For the first time in two seasons, Ohio State men’s basketball is ranked in the AP Top-25 Poll

The Buckeyes are ranked for the first time since January 2023.

The second Associated Press poll of the season was released Monday afternoon, and the Ohio State Buckeyes, led by new head coach Jake Diebler, entered the ranks at No. 21.

Ohio State earned votes in the initial AP Poll last month, but not enough to place in the top 25. After beating then-No. 19 Texas 80-72 last week, the Buckeyes picked up more votes and are now ranked heading into tonight’s bout with the Youngstown State Penguins.

This is the first time Ohio State has been ranked in the AP Poll since January 2, 2023. The Buckeyes were No. 24 in that week nine poll. Since showing up in that poll, Ohio State played to a 28-30 record — until last week’s win over Texas.

The Buckeyes’ lackluster play over the past two seasons kept them far away from the top 25, but a rebuilt roster with veteran guards, paired with last week’s big win over Texas, has vaulted Diebler’s team back into the AP Poll.

Ohio State’s appearance in the top-25 poll is partially a nod to the media’s confidence in Diebler, who took over a dysfunctional situation in February and ended the season on a high note. Not only did Ohio State’s offense improve under Diebler last year down the stretch, but they also finished the season as the 23rd-best defensive team in the country for the final 11 games, per KenPom’s defensive efficiency ratings.

Despite missing the NCAA Tournament each of the last two seasons, it took the Buckeyes just one singular regular season win to get them back into the top 25.

Junior guard Bruce Thornton — a preseason All-Big Ten honoree — led Ohio State with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists against Texas. 14 of Thornton’s 20 points came in the second half, and he also scored the Buckeyes’ final nine points of the game.

Sophomore Devin Royal and freshman John Mobley Jr. combined for 30 points off the bench against the Longhorns, as the Buckeyes’ reserves outscored Texas’ 33-10. Micah Parrish scored 17 points and also had six rebounds and five assists.

Three other Big Ten teams were listed in the AP Poll this week. They are Purdue (13), Indiana (16), and Rutgers (24).

Kansas retained its top spot at No. 1, followed by Alabama, UConn, Gonzaga, and Auburn.

Ohio State faces Youngstown State tonight at 6 p.m. ET.