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On radio show, Ohio State’s Chris Holtmann stresses keeping focus on the present

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2024

On radio show, Ohio State’s Chris Holtmann stresses keeping focus on the present

It’s been a tough week for Ohio State men’s basketball. After a comfortable home win against Penn State on Jan. 20, the Buckeyes headed out for a two-game road trip that only continued their woes away from Value City Arena.

First came an 83-69 loss at Nebraska on Jan. 23, a game where Cornhuskers center Rienk Mast poured in 34 points thanks to a 6-for-8 night from 3-point range. After the game, Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann described his team’s performance as “soft” and questioned their overall toughness. Things got no better four days later, when the Buckeyes needed a 12-2 run in the final four minutes to avoid their most lopsided loss to Northwestern in program history.

Ohio State trailed by double digits for the final 21:06 and fell behind by as many as 35 points during the second half of an 83-58 loss at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Afterward, the talk was of simply needing to be better and the reality that the Buckeyes are in search of confidence. Sunday, athletic director Gene Smith told The Dispatch that “We have a lot of this season left to play, and we have coaches and players that are focused on winning every day,” before adding, “I’m looking forward to seeing how this turns out.”

With all that in the recent past, Holtmann held his weekly radio show Monday. If you couldn’t listen, here are the highlights.

As losses pile up, Buckeyes trying to keep focus on the day ahead

Although Ohio State has lost two in a row and five of six games, 11 Big Ten games still remain starting with Tuesday night’s home game with Illinois. With a short turnaround for the game, Holtmann said he’s trying to keep the focus on the immediate task at hand.

“This is the first prolonged stretch of real struggle for us and we’ve got to respond like good teams do, and that’s focus on today, focus on the process of getting better and stay in the moment,” he said. “You put enough of those days together, good things ultimately happen.”

After getting home from Illinois on Sunday around 2 a.m., Ohio State had a walk-through, yoga session and film work later that day due to the quick turnaround. Holtmann said the coaches are trying to celebrate small stretches of success and strong play while trying to build confidence.

“The way I look at it right now is we’re in a tough stretch here,” he said. “You can’t get away from, there’s a reason we’ve performed well in stretches this year. I don’t think you look at it and say everything we’ve done is poorly and the season’s off the rails. It really is just a focus in on the day at hand, the task at hand, what can we do better.

“The exciting thing for coaches is you get a real opportunity. This is a real challenge for us to get better and with so much of the season let to play, it’s a really exciting challenge for us. How will we maximize what we are as a group? We’ve got to be great today. And we’ve got to build on that and let it rip tomorrow night.”

Chris Holtmann seeing signs of improvement in Roddy Gayle Jr.

Ohio State sophomore guard Roddy Gayle Jr. has dealt with an extended shooting slump, but Holtmann said they’re seeing signs that better play is coming together more consistently for him.

“He’s got a lot he’s growing and learning, and he has definitely improved,” Holtmann said. “They’ve all improved as sophomores, but he’s got to continue to improve for us to be the team we need to be. We’re too reliant on him. He’s got to make good paint reads and not turn the ball over.”

Gayle will be a player the Buckeyes will be relying on to guard Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. on Tuesday night.

“I think he’s starting to come along in terms of his shot-making, but so much of who he is as a player is less about that and more about his ability to impact both ends, to be a bigger, longer defender,” Holtmann said. “We’re going to need that against one of the best players in the nation, Terrence Shannon. He’s a blur with the ball in his hands. There’s a lot that we’re relying on with him overall, and he’s growing. That comes with some growing pains too.”

Ohio State Buckeyes: Join the Ohio State Sports Insider text group with Bill Rabinowitz, Joey Kaufman Adam Jardy

Buckeyes picking spots to play Evan Mahaffey

Sophomore forward Evan Mahaffey’s scoring had picked up leading into the Northwestern game, but after he finished with only two points in that game Holtmann said they’re still trying to balance playing him with other players who also aren’t 3-point shooting threats.

“Evan’s confidence is growing,” Holtmann said. “He’s finding spots on the floor that are really good. We need to continue to put shooting on the floor, so it’s hard to play too many guys who are not 3-point shooters. Shooting become a premium because it creates gravity on the floor. It opens the floor. Despite the fact that he’s not really at that point in his career, he’s been able to impact the game with offensive rebounding and facilitating offensive movement, which has been good to see.”

Chris Holtmann cites Keita Bates-Diop conversation

As Ohio State deals with this losing streak, Holtmann said it’s a key for players to play with minds that are uncluttered. As a point of reference, he cited a conversation he had with eventual Big Ten player of the year Keita Bates-Diop during the 2017-18 season as Bates-Diop was dealing with his rising NBA draft stock.

“He was feeling like he needed to protect his draft stock, because at that point he had burst onto the scene,” Holtmann said. “This might’ve been in February. He was playing with a little bit of a cluttered mind, a mind not focused on being himself and the best for his team. He fixed it, because he’s a great kid. That’s what’s required as an athlete is to just focus on the play in front of you, being your very best and losing yourself in that.”

It’s an example Holtmann said younger players typically struggle with.

“They really care,” he said. “It’s a great group. It’s a young group and young groups can get really fragile. Probably searching a little bit. You want a quiet plane after you lose. They care. For coaches it was about getting to work on film and figuring things out.

“For players, you can’t minimize all the stuff that goes on for a young kid right now, all of the stuff they’re hearing. It’s a lot for young players. They have to have great mental discipline in terms of what they’re reading and seeing and talking about. For us, that’s the challenge moving forward.”

Bowen Hardman starting to earn a role

A seldom-used sophomore guard, Bowen Hardman had 11 points at Nebraska and also earned some first-half minutes at Northwestern.

“Quick release,” Holtmann said. “I felt like we needed a little bit more 3-point shooting. His worked on his strength in the last year. As much as anything he’s a really good kid who stayed ready. He’s had a great attitude about being on the scout team and getting better and embracing that part of getting better. As much as anything, as we move forward we do need more 3-point shooting on the floor. That’s what he does. He’s got a really quick release, and at 6-4 as he’s gotten stronger, to be able to snap that thing off is important.

“He gave us some good minutes in the first half at Northwestern. That’s what you’re looking for this time of year. How do you do that? You have the right attitude. Not every player can play well in short stints. He’s shown the ability to do that. It’s a credit to his character.”

How does Holtmann coach during a low point?

A submitted question asked Holtmann how hard or light he approaches coaching his players when things aren’t going well.

“It’s always something coaches are looking at and evaluating this time of year,” he said. “Some of it depends on the stretch you’re in, the challenge of the stretch. You might push them a little harder if you’re coming off a win. You’re trying to push them after a couple losses, but you’re also trying to give them positive reinforcement. There’s a mental and physical fatigue this time of year, but the mental might be more important.”

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy

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2026 NFL mock draft 6.0: Ohio State defenders rise after stellar combines; edge rushers dominate first round

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2 hours ago

March 2, 2026

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2026 NFL mock draft 6.0: Ohio State defenders rise after stellar combines; edge rushers dominate first round

With the 2026 NFL scouting combine in the books, this year’s NFL Draft class is becoming clearer.

While the quarterbacks and wide receivers got the most attention at the combine, it was a group of defensive prospects that stood out this past week in Indianapolis. Specifically, Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese and linebacker Sonny Styles put together a fantastic series of workouts to move into the top three of our latest mock draft. But there were plenty of other defenders who stood out. This mock draft is littered with them in a deep overall class of defensive linemen and defensive backs.

In this mock draft, Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice makes the odd-numbered picks, and Charles McDonald makes the even.

More 2026 NFL mock drafts: 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0

1. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Don’t overthink it. Barring some unforeseen path the Raiders take this offseason, Mendoza looks like the signal-caller of the future in Las Vegas. Mendoza checks a lot of boxes at QB, especially his overall size as Mendoza not only stands 6-foot-5 but weighed in at a strong 236 pounds in Indianapolis. And his sense of timing, ability to throw on the move, and willingness to push the ball are a great match for Klint Kubiak’s offense that constantly asks quarterbacks to work inside and outside of the pocket and into tight spots over the middle of the field. The Raiders’ skill position talent already has strong, young playmakers (maybe one more outside receiver would be nice!) who can help ease Mendoza’s transition to the next level.

2. New York Jets — Arvell Reese, LB/EDGE, Ohio State

Some players who split time between two positions are “tweeners” who don’t really excel at either spot. A very small number of players who play two spots put up elite performances at both. Reese fits into the latter. He’s a true front-seven weapon who should excel wherever his future team puts him. He can cover, play the run and rush the passer, making him a rare and versatile linebacker prospect at the top of the draft. The Jets’ defense was so bad that someone who can plug multiple spots depending on the situation is exactly what they need.

3. Arizona Cardinals — Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

Styles’ strong season had him already moving up draft boards, and an even stronger showing in Indianapolis only added rocket fuel to his rise. Styles’ range and smarts as an off-ball linebacker allow him to impact the run and pass, but he also has the length and strength to hold up as an edge rusher for snaps as well. The redbirds could look at offensive line here, too, but Styles’ ability to be a steadying force and impact player, with versatility thrown in, makes sense for any type of defense and franchise. But the Cardinals need stuff to build around. Plus there’s a nice bonus of it being an interesting fit for coordinator Nick Rallis’ knuckleball defense.

4. Tennessee Titans — Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

Tennessee started rebuilding its defense in Robert Saleh’s image by swapping T’Vondre Sweat for the Jets’ Jermaine Johnson. Now Saleh can continue to build what his best Jets defenses had: premier defensive line depth. Adding Bain, who would be a perfect fit in Saleh’s defense, would give the Titans a heavy-handed player on the edge who has high-end athleticism to negate any arm-length issues his frame should bring up. Jeffery Simmons and Bain would be … a pain.

5. New York Giants — Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

While there are other offensive tackles who are (spoilers for the next pick!) shooting up draft boards, the Giants go for Mauigoa. He could be the short-term and long-term answer for the Giants at right tackle or right guard. Mauigoa is a clean prospect with good hand usage and a strong build who can help the Giants’ offensive line from dipping after an underrated strong performance in 2025 (especially when Andrew Thomas was on the field). Perhaps he doesn’t have overwhelming athleticism. Still, he’s a player who allows the Giants to always have their best five offensive linemen on the field.

6. Cleveland Browns — Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

This is a big-time jump for Freeling, but he has all the traits NFL teams drool over for offensive tackle prospects in terms of size and athleticism. The Browns, who are facing the potential losses of the vast majority of their offensive line to free agency, will need to completely rebuild that unit — which is a bit overdue, but not to this severity. Freeling gives Cleveland a dart throw to have strong left tackle play if he continues his trend of rapid improvement over the past year.

Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey helped his draft stock with a strong performance at the combine. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)

(Lauren Leigh Bacho via Getty Images)

7. Washington Commanders — David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

As tempting as it will be to add an offensive player of some kind here, with tasty options at offensive line, wide receiver, tight end and running back, the Commanders instead add firepower to a defense that has to get faster, younger and just straight up better. Bailey is an explosive pass rusher who is constantly attacking offensive tackles. He will never be a strong run defender, but he has long arms (measured at 33 ¾ inches at the combine) and has improved in that area. Bailey is the exact type of talent injection this defense needs.

8. New Orleans Saints — Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Tyler Shough will be getting a chance to show he can be the long-term quarterback this year, so shoring up the wide receiver room should be a priority. New Orleans is a bit thin in terms of premier skill talent after a few years of erosion, but Shough’s emergence gives them the ability to burn this pick on Tate, who should immediately step in as a legitimate starting option alongside former Buckeye Chris Olave.

9. Kansas City Chiefs — Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

WHHHEEEEE! The Chiefs have a few needs they could address here, but I think an offensive skill player of some sort is the way to go. And why not go with Love, one of the best overall players in this draft and a walking, talking explosive play who could boost a run game that has been hyper-efficient the past few seasons, but has had the same explosiveness as a wet firecracker. Love behind a Chiefs offensive line that could end up being one of the league’s better units and in an Andy Reid screen game has me salivating.

10. Cincinnati Bengals — Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Cincinnati needs defense. Downs is arguably the best player in the draft. Whoever is the top defensive player available here, the Bengals should take him without thinking much about it. Downs’ position is the only reason he’s available here as safeties tend to slide down the board relative to their consensus rankings.

11. Miami Dolphins — Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Zone cornerback, meet zone coverage-calling head coach. Delane gets how to play the cornerback position. He’s smart and has a great feel for playing high-low concepts, with the quickness and burst to make plays on the football. He doesn’t have ideal length or top-end athleticism, but he gives the Dolphins and new head coach Jeff Hafley a young CB with pedigree to build around.

12. Dallas Cowboys — Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

Dallas needs to keep plugging away at the holes in its secondary and can get a high-upside prospect in McCoy here to get a corner who can take advantage of Dallas’ defensive line talent. McCoy has excellent ball skills and can be a more steady player than the boom-bust talents that occupied this secondary in the past.

[Watch Yahoo Sports Network]

13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) — Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

After dipping their toes in the Oregon tight end waters last draft with Terrance Ferguson in the second round and supercharging their multi-tight end looks, the Rams take the plunge with Sadiq. Yes, the Rams could add to their defensive backfield here, among other positions, but Sadiq would further weaponize a Rams offense that asks its skill players to do a bit of everything around the formation. Sadiq would give Sean McVay another field stretcher and yards-after-catch option while still deploying heavy bodies, with some grit as a blocker as a nice bonus. Sadiq would not only help the Rams for 2026, but he also shores up the position long-term for the Rams as they have several pending tight end free agents in 2027.

14. Baltimore Ravens — Vega Ioane, G, Penn State

Baltimore needs to add more high-end offensive line talent and Ioane may wind up being the only first-round caliber player on the interior this year. He perfectly fits the power running that Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have thrived with and is athletic enough to have versatility for new coordinator Declan Doyle as he begins to install his offense in Baltimore.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Keldric Faulk, DL/Edge, Auburn

Faulk has an ideal build for a classic defensive end and fits the type of defensive ends that Todd Bowles has deployed in the past (Logan Hall, William Gholston). Faulk is young and still developing as a pass rusher, but he can be a needle-moving run defender right out of the gate as he polishes the rest of his game. Faulk’s versatility to move across the defensive line helps him fit in any type of scheme, but is a clean fit in Bowles’ defense. A strong option to help out for 2026, but a swing at something more for the Bucs while picking in the middle of the first.

16. New York Jets (via Colts) — Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Another player for the broken Jets’ defense. Like his older brother A.J., a Pro Bowl cornerback for the Falcons, Avieon didn’t have the most explosive day at the combine (his 34-inch vertical ranked among the bottom third of CBs and his 10-feet, 3-inch broad jump was also in the lower tier in this group) but he still has the profile of a starting outside cornerback in the NFL, which is still an incredibly valuable thing to find. That works here for the Jets.

17. Detroit Lions — Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

While Giovanni Manu is still interesting to me, Lomu gives the Lions their Taylor Decker succession plan (and insurance for the 2026 season). Lomu has to continue to get stronger, but he has light feet, clean hand usage and the overall athleticism to stay on the left side and be a plus-blindside protector. Lomu has just turned 21, so a redshirt year under offensive line coach/run game coordinator Hank Fraley while continuing to add to his frame could make this a perfect player-team fit for a franchise that seems like it’s about to start transitioning to phase 2 of the Dan Campbell tenure.

18. Cleveland Browns (via Vikings) — Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

The Browns jump up here in the draft to grab the falling Fano, giving them two offensive tackles in the first round of this draft. Freeling and Fano could grow into a formidable OT duo for the Browns and when a team has so few offensive linemen under contract with a restrictive salary cap situation, the draft is the best way to go.

19. Carolina Panthers — CJ Allen, LB, Georgia

The Panthers could look to help out their trenches on both sides of the ball here, but they sorely need impact defensive players. Allen can be that solidifying force in the front seven who could help this defense finally step out of the doldrums. Allen’s intelligence, quickness, and overall two-way ability would help the Panthers shore up against the run and pass, while also having some blitzing juice to fit into coordinator Ejiro Evero’s defensive funkiness.

20. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers) — Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M

Another dip on defense, this time the Cowboys add to their defensive end rotation with the speedy Howell. He’s similar to some of the players they already have on the roster, but this is a decent enough range and he would benefit from a strong room of defensive tackles.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Makai Lemon, WR, USC

I go back and forth with what kind of second wide receiver I would want to see in Pittsburgh in Mike McCarthy’s offense and across from DK Metcalf. While I’m personally higher on Denzel Boston than Lemon, I think Lemon’s quickness and route-running ability from the slot is actually a good fit for what I think McCarthy is going to want in his offense that has typically featured a steady heaping of quick-hitting passing plays. Lemon would also give Pittsburgh more yards-after-catch ability and a different flavor than Metcalf and the Steelers’ jumbo-size tight end room.

22. Los Angeles Chargers — Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

The Chargers go pure value here and take Woods, who was slotted as a top pick prior to the season. Woods has all the upside in the world to be an impact player on the interior and still flashed strong skills in a down year for the entire Clemson program. Woods would be a great young talent for the Chargers to add with the emerging Tuli Tuipulotu on the edge.

23. Philadelphia Eagles — Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

When picking for the Eagles under general manager Howie Roseman, defaulting to a pick in the trenches isn’t the worst bet. And something I agree with! Especially with long-time right-side stalwart Lane Johnson contemplating retirement seemingly on a weekly basis and other question marks potentially emerging along the rest of the Eagles’ line. I’m high on Iheanachor, who is a great athlete in a large frame, and I think he has more polish to his game than the “project” label he gets despite being a latecomer to football. And this might end up as his floor when April comes.

24. Minnesota Vikings (via Browns) — Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

After flipping down with the Browns, the Vikings take a big swing at defensive tackle with Banks. He isn’t a finished product, but he’s a lot more polished than most designated projects and was incredibly disruptive in the three games he played this season. His movement skills and footwork are incredibly rare at 6-foot-6, 330, but he struggles to finish plays off the penetration he creates. Brian Flores would be a great coach to land with in regards to fixing that and the Vikings would have the chance for the elite interior talent this defense has been missing.

25. Chicago Bears — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Left tackle is very live here for Chicago, but the Bears must look to add beef to their defensive interior. And what better person to add beef than someone with the last name McDonald. McDonald has good bulk and is a strong run defender who actually racks up tackles rather than just plodding in the middle with his quick feet and ability to consistently shed his block. He is just an average pass rusher, but can help shore up a run defense that was prone to leaks in 2025.

26. Buffalo Bills — Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Bills clearly have a big need at wide receiver and can take another swing on a wide receiver early in the draft. Boston had 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons and profiles as someone who has a chance to be a big-bodied wide receiver who has a bit more skills than players the Bills currently have.

27. San Francisco 49ers — Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

The 49ers’ run game lost some venom last season despite a Herculean effort from Christian McCaffrey. Perhaps this is the season that Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch add some pedigree to their offensive line. The 49ers paid Colton McKivitz and he’s under contract for a couple of more seasons, but Miller projects to be a tier or two better than McKivitz at right tackle. Miller’s agility makes him a good fit for a Shanahan offense. He played only the right side in college, but he has the athleticism and length to give the left side a shot in case the 49ers need a Trent Williams insurance/succession plan, too.

28. Houston Texans — Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

Offensive line help arrives for the Texans, who take one of the biggest players in the draft who has a wide range of potential outcomes. Proctor is talented, but his play was a bit inconsistent this season and he’s a bit of an outlier in weight, at 370 pounds in-season for the Crimson Tide. Still, he’s an immense talent and is worth the swing at this point.

29. Los Angeles Rams — Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina

NOW is when the Rams add to their defensive backfield, this time with Cisse, who my friend Derrik Klassen from The Athletic described as “a safety playing the cornerback position.” I think Cisse needs to improve in his game recognition, but he has the feistiness and explosiveness to help out somewhere, whether it’s on the outside or with a move into the slot (the Rams loved their dime personnel packages under d-coordinator Chris Shula). His scrappiness and tackling ability will give him fans.

30. Denver Broncos — Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

Another pass rusher for the Broncos because that’s what we do with teams at the bottom of a mock draft. Mesidor showed he can put heat on the quarterback on the edge and the interior of Miami’s defensive line, registering 12.5 sacks in the Hurricanes’ run to the national championship game. Pro Football Focus gave him a 92.5 pass rush grade, which is third among edge rushers. His PFF run defense score was 88.3, which ranked in the 91st percentile.

31. New England Patriots — KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Patriots could go offensive line, but they need to add explosiveness to their pass catcher corps. Hello, KC Concepcion! While DeMario Douglas has been able to contribute big plays from the slot, Concepcion could provide the type of yards after catch and downfield ability that would give Drake Maye an explosive option to work with (along with the improved Kayshon Boutte and explosive, but raw, Kyle Williams).

32. Seattle Seahawks — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Seattle may have a bit of a shakeup in its cornerback room this offseason, so adding another cost-controlled, long-term deal in the room might make sense. Hood had a great workout in Indianapolis — Next Gen Stats ranked his athletic score fourth among cornerbacks at the combine — and was a productive player on the ball for the Vols’ pass defense.

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9 people injured, 1 critical, after Cincinnati mass shooting

Published

14 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

9 people injured, 1 critical, after Cincinnati mass shooting

Nine people were injured after a shooting broke out at Riverfront Live on Cincinnati’s East Side early Sunday.

The shooting was reported about 1 a.m. March 1 at the Kellogg Avenue music venue on the border of East End and Linwood, according to Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie.

Dozens flooded out from inside the venue in a panic as gunshots rang out, according to a neighboring business’ surveillance camera footage obtained by Enquirer media partner Fox 19.

Eight of the people shot were taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center and one person was brought to Good Samaritan Hospital, Hennie said.

One person at UC Medical Center is in critical condition, according to hospital spokeswoman Heather Chura-Smith. Five people are in stable condition and two have been treated and released, she said.

The status of the person at Good Samaritan Hospital is unknown. Hospital staff declined to provide an update on the person’s status.

An event was in progress at the venue, Hennie said, but he did not say what it was. A description on the venue’s website lists it as a “nightlife concert venue.”

Mayor Aftab Pureval called the shooting “unconscionable” in a statement.

This story will be updated.

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Purdue vs. Ohio State Prediction, How to Watch, Odds, Channel – Mar 1

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Purdue vs. Ohio State Prediction, How to Watch, Odds, Channel – Mar 1

Data Skrive

The No. 8 Purdue Boilermakers (22-6, 12-5 Big Ten) will try to continue a three-game road winning streak when they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes (17-11, 9-8 Big Ten) on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Value City Arena. The matchup airs at 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

The Boilermakers are a 5.5-point favorite against the Buckeyes when the Boilermakers and the Buckeyes meet. The game’s over/under is set at 150.5.

Continue scrolling to get all the information before betting on the Purdue-Ohio State clash.

Purdue vs. Ohio State How to Watch & Odds

When: Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET
Where: Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio
TV: CBS
Live Box Score: FOX Sports

Boilermakers vs Buckeyes Betting Information
Favorite	Spread	Favorite Spread Odds	Underdog Spread Odds	Total	Over Total Odds	Under Total Odds	Favorite Moneyline	Underdog Moneyline
Boilermakers	-5.5	-114	-106	150.5	-110	-113	-277	+220

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Purdue vs. Ohio State Prediction

Pick ATS: Purdue (-5.5)
Pick OU: Over (150.5)
Prediction: Purdue 79, Ohio State 73

Learn more about the Purdue Boilermakers vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes game on FOX Sports!

Purdue vs. Ohio State Betting Insights

Betting Line Implied Predictions

Based on the spread and over/under, the implied score for the encounter is Boilermakers 78, Buckeyes 72.
The Boilermakers have a 73.5% chance to claim victory in this meeting based on the moneyline’s implied probability.
The Buckeyes sit with a 31.2% implied probability to win.

Key Spread Facts

Purdue has covered 13 times in 28 games with a spread this season.
Ohio State has won 13 games against the spread this season, while failing to cover 15 times.
When playing as at least 5.5-point favorites this season, Purdue has an ATS record of 9-12.
When playing as at least 5.5-point underdogs this season, Ohio State has an ATS record of 3-2.

Key Total Facts

In 15 games this season, the Boilermakers and their opponent have combined to score more than 150.5 points.
There have been 15 Buckeyes games this season with more than 150.5 points scored.
The Boilermakers and Buckeyes combine to average 162.1 points per contest, which is 11.6 more than the total for this game.

Key Moneyline Facts

Purdue has been the moneyline favorite 24 times this season. They’ve gone 19-5 in those games.
Ohio State has won two, or 18.2%, of the 11 games it has played as underdogs this season.
When it has played as a moneyline favorite with odds of -277 or shorter, Purdue has a record of 16-1 (94.1% win percentage).
Ohio State has not won as an underdog of +220 or more on the moneyline this season in four games with those odds or longer.

Purdue vs. Ohio State: Recent Results

Boilermakers vs Buckeyes Recent Games
Date	Favorite	Spread	Total	Favorite Moneyline	Underdog Moneyline	Result
1/21/2025	Boilermakers	-9.5	140.5	-549	+403	73-70 OHIOST

Purdue vs. Ohio State: 2025-26 Stats Comparison

	Purdue	Ohio State
Points Scored Per Game (Rank)	82.6 (48)	79.5 (100)
Points Allowed (Rank)	69.5 (66)	73.1 (159)
Rebounds (Rank)	10 (102)	7.7 (311)
3pt Made (Rank)	9.4 (66)	7.8 (175)
Assists (Rank)	19.8 (3)	14.1 (159)
Turnovers (Rank)	8.8 (11)	9.9 (64)

Purdue 2025-26 Key Players

Ohio State 2025-26 Key Players

FOX Sports created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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