CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein expects big season for Ohio State Basketball in 2024-25

The upcoming 2024-25 college basketball season for the Ohio State basketball team is a big one. It's the first full year with Jake Diebler as the head coach. Plus, with the caliber of transfers brought in, the Buckeyes are expected to be better than in the previous seasons. Ohio State fans know it could be a big year in Columbus, but one college basketball analyst expects a massive leap from the Buckeyes next season.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports released his Big Ten Offseason Breakdown Monday morning, and in his Preseason Power Rankings of the Big Ten he has the Ohio State basketball team projected to finish in 4th place in the conference. The Buckeyes come in behind Purdue, Indiana, and newly acquired UCLA.

This is a significant jump in the standings for the Ohio State basketball team given they’ve finished in the bottom half of the conference the past two seasons, and have a new head coach with basically a whole new team. Given the circumstances, it’s great to see the Buckeyes receive high expectations heading into next season.

Jake Diebler did an excellent job filling in as head coach to finish the season, which helped him earn the position. Plus, he has killed it in the offseason with the roster he’s constructed together by returning players and bringing in high-level transfers. So yes, the expectations should be high in Columbus.

Rothstein also predicts a big year for Bruce Thornton as he has the third-year guard in his All-Big Ten First Team. Thornton showed flashes last season of being a First Team caliber guard, but ultimately received Third Team All-Big Ten. Diebler’s system could allow Thornton to get to that level this season.

A few other notes from the breakdown, Devin Royal is listed as one of ten potential breakout players in the conference. Meechie Johnson and Aaron Bradshaw are two of 20 potential impact transfers. And Juni Mobley is one of 15 impact freshmen in the Big Ten.

There’s definitely a lot to be excited about with this Ohio State basketball team. They have a very high ceiling and most certainly have the potential to get back to the NCAA Tournament. We’ll find out soon enough if the pieces Jake Diebler has put together can get the Buckeyes back toward the top of the Big Ten and college basketball.