Buckeyes' Big Ten Reign Isn't Over, But They've Got Company
Ohio State women's basketball isn't just a Big Ten contender anymore; they're the team everyone's still trying to figure out how to beat. Sure, Caitlin Clark might be gone from Iowa, but the Buckeyes, fresh off their second consecutive outright Big Ten regular season title, aren't exactly waltzing into next season unchallenged. They finished the 2023-24 campaign 26-6 overall, 16-2 in conference play, and snagged a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament before falling to — you guessed it — Clark and the Hawkeyes in the Sweet Sixteen. That loss, 89-68, stung, no doubt, but it also showed just how high the ceiling is for this program.
Thing is, the Big Ten is getting deeper. Maryland, Michigan, and even a resurgent Indiana under Teri Moren are recruiting well and developing talent. Last season, Ohio State beat Maryland twice, including a dominant 79-66 win at home in January, but dropped a nail-biter to Michigan, 69-60, in Ann Arbor. Those games are going to matter even more now that the target on OSU's back is bigger than ever.
Form and Stats
**Cotie McMahon's Next Leap**
The Buckeyes' engine, Jacy Sheldon, is off to the WNBA after averaging 17.8 points per game and shooting 50.5% from the field in her final season. That's a huge void. But here's where Cotie McMahon steps in. She's not just a scorer; she's a force. As a sophomore, McMahon averaged 14.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest, showing flashes of absolute brilliance, like her 26-point, 10-rebound effort against Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Now, she's got to take the reins.
McMahon's athleticism and ability to get to the rim are undeniable. But to truly become the undisputed leader, she'll need to refine her perimeter game and become a more consistent playmaker. Her assist numbers, just 2.4 per game last year, need a bump. And frankly, the Big Ten is going to throw double teams at her all night. If she can average north of 18 points and closer to 4 assists, Ohio State will be in great shape. Don't sleep on Celeste Taylor either, who averaged 10.1 points and 4.1 assists and provides a veteran presence. Her return for a fifth year is absolutely vital, especially on the defensive end where she's a menace, racking up 2.4 steals per game in 2023-24.
Key Factors
**The Caitlin Clark Effect (and Aftermath)**
Look, the numbers surrounding Clark were unreal. She sold out arenas, shattered viewership records, and brought unprecedented attention to women's basketball. Ohio State's matchups against Iowa were appointment viewing, drawing massive crowds and TV ratings. The 100-92 regular season win over the Hawkeyes in Columbus in January was one of the games of the year, proof of how exciting these two teams were.
But here’s the hot take: while losing Clark is a blow to the overall *narrative* of the Big Ten, it actually makes the conference more competitive from top to bottom. No single player will dominate the headlines, forcing more attention onto team play and coaching strategies. Ohio State, with their relentless full-court press and defensive intensity, is perfectly positioned to thrive in this new landscape. They don't rely on one singular superstar; their system is the star. Coach Kevin McGuff has built a program that emphasizes depth, defense, and transition offense, a style that can wear down any opponent over 40 minutes. The 2023-24 Buckeyes averaged 79.5 points per game while forcing 20.3 turnovers. That's a winning formula.
What's Next
Ohio State will win the Big Ten regular season title again. But it won't be a cakewalk. They'll drop at least three conference games this time around, and a new face, possibly Indiana or a rejuvenated Michigan State squad, will push them harder than ever for the conference tournament crown.