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LGHL OSU men see its first transfer as football prepares for Student Appreciation scrimmage
- News
- 0 Replies
OSU men see its first transfer as football prepares for Student Appreciation scrimmage
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Huge recruiting weekend as Buckeyes hold their Student Appreciation Day scrimmage
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts
Three unknowns about Buckeyes as spring practice hits halfway point (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Buckeyes TE Bennett Christian aims to show growth after suspension
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State Wide Receivers Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss Love Each Other, Compete Like Brothers
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Comfort is building for Sonny Styles in his move to linebacker
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State: Buckeyes’ defensive line depth in focus this spring (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Kenyatta Jackson no longer overthinking after up-and-down 2023 season (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Once a soccer star in Germany, Hero Kanu eager for bigger role at OSU
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Bowen Hardman enters transfer portal after two seasons at Ohio State
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
What are Ohio State’s four biggest questions this offseason?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
How the NCAA basketball coaching carousel could impact Ohio State women’s basketball
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State Women’s Basketball Needs to Improve Rebounding and Depth, Add Impact Transfers for Better Postseason Results in 2024-25
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors
Inside the numbers of a championship season for Ohio State women’s hockey
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State Wrestling: Jesse Mendez claims OSU’s first national title since 2018, team takes 8th at the NCAA Wrestling Championships
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State softball hosts Northwestern in home-opener three-game series
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land
Men’s Swim & Dive: Yost Repeats as NCAA 1-Meter Champion
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Gymnastics: Hodges Earns WCGA All-American Honors
Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Volleyball: No. 9 Ohio State Wins in 5 Sets at No. 18 McKendree
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Lacrosse: Buckeyes Rally to Down No. 19 Penn State, 9-8
Ohio State Athletics
This is still better than I could do:
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Huge recruiting weekend as Buckeyes hold their Student Appreciation Day scrimmage
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts
Three unknowns about Buckeyes as spring practice hits halfway point (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Buckeyes TE Bennett Christian aims to show growth after suspension
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State Wide Receivers Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss Love Each Other, Compete Like Brothers
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Comfort is building for Sonny Styles in his move to linebacker
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State: Buckeyes’ defensive line depth in focus this spring (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Kenyatta Jackson no longer overthinking after up-and-down 2023 season (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
Once a soccer star in Germany, Hero Kanu eager for bigger role at OSU
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
On the Hardwood
Bowen Hardman enters transfer portal after two seasons at Ohio State
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
What are Ohio State’s four biggest questions this offseason?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
How the NCAA basketball coaching carousel could impact Ohio State women’s basketball
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State Women’s Basketball Needs to Improve Rebounding and Depth, Add Impact Transfers for Better Postseason Results in 2024-25
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Inside the numbers of a championship season for Ohio State women’s hockey
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State Wrestling: Jesse Mendez claims OSU’s first national title since 2018, team takes 8th at the NCAA Wrestling Championships
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State softball hosts Northwestern in home-opener three-game series
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land
. .
Lyle Yost is the NCAA 1-meter champion for the second straight year#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/qoxIkxZBzd
— Ohio State Swim/Dive (@OhioStSwimDive) March 29, 2024
Men’s Swim & Dive: Yost Repeats as NCAA 1-Meter Champion
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Gymnastics: Hodges Earns WCGA All-American Honors
Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Volleyball: No. 9 Ohio State Wins in 5 Sets at No. 18 McKendree
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Lacrosse: Buckeyes Rally to Down No. 19 Penn State, 9-8
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
This is still better than I could do:
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State softball hosts Northwestern in home-opener three-game series
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State softball hosts Northwestern in home-opener three-game series
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
@OhioStateSB Twitter
It’s going to be a good one.
The Buckeyes are FINALLY playing at home after spending the first two months of the season on the road. Their first Big Ten home series is starting off with a bang against the reigning Big Ten champs, the Northwestern Wildcats.
Ohio State (18-10) is having a really solid season. Their .309 batting average is fourth-best in the Big Ten. Leading the way on offense is senior Tegan Cortelletti, whose .459 average through the first half of the season is second-best in the Big Ten among players with 50 or more at-bats. Also, seven other everyday starters are hitting .300 or better so far.
So the Buckeyes can clearly hit, but they can also hit for power. They are currently third in the Big Ten in slugging percentage (.500) and second in home runs (34).
As for pitching, senior Allison Smith is the ace this year, as she has a 2.05 ERA, 72 strikeouts in 78.2 innings, and a .228 batting average allowed.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25361168/Screenshot_2024_03_28_at_11.57.09_PM.png)
@OhioStateSB Twitter
Moving onto Northwestern (17-7), the Wildcats are currently riding a nine-game win streak. They are an overall extremely talented team. During that win streak, they swept Michigan State last weekend to begin conference play.
Their player to watch on offense is Kansas Robinson, as her .486 batting average leads both the team and the Big Ten. She also has seven home runs, seven doubles, and 21 RBI.
In the circle, Ashley Miller, a transfer from Michigan State, carries a 0.85 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 74.0 innings.
The Wildcats have played in some very close games this season with some of the nation’s best teams. They lost by one run to No. 12 LSU, No. 19 UCLA, and No. 25 Auburn. They defeated No. 24 Boston University and No. 23 South Carolina. Clearly, they have a very tough schedule but are very competitive in these games.
It’s always a battle between the Bucks and the Cats, with Northwestern usually coming out on top. Let’s see if Ohio State can change the narrative this year.
All three games of the series will be streamed on BTN+. The first game is today at 6 p.m. ET, then Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, and finally Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Continue reading...
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
@OhioStateSB Twitter
It’s going to be a good one.
The Buckeyes are FINALLY playing at home after spending the first two months of the season on the road. Their first Big Ten home series is starting off with a bang against the reigning Big Ten champs, the Northwestern Wildcats.
Ohio State (18-10) is having a really solid season. Their .309 batting average is fourth-best in the Big Ten. Leading the way on offense is senior Tegan Cortelletti, whose .459 average through the first half of the season is second-best in the Big Ten among players with 50 or more at-bats. Also, seven other everyday starters are hitting .300 or better so far.
So the Buckeyes can clearly hit, but they can also hit for power. They are currently third in the Big Ten in slugging percentage (.500) and second in home runs (34).
As for pitching, senior Allison Smith is the ace this year, as she has a 2.05 ERA, 72 strikeouts in 78.2 innings, and a .228 batting average allowed.
Moving onto Northwestern (17-7), the Wildcats are currently riding a nine-game win streak. They are an overall extremely talented team. During that win streak, they swept Michigan State last weekend to begin conference play.
Their player to watch on offense is Kansas Robinson, as her .486 batting average leads both the team and the Big Ten. She also has seven home runs, seven doubles, and 21 RBI.
In the circle, Ashley Miller, a transfer from Michigan State, carries a 0.85 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 74.0 innings.
The Wildcats have played in some very close games this season with some of the nation’s best teams. They lost by one run to No. 12 LSU, No. 19 UCLA, and No. 25 Auburn. They defeated No. 24 Boston University and No. 23 South Carolina. Clearly, they have a very tough schedule but are very competitive in these games.
It’s always a battle between the Bucks and the Cats, with Northwestern usually coming out on top. Let’s see if Ohio State can change the narrative this year.
All three games of the series will be streamed on BTN+. The first game is today at 6 p.m. ET, then Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, and finally Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State dishes out a handful of new offers in the 2026 class ahead of major recruiting weekend
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State dishes out a handful of new offers in the 2026 class ahead of major recruiting weekend
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes extended four new offers on Thursday to 2026 targets.
Spring practice has given Ohio State ample opportunities to bring in several top targets. With so many players making the trek to Columbus, a majority of them may have existing relationships with the staff, but it’s also been seen over the last few weeks that there’s new names worth watching moving forward after leaving their respective visits with an offer in hand.
Thursday proved to be one of the more influential days for new prospects, as a handful of offers were extended out by the staff. On the eve of what is to be one of the busier weekends Ohio State will have this spring on the recruiting front, here’s the latest on those new names that left campus with a feeling that the trip was more than worth their time.
2026 quarterback Troy Huhn was able to get some time with head coach Ryan Day on Thursday to chat, resulting in an Ohio State offer coming to fruition. A 6-foot-4, 205 pound signal caller, the Buckeyes have dished out quite a few offers to quarterbacks in the junior class this spring, and the California native is one of the next in line.
Unranked via his 247Sports profile right now, offers from the likes of Florida State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, and now Ohio State show the caliber of player Huhn is. He will be a guy to keep an eye on moving forward as the staff pinpoints who they want to focus on to be their guy in the upcoming class.
Keeping with the trend of 2026 quarterbacks, Ohio State also extended an offer to Georgia native Brodie McWhorter. A 6-foot-2, 190 pound athlete, McWhorter is another player that currently does not have a 247Sports grade on his profile due to his class status. Odds are when those rankings come out, he too will be another player that ranks among the best in the country at his position.
Currently, McWhorter owns nearly 20 offers to his name, and once again from some of the best schools the country has to offer. Programs such as Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, North Carolina and others are already locked in with an offer of their own, but now that Ohio State is in the mix it won’t be long before others come calling as well.
You’d have to think that many times the in-state school offering would mean something, and maybe it still does, but Georgia landing the commitment of five-star Jared Curtis just last week likely means other schools are more in play for McWhorter. Ohio State tends to have their pick of the guys they want at this spot, and 2026 shouldn’t be any different.
Moving to the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes were also just as busy trying to get in the mix for elite playmakers that can help the defense too. Having as many prospects on campus as they have the last few days, the defensive coaches have been able to show face a ton, and Thursday provided the chance to recruit some familiar programs.
Coming away with his latest offer, 6-foot-3, 225 pound edge rusher Shaun Scott now has the Buckeyes involved in his recruitment. Hailing from prep power Mater Dei, the California native is another 2026 target that has an early offer sheet that is impressive to say the least, totaling near 20 schools already.
Florida, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, USC, Washington, and more round out the bigger programs to get in on this one early, but Ohio State isn’t just “another” offer. Having the chance to speak with multiple coaches on Thursday is a big-time development and it certainly doesn’t hurt that fellow class of 2026 target and current Buckeye commit, Chris Henry Jr., is now his teammate at Mater Dei.
A school the Buckeyes are constantly trying to recruit, having Henry Jr. in his ear should be an advantage for nearly the next two years.
One more for good measure, the Buckeyes hosted Nevada native Kenneth Goodwin for an unofficial visit on Thursday, and he too came away from his time in Columbus with an offer. Making time to speak with both coach Day and James Laurinaitis, Goodwin is the next linebacker that has received attention from Ohio State in a list that has really grown over the last month or so.
A 6-foot-1, 205 pound athlete, Goodwin doesn’t have a long list of offers to his name just yet, but he certainly makes up for that with quality over quantity. Georgia, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and now the Buckeyes make up most of his offers, but again, it’s still relatively early on in his process.
Hoping for good news later this weekend in the 2025 class when Florida product Tarvos Alford makes his commitment public, the linebacker recruiting should be showing the fruits of Laurinaitis and his efforts on the trail. Knowing that this current 2025 class is the first priority, it’s an awesome sign to see the staff all-in on the future cycles as well, getting right into it with building early relationships with guys they’ll recruit for the next year-plus.
It is not out of the question completely that this major recruiting weekend could bring a major BOOM or even BOOM(s) to Ohio State’s 2025 class. Having some major targets who have been closely linked to the Buckeyes on campus certainly provides that sentiment of possibility.
One name that fits that bill is IMG Academy product, London Merritt. A four-star edge rusher, Merritt is the No. 101 player nationally and the tenth best at his position per the 247Sports Composite. Crystal Balled to Ohio State by Director of Recruiting for 247Sports, Steve Wiltfong, the Buckeyes do seem to be the leader in Merritt’s recruitment, but the staff is still putting in plenty of time to ensure he knows how much of a priority he truly is.
Set to be back on campus this weekend, it cannot be overstated how big this is for Larry Johnson and crew to get him back around the program. Many times these visits are what can seal the deal for a player, and that’s obviously going to be a point of emphasis while Merritt is in Columbus as the environment is sure to be special.
A commitment isn’t guaranteed by any means, but knowing how closely the two have been linked, maybe this visit will be what pushes Ohio State over the top for when he does eventually decide.
As mentioned, Saturday could provide some fireworks for Ohio State at the linebacker position, but barring a last minute change, Sacca looks to be headed elsewhere.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes extended four new offers on Thursday to 2026 targets.
Spring practice has given Ohio State ample opportunities to bring in several top targets. With so many players making the trek to Columbus, a majority of them may have existing relationships with the staff, but it’s also been seen over the last few weeks that there’s new names worth watching moving forward after leaving their respective visits with an offer in hand.
Thursday proved to be one of the more influential days for new prospects, as a handful of offers were extended out by the staff. On the eve of what is to be one of the busier weekends Ohio State will have this spring on the recruiting front, here’s the latest on those new names that left campus with a feeling that the trip was more than worth their time.
2026 quarterback Troy Huhn was able to get some time with head coach Ryan Day on Thursday to chat, resulting in an Ohio State offer coming to fruition. A 6-foot-4, 205 pound signal caller, the Buckeyes have dished out quite a few offers to quarterbacks in the junior class this spring, and the California native is one of the next in line.
Unranked via his 247Sports profile right now, offers from the likes of Florida State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, and now Ohio State show the caliber of player Huhn is. He will be a guy to keep an eye on moving forward as the staff pinpoints who they want to focus on to be their guy in the upcoming class.
Keeping with the trend of 2026 quarterbacks, Ohio State also extended an offer to Georgia native Brodie McWhorter. A 6-foot-2, 190 pound athlete, McWhorter is another player that currently does not have a 247Sports grade on his profile due to his class status. Odds are when those rankings come out, he too will be another player that ranks among the best in the country at his position.
Currently, McWhorter owns nearly 20 offers to his name, and once again from some of the best schools the country has to offer. Programs such as Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, North Carolina and others are already locked in with an offer of their own, but now that Ohio State is in the mix it won’t be long before others come calling as well.
You’d have to think that many times the in-state school offering would mean something, and maybe it still does, but Georgia landing the commitment of five-star Jared Curtis just last week likely means other schools are more in play for McWhorter. Ohio State tends to have their pick of the guys they want at this spot, and 2026 shouldn’t be any different.
Moving to the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes were also just as busy trying to get in the mix for elite playmakers that can help the defense too. Having as many prospects on campus as they have the last few days, the defensive coaches have been able to show face a ton, and Thursday provided the chance to recruit some familiar programs.
Coming away with his latest offer, 6-foot-3, 225 pound edge rusher Shaun Scott now has the Buckeyes involved in his recruitment. Hailing from prep power Mater Dei, the California native is another 2026 target that has an early offer sheet that is impressive to say the least, totaling near 20 schools already.
Florida, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, USC, Washington, and more round out the bigger programs to get in on this one early, but Ohio State isn’t just “another” offer. Having the chance to speak with multiple coaches on Thursday is a big-time development and it certainly doesn’t hurt that fellow class of 2026 target and current Buckeye commit, Chris Henry Jr., is now his teammate at Mater Dei.
A school the Buckeyes are constantly trying to recruit, having Henry Jr. in his ear should be an advantage for nearly the next two years.
One more for good measure, the Buckeyes hosted Nevada native Kenneth Goodwin for an unofficial visit on Thursday, and he too came away from his time in Columbus with an offer. Making time to speak with both coach Day and James Laurinaitis, Goodwin is the next linebacker that has received attention from Ohio State in a list that has really grown over the last month or so.
A 6-foot-1, 205 pound athlete, Goodwin doesn’t have a long list of offers to his name just yet, but he certainly makes up for that with quality over quantity. Georgia, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and now the Buckeyes make up most of his offers, but again, it’s still relatively early on in his process.
Hoping for good news later this weekend in the 2025 class when Florida product Tarvos Alford makes his commitment public, the linebacker recruiting should be showing the fruits of Laurinaitis and his efforts on the trail. Knowing that this current 2025 class is the first priority, it’s an awesome sign to see the staff all-in on the future cycles as well, getting right into it with building early relationships with guys they’ll recruit for the next year-plus.
It is not out of the question completely that this major recruiting weekend could bring a major BOOM or even BOOM(s) to Ohio State’s 2025 class. Having some major targets who have been closely linked to the Buckeyes on campus certainly provides that sentiment of possibility.
One name that fits that bill is IMG Academy product, London Merritt. A four-star edge rusher, Merritt is the No. 101 player nationally and the tenth best at his position per the 247Sports Composite. Crystal Balled to Ohio State by Director of Recruiting for 247Sports, Steve Wiltfong, the Buckeyes do seem to be the leader in Merritt’s recruitment, but the staff is still putting in plenty of time to ensure he knows how much of a priority he truly is.
Set to be back on campus this weekend, it cannot be overstated how big this is for Larry Johnson and crew to get him back around the program. Many times these visits are what can seal the deal for a player, and that’s obviously going to be a point of emphasis while Merritt is in Columbus as the environment is sure to be special.
A commitment isn’t guaranteed by any means, but knowing how closely the two have been linked, maybe this visit will be what pushes Ohio State over the top for when he does eventually decide.
Quick Hits
- Current Ohio State offeree Anthony Sacca is slated to announce his commitment on Saturday. The No. 187 player nationally and 25th best linebacker per the 247Sports Composite, the Buckeyes are among his final group of schools, but at this point it would be a surprise to see him end up anywhere other than Notre Dame.
As mentioned, Saturday could provide some fireworks for Ohio State at the linebacker position, but barring a last minute change, Sacca looks to be headed elsewhere.
NEWS 4-star LB Anthony Sacca will announce his commitment on Saturday, he tells @ChadSimmons_
Read: https://t.co/MKxkg9K503 pic.twitter.com/CtPwn64Zqm
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 28, 2024
Continue reading...
LGHL How the NCAA basketball coaching carousel could impact Ohio State women’s basketball
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- 0 Replies
How the NCAA basketball coaching carousel could impact Ohio State women’s basketball
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
The Buckeyes recent success could end with a shakeup in its coaching ranks, with one strong candidate for a head coaching job elsewhere.
Tuesday, the talk around women’s college basketball was on coaching changes, and just south of the Ohio River was a big one. Virginia Tech Hokes head coach Kenny Brooks left Blacksburg, Virginia after eight seasons and a 2023 Final Four run to become the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.
Its the biggest of many coaching moves announced this week — moves that Ohio State women’s basketball has been immune from over its past three seasons of success on the court.
Does that change this offseason?
While there’s no speculation of head coach Kevin McGuff looking for another challenge, the Buckeyes assistant coaching staff has multiple names who’ve shown their ability to run programs on their own. Leading that list is associate head coach Carla Morrow.
In three seasons, the Scarlet and Gray have found a resurgent success, and it began when Morrow moved from assistant coach to associate head coach. Following three seasons without postseason play or a Big Ten trophy for its trophy case, Ohio State’s won two of the last three conference regular season crowns and made a Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight in consecutive seasons.
Morrow is a integral part of that success.
At the end of the 2022-23 season, Land-Grant Holy Land spoke with Coach McGuff exclusively about his 10 years leading the Buckeyes. When McGuff talked about Morrow, it was clear her impact is wide reaching.
“It’s one thing for assistant coaches to say ‘I have a great relationship with a player,’” said McGuff. “I always look at it like “can you influence their behavior or can you steer them in the right direction of where we want them to go?’ She does that and I think its really important.”
Look at any of the posts from Ohio State’s practices on social media, and Morrow is part of it. Going up against players like former guard Taylor Mikesell in a shooting contest, throwing around a football or being on the receiving end of a Cotie McMahon joke. Morrow’s work goes beyond relationships and steering players in the right direction.
The former WNBA player and assistant coach for the Chicago Sky also brings strong basketball strategy to what fans see on the court. When the Buckeyes prepare for opponents, Morrow brings nearly complete game plans to Coach McGuff.
People outside of the program notice these things too.
In January, the Athletic had Morrow on its list of assistant coaches ready to be a head coach. On March 15, ABIS (Advancement of Blacks in Sports) named Morrow to its Head Coach Watchlist.
It’s safe to say that Morrow’s time may not be long with Ohio State.
The available jobs are out there too. At the time of writing, there are at least 20 open coaching positions in NCAA women’s basketball. From Power Five schools like the aforementioned Hokies to a laundry list of mid-majors to start as a first time head coach.
Morrow isn’t the only one on the staff to watch.
Assistant coach Wesley Brooks spent time with multiple Power Five conference schools. Brooks started with the West Virginia Mountaineers as a graduate assistant before going to the University of Utah, followed by four years with the Michigan Wolverines. Brooks joined the staff in 2021, with Morrow’s promotion to associate head coach.
On the Buckeyes’ staff, Brooks is crucial in the team’s recruiting, going on the road more than any other coach, according to McGuff. A crucial piece of coaching is the recruiting element, especially at smaller schools, and according to McGuff, “Kids like him, he’s easy to like.”
Even if head coaching isn’t in the immediate future for the entire staff, with coaching moves around the country happening daily, there’s need for assistant coaches in higher positions within the team and associate head coaches.
Ohio State’s coaching staff has been relatively stable for the past three seasons. Is this the offseason that changes?
Continue reading...
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
The Buckeyes recent success could end with a shakeup in its coaching ranks, with one strong candidate for a head coaching job elsewhere.
Tuesday, the talk around women’s college basketball was on coaching changes, and just south of the Ohio River was a big one. Virginia Tech Hokes head coach Kenny Brooks left Blacksburg, Virginia after eight seasons and a 2023 Final Four run to become the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.
Its the biggest of many coaching moves announced this week — moves that Ohio State women’s basketball has been immune from over its past three seasons of success on the court.
Does that change this offseason?
While there’s no speculation of head coach Kevin McGuff looking for another challenge, the Buckeyes assistant coaching staff has multiple names who’ve shown their ability to run programs on their own. Leading that list is associate head coach Carla Morrow.
In three seasons, the Scarlet and Gray have found a resurgent success, and it began when Morrow moved from assistant coach to associate head coach. Following three seasons without postseason play or a Big Ten trophy for its trophy case, Ohio State’s won two of the last three conference regular season crowns and made a Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight in consecutive seasons.
Morrow is a integral part of that success.
At the end of the 2022-23 season, Land-Grant Holy Land spoke with Coach McGuff exclusively about his 10 years leading the Buckeyes. When McGuff talked about Morrow, it was clear her impact is wide reaching.
“It’s one thing for assistant coaches to say ‘I have a great relationship with a player,’” said McGuff. “I always look at it like “can you influence their behavior or can you steer them in the right direction of where we want them to go?’ She does that and I think its really important.”
Look at any of the posts from Ohio State’s practices on social media, and Morrow is part of it. Going up against players like former guard Taylor Mikesell in a shooting contest, throwing around a football or being on the receiving end of a Cotie McMahon joke. Morrow’s work goes beyond relationships and steering players in the right direction.
The former WNBA player and assistant coach for the Chicago Sky also brings strong basketball strategy to what fans see on the court. When the Buckeyes prepare for opponents, Morrow brings nearly complete game plans to Coach McGuff.
People outside of the program notice these things too.
In January, the Athletic had Morrow on its list of assistant coaches ready to be a head coach. On March 15, ABIS (Advancement of Blacks in Sports) named Morrow to its Head Coach Watchlist.
One of the best in the business
Congratulations @coachcarla18 on being named by fellow coaches to the 2024 ABIS Associate Head Coach Watch List for elevating the Ohio State program and your coaching career! You are making an incredible impact and we’re thankful to have you! pic.twitter.com/USv1a6hj3h
— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) March 15, 2024
It’s safe to say that Morrow’s time may not be long with Ohio State.
The available jobs are out there too. At the time of writing, there are at least 20 open coaching positions in NCAA women’s basketball. From Power Five schools like the aforementioned Hokies to a laundry list of mid-majors to start as a first time head coach.
Morrow isn’t the only one on the staff to watch.
Assistant coach Wesley Brooks spent time with multiple Power Five conference schools. Brooks started with the West Virginia Mountaineers as a graduate assistant before going to the University of Utah, followed by four years with the Michigan Wolverines. Brooks joined the staff in 2021, with Morrow’s promotion to associate head coach.
On the Buckeyes’ staff, Brooks is crucial in the team’s recruiting, going on the road more than any other coach, according to McGuff. A crucial piece of coaching is the recruiting element, especially at smaller schools, and according to McGuff, “Kids like him, he’s easy to like.”
Even if head coaching isn’t in the immediate future for the entire staff, with coaching moves around the country happening daily, there’s need for assistant coaches in higher positions within the team and associate head coaches.
Ohio State’s coaching staff has been relatively stable for the past three seasons. Is this the offseason that changes?
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LGHL Ohio State Wrestling: Jesse Mendez claims OSU’s first national title since 2018, team takes 8th at the NCAA Wrestling Championships
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Ohio State Wrestling: Jesse Mendez claims OSU’s first national title since 2018, team takes 8th at the NCAA Wrestling Championships
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Evert Nelson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Mendez, Rocco Welsh and Nick Feldman led the way for Tom Ryan’s Buckeyes, each earning All-American status.
Last Thursday, seven of the nine Ohio State wrestlers who competed at this year’s NCAA Wrestling Championships won their first match of the tournament, hinting at a potentially big and prosperous weekend ahead.
This was in stark contrast to the beginning of the Big Ten Championships, where OSU stumbled out of the gate, ultimately leading to a fifth-place finish — just the second time since 2011-12 that Tom Ryan’s squad did not finish among the top four.
Unfortunately, a top-tier finish in Kansas City never came to fruition. Only three Buckeyes were left standing by the last day of competition, as the Penn State Nittany Lions ran away with yet another team championship — their 11th in the last 13 seasons.
Ohio State finished eighth, more than 100 points back of PSU. But unlike the team’s B1G finish, taking eighth at the NCAAs was actually a very positive result. And a good-to-great sign of things to come.
Primarily because all nine of OSU’s NCAA qualifiers are eligible to come back and wrestle for the Buckeyes next season if they indeed choose to do so. Only two upperclassmen (Dylan D’Emilio and Isaac Wilcox) made the trip, and both have the “Covid year” in their back pocket.
Six of the remaining seven competed as true or redshirt freshman, and Jesse Mendez rounded out the group as its only sophomore. That’s called a youth movement, folks. A damn good one, too.
Additionally, there was a trio of young Buckeyes that not only competed in KC, but truly excelled, earning All-American status and even some hardware. Said group was led by 141-pounder Jesse Mendez, who won Ohio State’s first individual NCAA title since 2018 and created/contributed to one hell of an internet meme.
Also earning All-American status were true freshman Rocco Welsh (174) and redshirt freshman Nick Feldman (HWT), both in their first year of competing for the Scarlet and Gray. Welsh made it all the way to the championship match before dropping a close decision to 4x champ Carter Starocci of Penn State, while Feldman wrestled back into contention via the “blood round” and finished the tournament with five victories.
While OSU finished with five All-Americans in 2023, four of those were upperclassmen. The other was Mendez, who has already cemented a legacy and appears to be on his way to becoming one of the program’s most accomplished grapplers. Regardless, three freshman and/or sophomore All-Americans in a rebuilding year is a heck of an accomplishment for the entire program.
Overall, six Buckeyes won at least two matches at the NCAA Championships. This includes the trio of All-Americans, another redshirt freshman in Nic Bouzakis, and both D’Emilio and Wilcox. The former now has 10 wins in four NCAA appearances, while the latter deserves a ton of credit for going from versatile super sub to 22-match winner and NCAA qualifier in his fourth season.
Now onto the offseason, which will be an interesting one for Ohio State. Not only are all nine NCAA qualifiers eligible to return, but so are Paddy Gallagher, Carson Kharchla, and others, several of whom figured into the plans for this season. There is also the possibility of Sammy Sasso’s return, which would be a tremendous story.
All in all, the 2023-24 season proved to be a solid transitional campaign for the Buckeyes. They lost several veteran leaders, NCAA qualifiers, and All-Americans from last year’s squad, and then watched guys like Gallagher and Kharchla suffer season-ending injuries. Yet despite fielding one of the youngest lineups in the sport’s toughest conference, OSU found a way to finish in the top-10 nationally.
Led by Mendez, this Ohio State squad should be right back in the championship conversation again next year. Sure, Penn State will seemingly always be lurking as the favorite, but Ryan’s squad is loaded with young talent. And now most of those young wrestlers have a full or near-full season of collegiate (specifically Big Ten) experience under their belt(s).
So expect more of the same, and starting counting down the days until next season’s wrestle-offs.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Evert Nelson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Mendez, Rocco Welsh and Nick Feldman led the way for Tom Ryan’s Buckeyes, each earning All-American status.
Last Thursday, seven of the nine Ohio State wrestlers who competed at this year’s NCAA Wrestling Championships won their first match of the tournament, hinting at a potentially big and prosperous weekend ahead.
This was in stark contrast to the beginning of the Big Ten Championships, where OSU stumbled out of the gate, ultimately leading to a fifth-place finish — just the second time since 2011-12 that Tom Ryan’s squad did not finish among the top four.
Unfortunately, a top-tier finish in Kansas City never came to fruition. Only three Buckeyes were left standing by the last day of competition, as the Penn State Nittany Lions ran away with yet another team championship — their 11th in the last 13 seasons.
Ohio State finished eighth, more than 100 points back of PSU. But unlike the team’s B1G finish, taking eighth at the NCAAs was actually a very positive result. And a good-to-great sign of things to come.
Primarily because all nine of OSU’s NCAA qualifiers are eligible to come back and wrestle for the Buckeyes next season if they indeed choose to do so. Only two upperclassmen (Dylan D’Emilio and Isaac Wilcox) made the trip, and both have the “Covid year” in their back pocket.
Six of the remaining seven competed as true or redshirt freshman, and Jesse Mendez rounded out the group as its only sophomore. That’s called a youth movement, folks. A damn good one, too.
Additionally, there was a trio of young Buckeyes that not only competed in KC, but truly excelled, earning All-American status and even some hardware. Said group was led by 141-pounder Jesse Mendez, who won Ohio State’s first individual NCAA title since 2018 and created/contributed to one hell of an internet meme.
Also earning All-American status were true freshman Rocco Welsh (174) and redshirt freshman Nick Feldman (HWT), both in their first year of competing for the Scarlet and Gray. Welsh made it all the way to the championship match before dropping a close decision to 4x champ Carter Starocci of Penn State, while Feldman wrestled back into contention via the “blood round” and finished the tournament with five victories.
While OSU finished with five All-Americans in 2023, four of those were upperclassmen. The other was Mendez, who has already cemented a legacy and appears to be on his way to becoming one of the program’s most accomplished grapplers. Regardless, three freshman and/or sophomore All-Americans in a rebuilding year is a heck of an accomplishment for the entire program.
All-Americans
Head Coach
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) March 27, 2024
Overall, six Buckeyes won at least two matches at the NCAA Championships. This includes the trio of All-Americans, another redshirt freshman in Nic Bouzakis, and both D’Emilio and Wilcox. The former now has 10 wins in four NCAA appearances, while the latter deserves a ton of credit for going from versatile super sub to 22-match winner and NCAA qualifier in his fourth season.
Now onto the offseason, which will be an interesting one for Ohio State. Not only are all nine NCAA qualifiers eligible to return, but so are Paddy Gallagher, Carson Kharchla, and others, several of whom figured into the plans for this season. There is also the possibility of Sammy Sasso’s return, which would be a tremendous story.
All in all, the 2023-24 season proved to be a solid transitional campaign for the Buckeyes. They lost several veteran leaders, NCAA qualifiers, and All-Americans from last year’s squad, and then watched guys like Gallagher and Kharchla suffer season-ending injuries. Yet despite fielding one of the youngest lineups in the sport’s toughest conference, OSU found a way to finish in the top-10 nationally.
Led by Mendez, this Ohio State squad should be right back in the championship conversation again next year. Sure, Penn State will seemingly always be lurking as the favorite, but Ryan’s squad is loaded with young talent. And now most of those young wrestlers have a full or near-full season of collegiate (specifically Big Ten) experience under their belt(s).
So expect more of the same, and starting counting down the days until next season’s wrestle-offs.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State set to host nation’s No. 1 offensive lineman, five-star wide receiver this weekend
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Ohio State set to host nation’s No. 1 offensive lineman, five-star wide receiver this weekend
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Five-Star offensive tackle David Sanders | 247Sports
The Buckeyes are bringing in more elite guests for a major recruiting weekend.
The Buckeyes currently have one offensive line commitment in the 2025 class thanks to in-state pledge Carter Lowe. His addition was a big time feat, but this class must continue to add to it at the position for it to truly be successful.
Every football mind knows the game is won in the trenches, and while Ohio State is and has been talented up front, they also haven’t reached their ultimate goals the last few seasons, proving the recruiting and development have to be better. Development can be sped up — and easier, for a lack of a better term — when you bring in elite prospects, and that’s Ohio State’s goal every year.
The recruiting wins over the last few cycles have been mostly keeping their in-state guys at home, but the long sought after national tackle target has continued to elude Ohio State. The Buckeyes have come up short in that regard too many times, but it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. Thankfully, it looks as if the staff is getting another shot at it this coming weekend when they bring in one of the best in the country.
Making it’s way all over social media on Wednesday, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders has set his visit plans for this weekend, as he’ll take in Ohio State and all that the Buckeyes have to offer.
The No. 2 player nationally and the top offensive tackle in the class per the 247Sports Composite, Sanders getting to Columbus for a multiple-day trip is big for the coaching staff, and Ohio State will surely have the atmosphere to impress this weekend, which includes the always rowdy student appreciation practice as well as a very impressive guest list with other high-profile recruits.
Owning 40-plus offers to his name from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Florida, LSU, USC and every other major program, it’s Clemson right now that leads the way on the 247Sports Crystal Ball feature. The Buckeyes are going to shoot their best shot this weekend and for the foreseeable future, but again, getting him on campus this weekend is a major deal and should certainly help their chances moving forward.
Maybe the best part, his Ohio State official visit isn’t set until June. so this trip on his own dime makes it that much better knowing they have multiple opportunities to sell Sanders on joining the program.
Earlier this week Ohio State lost a commitment from Florida receiver Jayvan Boggs. A commit since last October, the Buckeyes certainly didn’t want to lose him as a member of the 2025 class, but if there’s one position that really never needs to be worried about, it’s the receiver group thanks to Brian Hartline.
Every year he has his pick of the litter, and this cycle realistically should be no different considering what he’s been able to do in his tenure. With a ton of elite options out there and at least three to four spots up for grabs, this is the time when Hartline starts to really hone in on his top targeted guys.
This weekend will be a major one for the Buckeyes in getting closer to landing one of those commitments. Knowing there’s only so many players Hartline and Ohio State will say yes to, it very well could be a race to see who pulls the trigger first. Surely there’s a couple names that both the staff and fans would like to see in the fold sooner rather than later.
The name that continues to be discussed maybe more than anyone else, Jaime Ffrench is atop of the list of guys the Buckeyes would love to see in their 2025 class when all is said and done. A step towards that could be this weekend, as he and others from his South Florida Express seven-on-seven squad will be in Columbus on Saturday.
The No. 16 player nationally and third-best receiver per the 247Sports Composite, Ffrench does seem to be getting closer to Ohio State as time goes on, but the Buckeyes know they still have work to do to make it a done deal. This visit will be another chance for Hartline to get him more comfortable with the potential to bring his talents to Columbus, but this recruitment could still go into the summer months, as Florida natives tend to do.
All in all, getting Ffrench on campus is a win for the program and Hartline. Rarely does an Ohio State visit not go incredibly well, and with how things have been trending for Ffrench, you have to like the Buckeyes’ chances in further pulling away in the lead as they look to eventually land his commitment. Having the chance to see Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss and the other Sunshine State natives excelling in Columbus definitely helps Ohio State’s outlook.
While this is a player the Buckeyes have offered and are certainly interested in, it would be a surprise at this point to see him not pick Texas A&M. The Buckeyes are in the mix for several other top players up front on the defensive side of the ball, and will continue their relentless efforts in building up an elite haul for 2025.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Five-Star offensive tackle David Sanders | 247Sports
The Buckeyes are bringing in more elite guests for a major recruiting weekend.
The Buckeyes currently have one offensive line commitment in the 2025 class thanks to in-state pledge Carter Lowe. His addition was a big time feat, but this class must continue to add to it at the position for it to truly be successful.
Every football mind knows the game is won in the trenches, and while Ohio State is and has been talented up front, they also haven’t reached their ultimate goals the last few seasons, proving the recruiting and development have to be better. Development can be sped up — and easier, for a lack of a better term — when you bring in elite prospects, and that’s Ohio State’s goal every year.
The recruiting wins over the last few cycles have been mostly keeping their in-state guys at home, but the long sought after national tackle target has continued to elude Ohio State. The Buckeyes have come up short in that regard too many times, but it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. Thankfully, it looks as if the staff is getting another shot at it this coming weekend when they bring in one of the best in the country.
Making it’s way all over social media on Wednesday, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders has set his visit plans for this weekend, as he’ll take in Ohio State and all that the Buckeyes have to offer.
The No. 2 player nationally and the top offensive tackle in the class per the 247Sports Composite, Sanders getting to Columbus for a multiple-day trip is big for the coaching staff, and Ohio State will surely have the atmosphere to impress this weekend, which includes the always rowdy student appreciation practice as well as a very impressive guest list with other high-profile recruits.
Owning 40-plus offers to his name from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Florida, LSU, USC and every other major program, it’s Clemson right now that leads the way on the 247Sports Crystal Ball feature. The Buckeyes are going to shoot their best shot this weekend and for the foreseeable future, but again, getting him on campus this weekend is a major deal and should certainly help their chances moving forward.
Maybe the best part, his Ohio State official visit isn’t set until June. so this trip on his own dime makes it that much better knowing they have multiple opportunities to sell Sanders on joining the program.
Ohio State looking to land five-star Florida receiver target
Earlier this week Ohio State lost a commitment from Florida receiver Jayvan Boggs. A commit since last October, the Buckeyes certainly didn’t want to lose him as a member of the 2025 class, but if there’s one position that really never needs to be worried about, it’s the receiver group thanks to Brian Hartline.
Every year he has his pick of the litter, and this cycle realistically should be no different considering what he’s been able to do in his tenure. With a ton of elite options out there and at least three to four spots up for grabs, this is the time when Hartline starts to really hone in on his top targeted guys.
This weekend will be a major one for the Buckeyes in getting closer to landing one of those commitments. Knowing there’s only so many players Hartline and Ohio State will say yes to, it very well could be a race to see who pulls the trigger first. Surely there’s a couple names that both the staff and fans would like to see in the fold sooner rather than later.
The name that continues to be discussed maybe more than anyone else, Jaime Ffrench is atop of the list of guys the Buckeyes would love to see in their 2025 class when all is said and done. A step towards that could be this weekend, as he and others from his South Florida Express seven-on-seven squad will be in Columbus on Saturday.
The No. 16 player nationally and third-best receiver per the 247Sports Composite, Ffrench does seem to be getting closer to Ohio State as time goes on, but the Buckeyes know they still have work to do to make it a done deal. This visit will be another chance for Hartline to get him more comfortable with the potential to bring his talents to Columbus, but this recruitment could still go into the summer months, as Florida natives tend to do.
All in all, getting Ffrench on campus is a win for the program and Hartline. Rarely does an Ohio State visit not go incredibly well, and with how things have been trending for Ffrench, you have to like the Buckeyes’ chances in further pulling away in the lead as they look to eventually land his commitment. Having the chance to see Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss and the other Sunshine State natives excelling in Columbus definitely helps Ohio State’s outlook.
Quick Hits
- Four-star defensive line target Landon Rink (Cypress, Texas/Cy-Fair) will announce his college decision on April 3. The No. 312 player nationally and the 36th best defensive lineman in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite, Rink is down to just Oklahoma, Ohio State, and Texas A&M.
While this is a player the Buckeyes have offered and are certainly interested in, it would be a surprise at this point to see him not pick Texas A&M. The Buckeyes are in the mix for several other top players up front on the defensive side of the ball, and will continue their relentless efforts in building up an elite haul for 2025.
NEWS 2025 DL Landon Rink will announce his commitment on April 3, he tells @ChadSimmons_
He will choose between Ohio State, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
Read: https://t.co/eQn4NmJTKL pic.twitter.com/e90VegHQou
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) March 27, 2024
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LGHL Bowen Hardman enters transfer portal after two seasons at Ohio State
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Bowen Hardman enters transfer portal after two seasons at Ohio State
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The sophomore from Cincinnati was a seldom-used reserve during his two seasons at Ohio State.
On average, 97% of NCAA Division-I college basketball programs have seen at least one player transfer away per season since the NCAA transfer portal was implemented. Players coming and going and seeking new opportunities is expected. Today, Ohio State’s Bowen Hardman has opted to go that route.
Hardman, a sophomore guard from Cincinnati who appeared in seven games during his freshman season and 18 games as a sophomore, entered the transfer portal Thursday afternoon. It was first reported by Verbal Commits, and quickly re-posted by Hardman himself.
The 6-foot-3 sophomore guard from Cincinnati never became an impact rotation player at Ohio State. After being a non-factor his freshman year, he did appear in 18 games this past season, scoring 33 points on 11-of-25 shooting (44%). He was 9-for-21 from three-point range (42.9%). 21 of his 25 shots came from beyond the arc. Hardman averaged 4.3 minutes per game, and scored a season-high 11 points against Nebraska on January 23.
Hardman, the first commitment in Ohio State’s 2022 class, was a three-star recruit according to 247Sports. He was the least-often used freshman of the five in that class, which also included Brice Sensabaugh, Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle, and Felix Okpara. Hardman dealt with injuries late in his high school career which caused his recruiting rankings to drop, and his overall ranking in that class — No. 315 — sticks out among the other members of that 2022 class.
Former head coach Chris Holtmann repeatedly stated that Hardman was not “physically ready” to compete in the Big Ten when he was a freshman, and that he planned on playing four freshmen consistently that season — leaving out Hardman. He wasn’t a liar, either, as Hardman only appeared in seven games as a freshman.
Hardman’s opportunities this past season actually decreased when Holtmann was fired and Diebler was elevated to interim head coach (and eventually head coach). After Diebler was promoted, Hardman played in six of the remaining 11 games, averaging just over two minutes per game.
Since the day he joined the program, it was an uphill climb for Hardman to ever earn consistent minutes. With Ohio State’s guard room not getting any thinner anytime soon, a path for him to increase his role probably did not exist.
In addition to the scholarship offer he got from Ohio State, Hardman was also recruited heavily by Xavier, Cincinnati, Purdue, and Indiana. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Good luck to Bowen wherever he winds up!
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The sophomore from Cincinnati was a seldom-used reserve during his two seasons at Ohio State.
On average, 97% of NCAA Division-I college basketball programs have seen at least one player transfer away per season since the NCAA transfer portal was implemented. Players coming and going and seeking new opportunities is expected. Today, Ohio State’s Bowen Hardman has opted to go that route.
Hardman, a sophomore guard from Cincinnati who appeared in seven games during his freshman season and 18 games as a sophomore, entered the transfer portal Thursday afternoon. It was first reported by Verbal Commits, and quickly re-posted by Hardman himself.
The 6-foot-3 sophomore guard from Cincinnati never became an impact rotation player at Ohio State. After being a non-factor his freshman year, he did appear in 18 games this past season, scoring 33 points on 11-of-25 shooting (44%). He was 9-for-21 from three-point range (42.9%). 21 of his 25 shots came from beyond the arc. Hardman averaged 4.3 minutes per game, and scored a season-high 11 points against Nebraska on January 23.
Hardman, the first commitment in Ohio State’s 2022 class, was a three-star recruit according to 247Sports. He was the least-often used freshman of the five in that class, which also included Brice Sensabaugh, Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle, and Felix Okpara. Hardman dealt with injuries late in his high school career which caused his recruiting rankings to drop, and his overall ranking in that class — No. 315 — sticks out among the other members of that 2022 class.
Former head coach Chris Holtmann repeatedly stated that Hardman was not “physically ready” to compete in the Big Ten when he was a freshman, and that he planned on playing four freshmen consistently that season — leaving out Hardman. He wasn’t a liar, either, as Hardman only appeared in seven games as a freshman.
Hardman’s opportunities this past season actually decreased when Holtmann was fired and Diebler was elevated to interim head coach (and eventually head coach). After Diebler was promoted, Hardman played in six of the remaining 11 games, averaging just over two minutes per game.
Since the day he joined the program, it was an uphill climb for Hardman to ever earn consistent minutes. With Ohio State’s guard room not getting any thinner anytime soon, a path for him to increase his role probably did not exist.
In addition to the scholarship offer he got from Ohio State, Hardman was also recruited heavily by Xavier, Cincinnati, Purdue, and Indiana. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Good luck to Bowen wherever he winds up!
Continue reading...
LGHL Inside the numbers of a championship season for Ohio State women’s hockey
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Inside the numbers of a championship season for Ohio State women’s hockey
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Gil Talbot/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
The Buckeyes put together a season that will be tough for future Ohio State teams to top.
Ohio State’s women’s ice hockey team has now won two national titles in the last three years. The Buckeyes were dominant throughout the season, and there were so many players that contributed to the best season in program history. To look back on just how great the Buckeyes were, we’ll dive into some of the important numbers from the 2023-24 season.
With their 1-0 win over Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon, Ohio State’s women’s ice hockey team won their second national championship in program history. The first national title came two years ago, when the Buckeyes beat Minnesota-Duluth. The only thing separating the Buckeyes from a three-peat is a 1-0 loss to Wisconsin in last year’s title game.
The win over Wisconsin in New Hampshire gave Ohio State their 35th win of the season, which is a school record. The Buckeyes actually set the program record for wins in a season on Friday, when they beat Clarkson in the Frozen Four semifinal. The win over the Badgers just set the mark even higher for future Ohio State teams to try and top.
In each of the last three seasons, the Buckeyes have finished the season with a new school record for wins in the season. The 2021-22 season saw Ohio State finish with 32 wins, last season the Buckeyes notched 33 wins, and this year they improved on last year’s mark by two wins.
Starting with a 6-2 win in Columbus against St. Cloud State on Dec. 2, Ohio State reeled off 16-straight wins, shattering the previous school record of 10-straight victories. The winning streak came to an end in the final game of the regular season, when Wisconsin beat the Buckeyes 4-2 in Madison.
During the winning streak, which spanned over two months, Ohio State outscored their opponents 88-16.
It wasn’t often when Ohio State was pushed to the limit this season, as they outscored their opponents 201-51. During the season, the Buckeyes had four games where they scored at least 10 goals, and another four games where they scored at least eight goals. Of their 35 wins on the season, just seven of those victories were by less than two goals.
The season-high for goals in a game by Ohio State this season was when they scored 12 goals on Feb. 16 against St. Thomas. Seven different Buckeyes scored in the game, with four Ohio State players recording multiple goals in the blowout victory.
There were five games this season where Ohio State players recorded a hat trick. The first three-goal game came in October against Minnesota-Duluth, when Hadley Hartmetz completed the feat. The first of two Joy Dunne hat tricks during the season came less than a month later, when the freshman notched her first career hat trick on Nov. 3 against Bemidji State, and the other came against Minnesota in January.
The other two came in February. Jenna Buglioni also had a hat trick against Bemidji State, followed by Hannah Bilka’s three-goal performance in the 12-1 rout of St. Thomas.
The 24 goals scored by Joy Dunne this season were the high mark on the team. The 2024 Julie Chu Rookie of the Year took a little time to get comfortable on the ice, as she didn’t score her first career goal at Ohio State until her ninth game, but she caught fire as soon as the puck hit the back of the net, scoring three goals in the game.
Dunne’s final goal of the season was the most important, as her goal against Wisconsin on Sunday ended up being the deciding factor in a national championship victory for the Buckeyes.
While Dunne led Ohio State in goals this season, the overall point leader for the Buckeyes was Hannah Bilka, who finished the season with 48 points.
After playing four seasons at Boston College, Bilka transferred to Ohio State following last season. The graduate student didn’t take long to get acclimated to her new surroundings in Columbus, as she had starting with her third game in scarlet and gray she posted at least two points in six straight games.
Bilka’s best performance of the season came in early February, when she was credited with four points in the 11-1 win over Bemidji State.
Of Ohio State’s 35 wins this season, 22 of them came with Raygan Kirk between the pipes for the Buckeyes. The number of wins that Kirk was in goal for this season set a new school record. Kirk was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four.
The final start of the year for Kirk came in the national title game against Wisconsin. By not allowing the Badgers to score, Kirk recorded her 10th shutout of the year, which was the most in the country this season. Keeping opponents off the scoreboard in so many of her starts this season, Kirk finished the year with a 1.05 goals against average.
The NCAA Tournament appearance was Ohio State’s seventh in school history, with all of them coming under head coach Nadine Muzerall. In six of those seasons the Buckeyes have won at least 20 games.
With the tremendous foundation Muzerall has built during her time in Columbus, those numbers are only going to increase over the years. There’s no question that Muzerall has turned Ohio State into the premier women’s ice hockey program in the country right now.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Gil Talbot/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
The Buckeyes put together a season that will be tough for future Ohio State teams to top.
Ohio State’s women’s ice hockey team has now won two national titles in the last three years. The Buckeyes were dominant throughout the season, and there were so many players that contributed to the best season in program history. To look back on just how great the Buckeyes were, we’ll dive into some of the important numbers from the 2023-24 season.
2
With their 1-0 win over Wisconsin on Sunday afternoon, Ohio State’s women’s ice hockey team won their second national championship in program history. The first national title came two years ago, when the Buckeyes beat Minnesota-Duluth. The only thing separating the Buckeyes from a three-peat is a 1-0 loss to Wisconsin in last year’s title game.
35
The win over Wisconsin in New Hampshire gave Ohio State their 35th win of the season, which is a school record. The Buckeyes actually set the program record for wins in a season on Friday, when they beat Clarkson in the Frozen Four semifinal. The win over the Badgers just set the mark even higher for future Ohio State teams to try and top.
In each of the last three seasons, the Buckeyes have finished the season with a new school record for wins in the season. The 2021-22 season saw Ohio State finish with 32 wins, last season the Buckeyes notched 33 wins, and this year they improved on last year’s mark by two wins.
16
Starting with a 6-2 win in Columbus against St. Cloud State on Dec. 2, Ohio State reeled off 16-straight wins, shattering the previous school record of 10-straight victories. The winning streak came to an end in the final game of the regular season, when Wisconsin beat the Buckeyes 4-2 in Madison.
During the winning streak, which spanned over two months, Ohio State outscored their opponents 88-16.
201-51
It wasn’t often when Ohio State was pushed to the limit this season, as they outscored their opponents 201-51. During the season, the Buckeyes had four games where they scored at least 10 goals, and another four games where they scored at least eight goals. Of their 35 wins on the season, just seven of those victories were by less than two goals.
12
The season-high for goals in a game by Ohio State this season was when they scored 12 goals on Feb. 16 against St. Thomas. Seven different Buckeyes scored in the game, with four Ohio State players recording multiple goals in the blowout victory.
5
There were five games this season where Ohio State players recorded a hat trick. The first three-goal game came in October against Minnesota-Duluth, when Hadley Hartmetz completed the feat. The first of two Joy Dunne hat tricks during the season came less than a month later, when the freshman notched her first career hat trick on Nov. 3 against Bemidji State, and the other came against Minnesota in January.
The other two came in February. Jenna Buglioni also had a hat trick against Bemidji State, followed by Hannah Bilka’s three-goal performance in the 12-1 rout of St. Thomas.
24
The 24 goals scored by Joy Dunne this season were the high mark on the team. The 2024 Julie Chu Rookie of the Year took a little time to get comfortable on the ice, as she didn’t score her first career goal at Ohio State until her ninth game, but she caught fire as soon as the puck hit the back of the net, scoring three goals in the game.
Dunne’s final goal of the season was the most important, as her goal against Wisconsin on Sunday ended up being the deciding factor in a national championship victory for the Buckeyes.
48
While Dunne led Ohio State in goals this season, the overall point leader for the Buckeyes was Hannah Bilka, who finished the season with 48 points.
After playing four seasons at Boston College, Bilka transferred to Ohio State following last season. The graduate student didn’t take long to get acclimated to her new surroundings in Columbus, as she had starting with her third game in scarlet and gray she posted at least two points in six straight games.
Bilka’s best performance of the season came in early February, when she was credited with four points in the 11-1 win over Bemidji State.
22
Of Ohio State’s 35 wins this season, 22 of them came with Raygan Kirk between the pipes for the Buckeyes. The number of wins that Kirk was in goal for this season set a new school record. Kirk was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Frozen Four.
10
The final start of the year for Kirk came in the national title game against Wisconsin. By not allowing the Badgers to score, Kirk recorded her 10th shutout of the year, which was the most in the country this season. Keeping opponents off the scoreboard in so many of her starts this season, Kirk finished the year with a 1.05 goals against average.
7
The NCAA Tournament appearance was Ohio State’s seventh in school history, with all of them coming under head coach Nadine Muzerall. In six of those seasons the Buckeyes have won at least 20 games.
With the tremendous foundation Muzerall has built during her time in Columbus, those numbers are only going to increase over the years. There’s no question that Muzerall has turned Ohio State into the premier women’s ice hockey program in the country right now.
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