
Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Who Stands Where Ahead of 2026‑27 Season
A look at the early hierarchy shaping the Big Ten, highlighting top contenders, key players and emerging storylines.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Anthony Thompson across Basketball, Football, Soccer.

A look at the early hierarchy shaping the Big Ten, highlighting top contenders, key players and emerging storylines.

Kenneth Hudson's decades‑long passion for Indiana University football shaped his family's story and left a lasting imprint on the Hoosier community.

Coach Jake Diebler is reshaping Ohio State’s basketball program with elite recruits, a high‑profile visit, and an expanded NIL fund, targeting a top‑four Big Ten seed and a return to national relevance.
NBA veteran Jae’Sean Tate hosted a sold‑out youth camp in Columbus, blending his professional experience with a deep love for the city that raised him.

A look at how two top recruits could reshape Ohio State's basketball and football futures.

Indiana University’s football program highlights its preseason accolades, with quarterback Josh Hoover and long snapper Drew Clausen named to key award watch lists, alongside a historic Maxwell Award lineage and additional honorees.

Ohio State rolled past Los Boris 117-75 in a Puerto Rico exhibition, highlighting a 55% field goal rate and a 46-30 rebounding edge.

The Ohio State men’s basketball team rolled past Los Boris 1 117‑75 in Bayamón, with Jimmie Williams and Anthony Thompson leading a balanced attack that emphasized depth and three‑point shooting.

With forecasts ranging from sixth to seventh place in the Big Ten, Ohio State’s upcoming exhibition games and roster uncertainties set the stage for a pivotal season.
The Buckeyes travel to San Juan for two August exhibition matches, using the trip to evaluate a revamped lineup before the regular season.

Illinois enters the 2026‑27 basketball season with high expectations, but history warns that the Illini have a habit of stumbling against opponents they are supposed to beat. Iowa, Ohio State and Minnesota each bring strengths that could turn expected victories into tight contests.

Austin Davie, a standout from Campbell County, is set to transfer to Western Reserve Academy, bringing a 25-point average, a 50-point game record and regional player of the year honors to the NEPSAC program.

Freshman forward Alex Smith, a native of Upper Arlington, joins Ohio State basketball, drawing praise from coach Jake Diebler for his shooting skill and local connection

From Solon High School to Wallace State Community College and the University of South Florida, Jimmie Williams has traversed a unique path. Now, the 6‑5 guard is back in Ohio, ready to bring his experience and leadership to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The NCAA's new "5-to-play-5" rule grants athletes five years to play five seasons starting in 2026‑27, eliminating redshirts and waivers. Twelve of Ohio State's 14 basketball players gain an additional year of eligibility, reshaping roster plans and future development.

Anthony Thompson, a 6‑foot‑8 forward with a 7‑foot wingspan, pledged to Ohio State after a standout high school career, promising immediate impact and NBA lottery pick potential.

The Ohio State basketball team anticipates a strong season as versatile freshman forward Anthony Thompson joins the roster, bringing size, skill and NBA draft lottery upside.

The Ohio State program anticipates a breakout season as versatile freshman Anthony Thompson joins the roster, drawing praise from coaches and fans alike.

A pre‑season showcase scheduled for early October will feature top Buckeye State programs playing under the lights of a tennis center, with proceeds earmarked for mental health initiatives

LJ Smith, a 6‑4 guard from Lincolnton, North Carolina, has announced that he will reclassify from the high school class of 2027 to the 2026 cohort, clearing the path to join the Ohio State Buckeyes a year earlier than originally planned.

Transfer forward Josh Ojianwuna brings a rare combination of height, weight and perimeter shooting to the Buckeyes, raising expectations for a dynamic season.

Ohio State’s men’s basketball program is poised to chase its first Sweet Sixteen berth in more than a decade, driven by returning stars and a highly touted freshman.

LJ Smith, a top-ranked guard, has reclassified to join Ohio State University a year ahead of schedule, aiming to make an immediate impact off the bench.

Ohio State's 27‑9 victory over Michigan highlights a season of momentum, from a grueling Power Four slate to record‑breaking recruiting prospects.