Bracket Buzz: Ohio State Buckeyes Land Shockingly Strong Seed in Joe Lunardi’s Latest Bracketology Update
Columbus, OH — The college basketball world did a double-take this week as ESPN’s bracketology expert Joe Lunardi released his latest NCAA Tournament projections — and Ohio State fans had plenty of reason to celebrate. Despite a rollercoaster season filled with ups and downs, the Buckeyes were given a surprisingly favorable seed, sparking optimism across Buckeye Nation and raising eyebrows among analysts.
According to Lunardi’s updated bracket, Ohio State is projected as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest Region, a placement that many didn’t see coming given the team’s early-season inconsistencies and midseason struggles in Big Ten play.
“They’re peaking at the right time,” Lunardi explained during his Tuesday segment on SportsCenter. “Their resume is stronger than it looks on the surface. They’ve notched key wins over ranked opponents and their strength of schedule puts them in great standing compared to bubble teams.”
A Season of Redemption
After missing the tournament last year and facing major questions around coaching and roster development, the Buckeyes have turned things around. Under Head Coach Jake Diebler, Ohio State has shown renewed defensive toughness and offensive balance — thanks in large part to breakout performances from junior forward Jamison Battle and sophomore guard Bruce Thornton.
“We knew what people were saying about us,” Battle said after their recent win over Illinois. “This team never stopped believing. Now it’s all starting to come together.”
The Buckeyes currently sit with a 21–9 record and an 11–7 mark in Big Ten play — numbers that would typically place them on the edge of the bubble. However, a strong late-season surge, including back-to-back wins over ranked opponents, has boosted their NET ranking and their profile among the selection committee.
Fan Reaction and Road Ahead
The positive seeding has sent a wave of energy through Buckeye Nation, with social media lighting up in support of what many see as a “comeback season.” Fans and analysts alike are beginning to view Ohio State not as an underdog — but as a dangerous, under-the-radar threat capable of making a deep March run.
Still, challenges remain. The Buckeyes will need a solid showing in the Big Ten Tournament to solidify their position and avoid slipping to a lower seed. But with momentum on their side and a strong bracketology endorsement from one of the most respected names in college basketball, Ohio State is suddenly looking like a team nobody wants to face in March.
March is madness — and the Buckeyes are officially back in the mix.
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