Ohio State Men's Hoops to Face Virginia Amid Big Ten Schedule

Buckeyes schedule rare nonconference game in February to prepare for NCAA Tournament

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ohio State men's basketball coach Jake Diebler has scheduled a nonconference game against No. 15 Virginia on February 14th in Nashville, breaking up the Buckeyes' Big Ten schedule. Diebler was convinced to add the game after hearing positive feedback from Illinois coach Brad Underwood and Duke coach Jon Scheyer about the benefits of playing a high-level nonconference opponent late in the season to prepare for the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

This will be a rare late-season nonconference game for Ohio State, as the Buckeyes typically only play Big Ten opponents in January and February. The game against Virginia represents a Quad 1 matchup in the NCAA's NET rankings, giving Ohio State a chance to boost its tournament resume ahead of March Madness.

The details

Ohio State is currently 16-5 on the season, while Virginia is 21-3 and 10-2 in the ACC. The last time the Buckeyes played a nonconference game in January or February was in 2010 against West Virginia. Diebler reached out to Illinois' Underwood, who had a similar late-season nonconference game last year, and Underwood endorsed the idea despite his team's lopsided loss to Duke.

  • The Ohio State vs. Virginia game will take place on February 14, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • The last time Ohio State played a nonconference game in January or February was on January 23, 2010 against West Virginia.

The players

Jake Diebler

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

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois men's basketball team.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Both took different things, but the common theme was the change of pace from league play and the quality of opponent and different venue that time of year they felt was good for the team.”

— Jake Diebler, Ohio State Men's Basketball Coach (dispatch.com)

“Clearly, they didn't play their best that day, but he still felt like there was real value for his team. I thought that was helpful.”

— Jake Diebler, Ohio State Men's Basketball Coach (dispatch.com)

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.