Ohio State Coach Diebler Addresses Blowout Loss to Michigan

Buckeyes suffer worst home defeat in decades against rival Wolverines

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler met with the media after his team's 82-61 loss to rival Michigan, the Buckeyes' worst home defeat in decades. Diebler acknowledged his team lacked the necessary physicality to compete with the second-ranked Wolverines, despite not lacking in effort. He emphasized the program's high standards and commitment to fighting to get the team back to championship contention, despite the disappointing result.

Why it matters

This loss is a significant setback for the Ohio State basketball program, which has high aspirations under Diebler's leadership. The Buckeyes' inability to match Michigan's physicality raises questions about their readiness to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten and nationally.

The details

Ohio State was thoroughly outmatched by Michigan, suffering an 82-61 defeat at home. Diebler acknowledged his team lacked the necessary physicality to compete, despite not lacking in effort. He pointed to examples of the Buckeyes running hard to the rim but failing to create contact and secure rebounds.

  • The game took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Jake Diebler

The head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team.

Michigan Wolverines

The second-ranked college basketball team that defeated Ohio State in a blowout.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I gotta go back and watch. I don't know that I would say there was a lack of effort, there was a major lack of physicality. Those are two different things. I mean, there's some correlation to some degree. But we didn't lack effort, we lacked major physicality.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach, Ohio State Buckeyes (Lettermen Row)

“We're not trying to just be good, right? Trying to win championships here, and that's what we're working towards. And I'm not afraid of that, I'm not afraid of that at all. We're taking steps, we're getting better, we've shown some improvement. I would love to get there tomorrow, and there's a lot of season left.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach, Ohio State Buckeyes (Lettermen Row)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the challenges Ohio State faces in rebuilding its basketball program to championship contention, as they were unable to match the physicality of a top-ranked opponent. Coach Diebler remains committed to the program's high standards and is confident they will continue to improve, but this defeat is a setback in their quest to return the Buckeyes to the top of the Big Ten.