Ohio State Loses Star Guard Mobley Jr. Ahead of March Madness Push

Buckeyes will be without their second-leading scorer for an indefinite period due to a hand injury sustained in a recent game.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Ohio State Buckeyes will be without star guard John Mobley Jr. for an undisclosed period of time after he sustained a hand injury in the team's recent game against USC. Mobley Jr. is the Buckeyes' second-leading scorer, averaging 15.1 points per game. Ohio State has struggled recently, losing two of their last three games, but will have a chance to bounce back with three of their next four games at home.

Why it matters

Mobley Jr.'s absence is a major blow for the Buckeyes as they make a push towards the NCAA Tournament. As one of their top scorers and playmakers, his production will be difficult to replace, especially against tough upcoming opponents like Virginia. Ohio State is already on the NCAA Tournament bubble, so losing Mobley Jr. could jeopardize their chances of making the Big Dance.

The details

Ohio State announced that Mobley Jr. sustained the hand injury in the team's game against USC on February 11th. The specifics of the injury are unclear, but the Buckeyes have ruled him out indefinitely. Mobley Jr. had appeared in all 24 games for Ohio State this season prior to the injury.

  • Mobley Jr. was injured in Ohio State's game against USC on February 11, 2026.
  • Ohio State announced Mobley Jr.'s indefinite absence on February 14, 2026.

The players

John Mobley Jr.

A sophomore guard for the Ohio State Buckeyes who is the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 15.1 points per game.

Jake Diebler

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

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What they’re saying

“Everything that we're doing right now is to be better in the controllables. And to make sure that when we step foot [on the floor] on game day that we are at our best. We want that to be the best day of the week. That's all we're focused on right now.”

— Jake Diebler, Head Coach (Twitter)

What’s next

The Buckeyes will play the No. 15 Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, February 15th without Mobley Jr. Ohio State's next four games after that are at home, making the final stretch of the regular season crucial as they try to secure an NCAA Tournament bid.

The takeaway

Mobley Jr.'s injury is a major setback for Ohio State as they make a push towards the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes will need to find a way to replace his production on both ends of the floor, and their upcoming home-heavy schedule could provide an opportunity to build momentum without their star guard.