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Buckeye defenders dominate semifinalist nominations for top individual awards

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 19:57 GMT by Sports Illustrated

Ohio State’s Defensive Stars Take Center Stage in National Award Nominations

The Buckeyes’ defense has never been more than just a cornerstone of the program— it’s a headline‑making force. The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) has just unveiled the top ten semifinalists for its coveted Defensive Player of the Year award, and a staggering four of them are hailing from Ohio State. This dominant representation underscores the team’s commitment to defensive excellence and signals a bright future for the program’s reputation on a national scale.

A National Spotlight on Defensive Prowess

The NABC’s Defensive Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, highlighting the player who has made the biggest impact on the defensive end of the court. Historically, the award has celebrated athletes who combine hustle, instincts, and skill to shift games in their team’s favor. This year’s list reflects a growing trend of defensive specialists being recognized for their contributions, and the Buckeyes’ four semifinalists— Isaiah Jackson, Zachary Jones, DeMarlo Slade, and D’Andre Johnson— exemplify this trend.

The NABC’s announcement is posted on its official site (https://www.nabc.org), and the full list can be viewed there. In addition, the College Basketball Awards Gala— where the finalists will be named— will be streamed live on the College Basketball Awards platform (https://www.collegebasketballawards.com). Ohio State’s appearance on this stage is a testament to the program’s defensive philosophy, which was laid out by head coach Chris Holtmann before the season began.

Buckeyes’ Defensive Machine

Ohio State finished the 2023‑24 regular season with the best defensive rating in the Big Ten, ranking 10th nationally according to Ken Pomeroy’s advanced metrics. Their defensive strategy— a mix of man‑to‑man pressure, disciplined zone support, and aggressive rebounding— is a direct result of the coaching staff’s insistence on “defense first” as the team’s foundational principle. The four semifinalists are at the heart of that system.

Isaiah Jackson: The freshman guard has already earned a reputation as a disruptive force. Averaging 1.8 blocks and 1.9 steals per game, Jackson’s presence forces opponents to alter shots and creates turnovers that swing momentum. He was named to the Big Ten Defensive Team and led Ohio State to several critical defensive stops in the Big Ten tournament.

Zachary Jones: As a versatile guard, Jones excels on the perimeter, using quick feet and smart positioning to deny ball‑handlers and limit three‑point attempts. He averages 2.4 steals per game and has a 78% perimeter defensive rating, the highest in the conference.

DeMarlo Slade: The power forward’s shot‑blocking ability and post‑up presence make him a double threat. Slade averages 1.5 blocks and 5.6 rebounds per game, and his defensive positioning is credited with shutting down opponents’ interior scoring.

D’Andre Johnson: Johnson’s size and agility allow him to guard multiple positions. He has averaged 1.2 blocks and 3.8 steals per game, making him a rare “combo defender” who can protect the rim while also keeping guards in check.

“Every player in our system is expected to be a defender,” said Coach Holtmann in an interview on the Ohio State Athletics site (https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com). “Seeing four of our guys recognized at the national level is a vindication of the work we put in the gym and in the classroom. Defense is about habits; it’s about consistency, and Ohio State has shown that every night.”

The Road Ahead

While the semifinalist announcement is a major milestone, the competition is far from over. The NABC will select a five‑player shortlist for the final awards, and then announce the winner at the College Basketball Awards Gala. If one of the Buckeyes claims the title, it will mark the first time an Ohio State player has won the national defensive award— a historic moment for the program.

The Buckeyes’ defensive identity has always been an integral part of their identity, but national recognition elevates it from a team asset to a hallmark of a storied program. The potential ripple effect includes heightened recruitment appeal, especially among defensive specialists, and stronger brand equity for Ohio State in the college basketball landscape.

A Broader Picture

The NABC’s list also features notable players from other powerhouses: a star forward from Duke, a guard from Kansas, and a big man from Michigan State. However, the concentration of defensive talent in one roster is unprecedented and highlights Ohio State’s strategic focus on that side of the ball. Historically, offensive star power often dominates award conversations, but the 2023‑24 season proves that defense can, and should, command attention.

As the season winds down, the Buckeyes will continue to polish their defensive craft, and the NABC’s ongoing evaluation will keep their semifinalists in the spotlight. Whether they go on to win the award or not, the recognition alone cements Ohio State’s status as a defensive powerhouse and sets a new benchmark for future teams.