Ohio State football and basketball are both gearing up for big seasons. The Buckeyes seem hungry for more, hoping to push past what they’ve done lately and maybe surprise some folks.
This piece digs into what’s happening with the Ohio State quarterback group and shifts on the men’s basketball coaching staff. There are a few changes, and honestly, fans should keep an eye out—it’s shaping up to be interesting.
Ohio State Quarterbacks: A Closer Look
It’s not every year you see Ohio State bring back a starter at quarterback for a third time under Ryan Day. Redshirt sophomore Julian Sayin returns after a breakout year, tossing for 3,610 yards and 32 touchdowns. That kind of experience at QB? Can’t complain, but there’s always something to work on.
Julian Sayin: Building on a Strong Foundation
Sayin stepped in for Will Howard, the guy who led the Buckeyes to a national title in 2024. Pretty big shoes, right? He did well, but he’s not the finished article yet—no shame in that. This offseason, Sayin’s been zeroing in on handling pressure, especially when the O-line doesn’t hold up. Those injuries on the line during spring? Frustrating, but maybe a blessing in disguise for his growth.
Depth and Competition in the Quarterback Room
Lincoln Kienholz left for Louisville, so there was suddenly a gap at QB. Ohio State moved fast, picking up Justyn Martin (who’s bounced around UCLA and Maryland) from the portal, plus three-star recruit Luke Fahey. Now there’s a bit more competition, and honestly, that’s never a bad thing—it keeps everyone sharp.
Ohio State Men’s Basketball: A New Era
The men’s basketball program is shaking things up too. Head coach Jake Diebler just brought in Mike Wells, a seasoned NBA coach and Ohio native, as an assistant. This came after Joel Justus left for Vanderbilt in April.
Mike Wells: A Wealth of Experience
Wells has nearly 30 years of coaching under his belt. He got his NBA start back in 1994 with the Houston Rockets and snagged a championship ring right out of the gate. Since then, he’s worked with the Lakers, Spurs, Wizards, Jazz, and Hornets. That’s a lot of pro background, which could really help with recruiting—imagine pitching that kind of experience to high schoolers and transfer guys thinking about their pro futures.
A Return to College Coaching
Even though most of Wells’ career has been in the NBA, he’s not new to college hoops. He was an assistant at George Mason and South Florida from 2011 to 2014, and he had a short stint at Toledo before heading back to the NBA. Most recently, he coached the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s NBL, leading them to 27 regular-season wins and a spot in the Championship Series.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ohio State Athletics
Ohio State is already eyeing the 2026 college football season. There’s this sense that the program wants to build off recent wins but also knows there are some gaps to fill.
For football, it all comes down to making sure Julian Sayin keeps progressing. The coaches want that quarterback room to stay sharp and crowded—healthy competition never hurts.
On the basketball side, Mike Wells is joining the staff, and honestly, his experience could be just what they need. People seem pretty hopeful that he’ll bring some fresh ideas and maybe shake things up a bit.
Fans have a lot to look forward to. Both teams are making moves that could pay off in a big way, and, well, expectations are sky-high like always.
If you want more details or just can’t get enough Buckeye news, check out the full article on 247Sports.
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