Healthy Ohio State gives Buckeyes students a look at 2025-26 team as start of season looms

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  Sports and Competition on Tue, Oct 21st, 2025 by Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State’s men’s basketball team kicked off its 2025‑26 campaign with a surprisingly robust open practice on Friday night at St. John Arena, a glimpse that has put the Buckeyes on the radar for a strong start to the season. Head coach Chris Holtmann and his staff emphasized that the team’s health is a foundation for the challenges ahead, noting that all 18 players from the roster were on the court, with only a handful dealing with minor niggles that should not affect their playing time.

The practice opened with a rigorous conditioning drill that saw the squad moving at a high tempo, a staple for the Buckeyes’ fast‑break philosophy. Holtmann, who has built his program around a combination of physicality and disciplined execution, praised the energy levels of the group. “You can see the guys are feeling good. No major injuries at the moment. That’s the kind of foundation we need to build on,” he said after the first half‑court scrimmage. The session also included several defensive sets, showcasing the team’s focus on staying sharp on both ends of the floor.

Key players who stood out in the open session included RJ Nembhard, the returning point guard who has been the emotional and statistical leader of the squad. In a statement after the practice, Nembhard remarked, “We’re all ready, and we’re looking forward to getting the guys out there and getting that rhythm.” His teammate, senior forward Chris Phelps, added that the practice allowed the team to work on the spacing and ball movement that will be crucial during the Big Ten schedule.

Another player to watch is junior guard Jordan Rook, who has been developing a more versatile skill set over the past year. Rook, who missed only one game in the previous season, appeared to be firing on all cylinders, displaying sharp shooting from beyond the arc and a keen defensive mindset. The coaching staff highlighted his progress, noting that Rook’s improved consistency could be a major factor in the Buckeyes’ offensive balance.

The practice also gave a brief look at the team’s new recruits. Freshman guard Mason Sullivan, the 4‑star prospect from the state, had a strong showing in the final drills. He commented that the team’s “energetic and hard‑working culture” was what drew him to Ohio State. Coach Holtmann noted that Sullivan will likely see immediate playing time as a backup point guard, especially as the coaching staff seeks to diversify the backcourt options.

Health, however, remains the cornerstone of the Buckeyes’ early season optimism. In a post‑practice interview, assistant coach John Simmons highlighted the team’s injury reports: only a couple of players were dealing with lingering lower‑leg issues that were expected to resolve quickly. “We’ve had a few guys that had small bruises or mild strains. They’re on the medical staff and doing recovery work. No long‑term setbacks,” Simmons said. This statement was reinforced by the medical staff’s update, which confirmed that the majority of the roster is cleared for competitive play.

The Buckeyes’ upcoming schedule, which was also linked in the article, is demanding but not entirely surprising for a Big Ten program. The first home game comes against the University of Louisville, a non‑conference opponent that has proven to be a tough match in recent years. Following that, Ohio State will travel to face Michigan, a game that is always a high‑stakes confrontation and a litmus test for the team’s resilience. In the weeks that follow, the Buckeyes will meet rivals Purdue, Wisconsin, and Indiana, all of whom have shown strong performances in the past season.

The article provided an official roster link that gives an overview of the team’s composition. The roster, which includes 12 seniors, 4 juniors, 2 sophomores, and 2 freshmen, reflects a blend of experience and youth. Among the seniors, beyond Nembhard and Phelps, guard Ethan McLeod and forward Trevor Sims will be significant contributors, both of whom have been consistent performers. The junior guard Jordan Rook, as previously mentioned, is expected to provide a high‑volume scoring threat.

In addition to the roster, the linked schedule page offers details on the times and locations of each game, including television and streaming information. The schedule features a balanced mix of conference and non‑conference games, with early‑season matchups against teams such as North Carolina and Arizona, allowing the Buckeyes to test themselves against a variety of playing styles before the Big Ten grind begins.

The open practice and the information highlighted in the article signal that Ohio State is poised for a competitive season. With a healthy roster, a mix of experienced leadership and fresh talent, and a schedule that promises plenty of challenges, the Buckeyes are building momentum from the very first game. As the team continues to fine-tune its systems and deepen its depth, fans can expect to see a program that remains consistent with its tradition of disciplined play, high energy, and the pursuit of excellence on the court.