Off-Script Ohio: Michigan cuts down the nets, portal chaos hits Columbus, and spring football takes shape

Ohio State’s season is over, but the pressure around the program is not. If anything, it has intensified.

March Madness has wrapped up, a national champion has been crowned, and now everything shifts toward response. The conversation is no longer about what Ohio State was. It is about what comes next, and how quickly the Buckeyes can close the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

March Madness ends with a Big Ten breakthrough and a new standard

The headline is unavoidable. The Michigan Wolverines cut down the nets, defeating the UConn Huskies to win the national championship and deliver the Big Ten its first title since 2000.

That changes the conversation. For years, the Big Ten has faced criticism for falling short in March. This run pushes back on that narrative, but for Ohio State, it also raises the stakes. Michigan is not going anywhere, and its success adds another layer to the evaluation of where Ohio State stands within the conference.

It also inevitably brings coaching decisions back into focus. Ohio State chose to move forward with Jake Diebler rather than pursue alternatives like Dusty May, and with Michigan now at the top of the sport, those choices will continue to be part of the conversation moving forward.

The takeaway is simple. The path is there. The Big Ten just proved it can be done. Now Ohio State has to build a roster capable of following it.

Portal movement and roster construction take center stage

While the tournament played out, Ohio State’s roster began to shift quickly. Taison Chatman, Devin Royal, Colin White, Gabe Cupps, and Mathieu Grujicic all entered the transfer portal, signaling a clear reset in parts of the rotation.

At the same time, the Buckeyes added key pieces. Justin Pippen arrives with proven production after averaging over 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists last season, giving Ohio State another experienced ball handler. Andrija Jelavic adds size and frontcourt depth, bringing a different physical element to the roster.

And the work is not finished. Ohio State remains in the mix for Jalen Haralson, while continuing to evaluate additional portal options after missing out on other targets.

The early shape of next year’s roster is starting to come into focus. John Mobley Jr. and Justin Pippen headline the backcourt, while Amare Bynum and Anthony Thompson anchor the frontcourt alongside pieces like Josh Ojianwuna. It is a group that, if it comes together, has balance and versatility.

But like most modern rosters, it is still evolving in real time.

Spring football notes: Early trust and rising momentum

As basketball reshapes its roster, spring football is quietly building toward the 2026 season.

Several transfers have already earned early trust by losing their black stripes, including Dominick Kelly, John Walker, Mason Williams, James Smith, Devin McCuin, Qua Russaw, and Christian Alliegro. That early validation typically signals players who are expected to contribute sooner rather than later.

One of the more notable developments is Brock Boyd becoming the first true freshman to lose his black stripe, a sign that he could push for early playing time.

At wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith continues to generate attention, both for his on-field dominance and his growing profile within the sport.

With the spring game approaching, Ohio State is beginning to move from projection to evaluation. It will not answer every question, but it will start to reveal which battles matter most.