Can Ohio State Make the NCAA Tournament? Breaking Down the Buckeyes’ March Madness Odds for 2025
As March approaches, college basketball fans across the nation are turning their attention to the NCAA Tournament and the race to the Big Dance. For Ohio State, the question remains: can they make the 2025 NCAA Tournament? After a challenging 2023-2024 season that saw the Buckeyes fail to secure an NCAA bid, the pressure is mounting for head coach Chris Holtmann and his squad to return to March Madness.
2024-2025 Season Overview
The Ohio State Buckeyes are entering the 2024-2025 season with a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. The team faced major challenges last year, finishing with a mediocre record in the Big Ten, which is known for its intense competition. Despite some bright spots, such as impressive individual performances and moments of brilliance, Ohio State fell short of tournament contention. The team’s lack of consistency on both ends of the floor was a major factor in their downfall.
Heading into the 2024-2025 season, Ohio State will need a significant turnaround to make a legitimate push for the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes’ chances will rely heavily on several key factors: leadership, individual player development, and how well the team can compete in the tough Big Ten conference.
Key Players and Returning Talent
Ohio State will lean on its returning players to step up and fill key roles. The Buckeyes have some promising young talent, and several key veterans will be crucial for the team’s success this season. Look for forward Brice Sensabaugh, who showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman campaign, to take on a larger role. Sensabaugh’s scoring ability will be pivotal if Ohio State hopes to keep pace with the high-scoring teams in the Big Ten.
Additionally, the Buckeyes’ backcourt will be under the microscope, with the expectation that they’ll be able to deliver a more consistent and dynamic offensive attack. If point guard play improves and the team can build chemistry, Ohio State could see substantial improvement.
Another factor will be Ohio State’s ability to stay healthy. Injuries plagued the team last season, and a full, healthy roster will be necessary to contend in a grueling conference schedule. Depth will also be crucial for Ohio State to manage the wear and tear of a full season.
Big Ten Competition
The Big Ten remains one of the toughest conferences in the nation, and that’s both a blessing and a curse for Ohio State. With powerhouses like Michigan State, Purdue, Indiana, and Illinois, the Buckeyes face stiff competition every time they take the floor. That means every win in the conference will carry extra weight on the selection committee’s radar.
Ohio State’s ability to perform well against these teams will be essential. If they can pull off some upsets or win key matchups against ranked teams, they will significantly improve their tournament resume. The Big Ten’s strength also means Ohio State will have numerous opportunities to earn impressive victories, even if their record isn’t flawless.
NCAA Tournament Odds
When it comes to the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State’s chances are still up in the air. Given the unpredictability of college basketball, it’s difficult to predict whether the Buckeyes will make the tournament. Their path will be determined by how well they can execute in both non-conference play and the Big Ten schedule. If Ohio State can finish in the upper half of the Big Ten, secure a few high-quality wins, and stay consistent, they will likely be on the tournament bubble.
Ultimately, the Buckeyes’ March Madness hopes hinge on improvement in key areas—better shooting, more reliable defense, and stronger leadership on the court. If they can check off these boxes, they’ll have a shot at making the NCAA Tournament for 2025. With a strong finish to the season and a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State could find themselves dancing come March. However, without those adjustments, the Buckeyes may be forced to watch from the sidelines once again.
