the 2025-2026 college basketball season winds down toward Selection Sunday, Ohio hoops fans have plenty to watch. From powerhouse programs in the Big Ten and Big 12 to contenders in the Atlantic 10 and Mid-American Conference, several teams across the state are fighting for spots in the NCAA Tournament. With the current date at February 23, 2026, brackets are shifting daily, but projections show a mix of bubble drama and strong bids. South central Ohio, home to passionate fans near Columbus, could see local pride on display if teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes punch their ticket. Here’s a breakdown of key Ohio squads, their rankings, tournament predictions, and standout players based on recent performances and expert analyses.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Clinging to Tournament Hopes
The Buckeyes sit at 17-10 overall and 9-6 in Big Ten play, putting them squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. Bracketologists vary in their outlooks: CBS Sports has them as one of the first teams out after a tough loss to Michigan State, while FOX Sports lists them among the Last Four In. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi projects Ohio State just outside the field, but others like Andy Katz at NCAA.com see them in as an 11-seed in a First Four matchup. TeamRankings gives them a 97% chance of making the field with a projected 10-seed. Their 0-9 Quad 1 record hurts, but wins over ranked teams like Wisconsin offer hope. Predictions lean toward a play-in game in Dayton if they finish strong, with upcoming games against Iowa and Michigan State pivotal.
Star players driving the push include senior guard Bruce Thornton, averaging 20.4 points and 3.9 assists per game as a four-time captain and second-team All-Big Ten honoree last season. Sophomore guard John Mobley Jr. adds 15.1 points, while junior forward Devin Royal contributes 14.0 points and 5.6 rebounds. Freshman forward Amare Bynum brings size at 6-8, and transfers like Brandon Noel and Christoph Tilly bolster the frontcourt. Thornton, a returning standout off a hot junior year, could earn first-team All-Big Ten nods.
Cincinnati Bearcats: Battling in the Big 12
The Bearcats hold a 15-12 record and 7-7 in the Big 12, making them a long shot for an at-large bid. They are not featured prominently in bracket projections, but strong finishes against bubble teams like West Virginia and Arizona State could help. Predictions suggest they need the conference tournament auto-bid to dance, as their résumé lacks standout wins.
Key returners include graduate guard Day Day Thomas, who shot 40.1% from three and averaged 10.7 points last season. Senior guard Kerr Kriisa, a transfer standout, brings 11.0 points and 4.7 assists from prior play. Senior forward Baba Miller adds versatility with 11.3 points and 7.0 rebounds from his FAU days, while sophomore center Moustapha Thiam offers 10.4 points and 2.6 blocks. Sophomore guard Jizzle James and senior forward Jalen Haynes round out a core aiming to end Cincinnati’s tournament drought.
Dayton Flyers: Poised for a Deep Run
At 18-9 overall and 9-5 in the A-10, the Flyers are in good shape for an at-large bid, projected as a 7-10 seed in many brackets. Their solid metrics, including a top-50 NET ranking potential, position them well. Predictions favor them as a lock if they avoid late stumbles, with upside for a higher seed via the conference tournament.
Standout players feature senior guard Javon Bennett at 15.9 points and 3.0 assists. Sophomore guard De’Shayne Montgomery scores 14.5 points with 2.5 steals, showing defensive prowess. Transfers like Jordan Derkack and returners such as Bryce Heard add depth, with French forward Amaël L’Etang grabbing 5.8 rebounds.
Xavier Musketeers: Rebuilding Mode
With a 13-14 record and 5-11 in the Big East, Xavier is likely missing the tournament unless they win the conference tourney. Projections keep them out, focusing on development under coach Richard Pitino.
Senior forward Tre Carroll leads with 18.6 points and 5.9 rebounds. Sophomore forward Jovan Milicevic adds 12.0 points, while senior forward Filip Borovicanin provides 7.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Graduate guard Roddie Anderson III and senior guard Malik Messina-Moore contribute experience.
MAC Contenders: Akron, Kent State, and Miami (OH)
In the Mid-American Conference, Akron shines at 21-5 and 12-1, projected as a mid-seed with an 89.9 points-per-game offense. They are favorites for the auto-bid. Kent State, with returners like Morgan Safford and Delrecco Gillespie, could challenge but needs the tournament win. Miami (OH) is the story, undefeated at 27-0, the nation’s only perfect team, projected as an 11-seed.
Akron’s stars include senior guard Tavari Johnson (20.5 points, 5.2 assists) and senior forward Amani Lyles (15.0 points, 7.3 rebounds). Kent State’s key pieces feature Rayvon Griffith and Magnus Entenmann.
Ohio’s basketball scene promises drama as March approaches. For south central Ohio fans, the Buckeyes’ fate could spark local celebrations, while MAC surprises add statewide intrigue. Stay tuned for final brackets.
