Ohio State Loses Key Scorer Mobley to Injury

Buckeyes face tough schedule without sophomore guard for indefinite period

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Ohio State basketball team's NCAA Tournament hopes have taken a hit with the indefinite absence of sophomore guard John Mobley Jr. due to a hand injury sustained during a recent victory over USC. Mobley, the team's second-leading scorer averaging 15.1 points per game, is expected to undergo surgery and his return timeline remains uncertain. His absence creates a significant void in the Buckeyes' backcourt as they face a demanding stretch of games against ranked opponents.

Why it matters

Mobley's injury comes at a critical juncture for Ohio State, which is fighting to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. As a key scorer and floor spacer, his absence will force other players to step up and make significant contributions to help the team navigate this challenging period.

The details

Mobley sustained the hand injury during Ohio State's 89-82 victory over USC on February 11, 2026. He missed the Buckeyes' subsequent 70-66 loss to Virginia and is expected to undergo surgery, though a timeline for his return has not been specified. Redshirt sophomore Taison Chatman is expected to make his first career start in Mobley's place.

  • Mobley was injured during Ohio State's 89-82 win over USC on February 11, 2026.
  • Mobley missed the Buckeyes' 70-66 loss to Virginia on February 14, 2026.

The players

John Mobley Jr.

A sophomore guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Mobley is the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 15.1 points per game on 42.2% shooting.

Taison Chatman

A redshirt sophomore who is expected to make his first career start in Mobley's absence.

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What they’re saying

“Mobley's injury is a significant setback for our team as we push for an NCAA Tournament berth. We'll need other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence.”

— Chris Holtmann, Ohio State Head Coach (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Buckeyes face a challenging schedule down the stretch, with four upcoming games against ranked opponents: No. 15 Virginia, No. 10 Michigan State, Iowa, and No. 13 Purdue. Their performance in these crucial contests will be vital for bolstering their NCAA Tournament resume.

The takeaway

Mobley's injury is a major blow to Ohio State's NCAA Tournament aspirations, as he has been a crucial contributor on both ends of the floor. The Buckeyes will need to find ways to compensate for his absence, with other players stepping up to fill the void, in order to secure a spot in the Big Dance.