a scholarship and great NIL deal for you though… https://t.co/jDSVSJMCf8

— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) January 29, 2025

The four-time NBA MVP is an avid Buckeyes fan, attending their national championship winning performance against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last Monday. Cameras caught him celebrating an Ohio State touchdown.

While on the “New Heights” show hosted by fellow Ohio natives Jason and Travis Kelce, James revealed that former Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel pitched him on being a two-way athlete similar to Colorado’s Travis Hunter.

“They knocked on the door and was like ‘if you come to Ohio State we want you to play both sides,’” James said.

The Lakers forward declared otherwise, but — if he decides to give college football a try — he’d have to take the hard route onto the field.

One week ago Ohio State was celebrating in Atlanta as national champions. Now it’s turned its focus to attempting a repeat.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, winning a national championship in this era means everybody wants a piece of not only the coaching staff, but also the players on the roster.

Ohio State spent the days following the title game trying to keep its roster together and avoid the transfer portal, but also watching its coaching staff field calls. It couldn’t fend off everybody, as the most notable departure was defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaving for Penn State, to become the highest-paid coordinator in the country.

With the portal window closed, NFL Draft decisions finalized and Knowles on his way to State College, let’s look at how Ohio State is replacing what it lost both on the field and on the staff.

Coaching staff

The biggest loss this offseason was Knowles. It’s not just that Knowles left, but the fact he went to Penn State, which will likely be the preseason Big Ten favorite and one of the popular preseason national championship picks. Ohio State will play the Nittany Lions in Columbus on Nov. 1.

Replacing Knowles will be difficult. He’s one of the best defensive coordinators in the country and helped the Buckeyes turn around their defense to finish top-three in total defense the last two seasons. But, coordinators are replaceable, especially at a place like Ohio State where the talent is elite.

Day’s first step is to ensure the rest of the defensive staff stays the same. As of now, it seems like Ohio State is in a good position to do that. Larry Johnson is an Ohio State lifer, James Laurinaitis isn’t going anywhere, nor is cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. The lone worry would’ve been safeties coach Matt Guerrieri, who has been with Knowles from their time together at Duke. He came with him to Ohio State to help install the defense, before leaving for Indiana and coming back this offseason. I don’t think that’s a concern, though, because Day already had high praise for him in the championship celebration, calling him “one of the brightest minds in college football.”

Penn State also won’t have a safeties coach opening. Anthony Poindexter will be the safeties coach at Penn State again, so it seems like Guerrieri will stay on the staff. I wouldn’t be surprised if Day gave him an interview for the defensive coordinator job, considering he has play-calling experience.

A few outside names jumped to my mind from my flu-riddled bed on Sunday afternoon, led by Jeff Hafley. Day and Hafley know each other well, he was Day’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach in 2019 and though Hafley is the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, you have to make him say no first.

Pitt’s Randy Bates is an option. Even though his defense struggled this year, he. has had three top-25 defenses at Pitt.

Iowa State’s Jon Heacock is an option too. The younger brother of former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock had four top-30 finishes in scoring defense, including two top-20 finishes in 2021 and 2022.

I’d kick the tires on Iowa DC Phil Parker also to see what you can pull off there.

Ohio State is fresh off a national championship, anything less than a national hiring process would be a disservice to the expectations at Ohio State. Even if Day eventually decides to promote from inside, he has to make some calls outside.

Now, to the roster.

Jim Knowles left Ohio State to become the DC at Penn State earlier this week. The Nittany Lions gave him a three-year deal with an average of $3.1 million per year. (Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch / USA Today via Imagn Images)

Quarterbacks

On the roster: Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, Tavien St. Clair
Leaving: Will Howard (NFL), Devin Brown (transfer), Air Noland (transfer)

This is going to be an interesting year at quarterback for Ohio State. The room is inexperienced but the potential is high. Sayin is the former No. 1 quarterback in the 2024 class, a player with an incredibly fast release and everybody you talk to at Ohio State raves about his ability to process quickly. He probably needs to add some muscle this offseason, which I’m sure he’ll do, but he has the chance to be really good.

Kienholz will battle for the spot in the spring, while St. Clair should be in a good position to adjust to college without immediate pressure. Sayin will probably be the guy when the season starts but minimize your expectations. A first-time starter opening against Texas and a Pete Kwiatkowski defense could be rough. It’ll be up to Day and Chip Kelly to make things easy for him.

Running backs

On the roster: James Peoples, CJ Donaldson, Bo Jackson, Anthony “Turbo” Rogers, Isaiah West, TC Caffey
Leaving: Sam Williams-Dixon (transfer), TreVeyon Henderson (NFL), Quinshon Judkins (NFL)

There will be wholesale changes here for the first time since Henderson stepped in and established himself as a star his freshman year, but there’s talent. Peoples didn’t play a lot last year, but you could see the potential when he did. He had 197 yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries, and in camp, he looked like somebody who could contribute right away if asked to. He’ll benefit from another year in the strength program, but pairing him with West Virginia transfer Donaldson will be a good duo. Ohio State will get Jackson, Rogers, West and Caffey reps this offseason, as well.

GO DEEPER

Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins is draft-bound, but Sonny Styles to return

Wide receiver

On the roster: Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers, Mylan Graham, Damarion Witten, David Adolph, Phillip Bell, De’zie Jones, Bodpegn Miller, Quincy Porter
Leaving: Emeka Egbuka (NFL), Kojo Antwi (transfer), Jayden Ballard (transfer)

Smith returns as the best receiver in the country and Tate is ready to establish himself as one of the best, making for a dangerous 1-2 combo. Inniss, though, is the one nobody is prepared for. He’s fast, physical and smooth in and out of his routes. He’ll take over Egbuka’s spot in the slot.

Tight end

On the roster: Max Klare, Will Kacmarek, Bennett Christian, Jelani Thurman, Max LeBlanc, Brody Lennon, Nate Roberts
Leaving: Gee Scott, Patrick Gurd

Klare will be a major weapon in next year’s offense. He led Purdue with 74 targets per Pro Football Focus and caught 51 passes for 685 yards. He will add another level of unpredictability to Ohio State’s offense. Add in the return of Kacmarek, Thurman and Christian, and the Buckeyes have the best tight end room they’ve had in a long time.

Offensive line

On the roster: Deontae Armstrong, Ian More, Phillip Daniels, Ethan Onianwa, Jayvon McFadden, Carter Lowe, Luke Montgomery, Tegra Tshabola, Austin Siereveld, Devontae Armstrong, Gabe VanSickle, Carson Hinzman, Jake Cook, Josh Padilla
Leaving: Donovan Jackson (NFL), Josh Fryar (NFL), Josh Simmons (NFL), George Fitzpatrick (transfer), Zen Michalski (transfer), Miles Walker (transfer), Seth McLaughlin

This will be the deepest Ohio State offensive line in a long time. Montgomery, Hinzman, Tshabola and Siereveld return with starter-level experience on the national championship run and Ohio State addressed its major concerns at tackle by adding Daniels (Minnesota) and Onianwa (Rhode Island) from the portal. They each gave up nine pressures last year and just one sack, per PFF.

Defensive line

On the roster: Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Joshua Mickens, Dominic Kirks, Logan George, Zion Grady, Epi Sitanilei, Kayden McDonald, Eddrick Houston, Tywone Malone Jr., Jason Moore, Will Smith Jr., Eric Mensah, Jayquez Carter, Trajen Odom, Maxwell Roy
Leaving: Jack Sawyer (NFL), JT Tuimoloau (NFL), Mitchell Melton (transfer), Ty Hamilton (NFL), Tyleik Williams, Hero Kanu

This is probably the only question mark on the defensive side and it’s not for a lack of talent, just full-time experience. Jackson was really good in the postseason; McDonald and Houston should be a very good interior duo as well, but there’s a difference between playing second-team snaps to being responsible for 40-plus. We’ll see how they handle it, but the talent is here.

Linebackers

On the roster: Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, CJ Hicks, Payton Pierce, Garrett Stover, Tarvos Alford, Ty Howard, Eli Lee, Riley Pettijohn
Leaving: Cody Simon, Gabe Powers

It’s crazy what a year can do for a linebacker room, but James Laurinaitis has done a great job adding and developing this room. Styles and Reese are the starters, but Hicks is a flexible player depending on how the new coordinator wants to use him. Add in young talent led by Pettijohn and Alford and an all-conference transfer in Ty Howard, from Duquense, this room is talented, experienced and deep.

Cornerback

On the roster: Davison Igbinosun, Jermaine Mathews Jr., Lorenzo Styles Jr., Miles Lockhart, Aaron Scott, Bryce West, Devin Sanchez, Jordyn Woods
Leaving: Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, Calvin Simpson-Hunt

Getting Igbinosun back was a massive deal for the Buckeyes, even if he has pass interference issues. You can’t duplicate his 6-foot-2 frame and physicality. Mathews will be opposite him, with five-star corner Sanchez, ready to fight for playing time. We’ll see how many defensive backs the next coordinator wants to use before looking at the slot corners.

Safeties

Returning: Caleb Downs, Malik Hartford, Jaylen McClain, Keenan Nelson Jr., Leroy Rokey, Brenten Jones, Faheem Delane, Cody Haddad, Deshawn Stewart
Leaving: Lathan Ransom, Jayden Bonsu

Losing Ransom will hurt, but Ohio State brings back the best safety in the country in Downs and will pair him with two young, high-potential players in Hartford and McClain.

(Top photo of Julian Sayin: Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch / USA Today)