Ohio State announced a home‑and‑home series with Vanderbilt that will open the 2025‑26 men’s basketball season in Columbus on November 24, while the Buckeyes also have a season‑opening test against BYU on November 1.
The Commodores arrive in Ohio after a standout campaign that ended 27‑9 and a trip to the NCAA tournament, though their run stopped at the second round with a loss to Nebraska.
A New Chapter for Ohio State
Beyond the Vanderbilt matchup, Ohio State’s schedule also features contests against traditional powerhouses BYU, Kansas, Notre Dame and UConn, promising a demanding slate that will test the team’s depth early on.
This year’s roster looks markedly different from the previous edition, with several newcomers and transfers shaping a fresh identity that has captured the attention of national analysts eager to see how the new pieces click.
The games will be played in venues ranging from the familiar streets of Columbus to the high‑altitude atmosphere of Salt Lake City, where the Buckeyes will meet BYU in their first test of the year.
Coach Dan Hurley’s emphasis on defensive cohesion and three‑point shooting is already being reflected in practice reports, and the coaching staff has hinted at a more balanced offensive approach that could diversify the Buckeyes’ attack.
Fans will get their first glimpse of the revamped lineup when the team takes the court against BYU, a game that will set the tone for a schedule that includes a trip to Kansas and a showdown with Notre Dame later in the season.
With the eyes of the college basketball world watching, the early games will serve as a litmus test for whether Ohio State can translate preseason optimism into on‑court success.