The Ohio State women’s basketball team is stepping into the new season with a chip on their shoulder, determined to prove the doubters wrong. But here’s where it gets controversial: after a stellar 2017-18 season led by legends like Kelsey Mitchell, Stephanie Mavunga, and Linnae Harper—who took the Buckeyes to the brink of NCAA glory before a shocking upset to Central Michigan—the team has struggled to reclaim its former dominance. The trio’s departure to the WNBA marked a steep decline, with the Buckeyes plummeting from a 28-7 record to a disappointing 14-15 in the 2018-19 season. Fast forward to this year, and for the first time in six years, Ohio State begins the season unranked—a stark contrast to their past glory. And this is the part most people miss: while the Associated Press voters snubbed the Scarlet and Gray, seven other Big Ten teams made the top 25, leaving Ohio State as the eighth-ranked team in the conference, sitting at No. 27 with just 46 votes. So, what does this preseason snub really mean for the Buckeyes? Is it a sign of declining potential, or an opportunity for a comeback story? Before the rankings were announced, the Big Ten preseason vote and ESPN’s top-25 placed Ohio State at No. 5 in the conference, yet ESPN, like the AP, left them out entirely. Head coach Kevin McGuff remains optimistic, pointing out that preseason rankings are far from set in stone. ‘You follow football closely,’ he said at Big Ten media day. ‘You can see we’re No. 1 and No. 2 preseason right now. So things change, right?’ But change isn’t without challenges. The Buckeyes lost key players like Cotie McMahon and Taylor Thierry, but they’ve also gained fresh talent. Point guard Jaloni Cambridge, a First Team All-Big Ten selection and Freshman of the Year, returns with a supporting cast of sharpshooters. T’Yana Todd, a three-point specialist from Boston College, joins freshmen Dasha Biriuk and Bryn Martin, giving Ohio State a formidable perimeter game. In the paint, 6-foot-6 center Elsa Lemmilä and 6-foot-4 forward Ella Hobbs provide the strongest post presence since Dorka Juhász’s departure in 2021. Add in defensive stalwart Kennedy Cambridge and redshirt freshman transfer Kylee Kitts, and the pieces for a resurgence seem to be in place. ‘We like our team,’ McGuff said. ‘I think we’ve got a lot of potential to get a lot better than we already are right now.’ But here’s the million-dollar question: Can this new-look Buckeyes squad gel quickly enough to execute McGuff’s full-court press and overcome their offensive inconsistencies? If the shots don’t fall, will their defense and teamwork carry them? Players like Chance Gray and Jaloni Cambridge aren’t just brushing off the preseason snub—they’re using it as fuel. ‘I think we do feel a little disrespected,’ Cambridge admitted. ‘We have a point to prove, and we will prove that.’ Gray echoed her sentiment, adding, ‘I think that’s just harder for us to go to work and play with something to prove.’ The early season schedule will be telling. Opening games against Coppin State and Bellarmine offer a chance to build momentum, but a November 16 showdown with defending national champions Connecticut looms large. Here’s the real debate: Will Ohio State rise to the occasion and silence the critics, or will they struggle to find their footing in a competitive Big Ten? The answers begin unfolding on November 9. Whether you’re a die-hard Buckeyes fan or a neutral observer, one thing’s clear: this season is shaping up to be a rollercoaster. What do you think? Is Ohio State being underestimated, or are the rankings justified? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
