Ohio State's Diebler Faces Pressure to Make NCAA Tournament

ESPN insider says Buckeyes coach likely safe for another season, but future depends on next 3 weeks

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Ohio State men's basketball coach Jake Diebler is facing mounting pressure to lead the Buckeyes to the NCAA Tournament this season, after the team missed the Big Dance the past two years. ESPN's Jeff Borzello reports Diebler is likely safe for another season, but his future could depend on the team's performance over the next few weeks.

Why it matters

Diebler took over as Ohio State's head coach in 2023 after the firing of Chris Holtmann, and initially showed promise by leading the team to the NIT in his first season. However, the Buckeyes have struggled the past two years, missing the NCAA Tournament. With a large contract and high expectations, Diebler needs to get Ohio State back to the Big Dance to solidify his long-term future with the program.

The details

After going 17-15 in Diebler's first full season as head coach in 2024-25, Ohio State is currently on the NCAA Tournament bubble this year. The Buckeyes have a chance to bolster their resume on Sunday when they face No. 8 Purdue. Diebler is owed over $3 million if Ohio State fires him without cause, but the school appears willing to give him another season to turn things around.

  • In March 2024, Ohio State gave Diebler a 5-year, $2.5 million annual contract.
  • The Buckeyes went 17-15 in Diebler's first full season as head coach in 2024-25.
  • Ohio State faces No. 8 Purdue on Sunday, February 28, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

The players

Jake Diebler

The current head coach of the Ohio State men's basketball team, who took over the program in 2023 after the firing of Chris Holtmann.

Chris Holtmann

The former head coach of the Ohio State men's basketball team, who was fired in 2023.

Jeff Borzello

An ESPN college basketball insider who recently reported on the status of Diebler's job at Ohio State.

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What they’re saying

“It's only two years into Jake Diebler's tenure in Columbus, but the Buckeyes are squarely on the cutline for the NCAA tournament. If they don't hear their name on Selection Sunday, that will be two years without a tournament appearance for Diebler, four years for the program as a whole. The latest word out of Columbus is that he's probably safe for another season, but that could depend on what happens over the next three weeks.”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN College Basketball Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

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