Ohio State Buckeyes guard Taison Chatman (3) prepares play defense in the first half of the NCAA men’s basketball game Value City Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

Buckeyes Prevail, Mobley Jr. And Chatman Shine

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Noah Adkins | Last updated Jan 27, 2026 3:00 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes pulled off another must-win victory, this time thanks to an unlikely hero. Taison Chatman , who had been averaging just 1.9 points per game, stepped up and lifted the Buckeyes to an 84-78 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Chatman Makes His Mark

Redshirt sophomore guard Taison Chatman has had a remarkable start to his college basketball journey. A five-star recruit out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Chatman arrived at Ohio State with high expectations.

Before his freshman season, he tore his meniscus, requiring surgery and causing him to miss most of the year. Last summer, he suffered a torn ACL in the same knee, sidelining him for his sophomore season.

This season, he finally got his chance to prove himself. Through the first 19 games, he had logged more than 10 minutes in only two contests.

That changed last night. With an injury-riddled roster, the Buckeyes needed production off the bench, and Chatman delivered. In 17 minutes, he scored a career-high 11 points, grabbed two rebounds, recorded an assist and shot an impressive 66.7 percent from the field in Ohio State’s win.

Mobley Jr. Continues His Hot Streak

Ohio State Buckeyes guard John Mobley Jr. (0) celebrates a three pointer behind Penn State Nittany Lions guard Melih Tunca (9) during the second half of the NCAA men’s basketball game at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus on Jan. 26, 2026. Ohio State won 84-78.

John Mobley Jr. continued his scorching streak last night, marking his fourth straight game scoring 22 points or more. Over these four contests, Mobley Jr. has shot an impressive 51.6 percent from the field and 46.5 percent from three-point range.

Against Penn State, he turned in another standout performance, recording 25 points, five assists and three steals in 38 minutes.

End Of My Ohio State Buckeyes Rant

The Buckeyes improved to 14-5 with last night’s win, avoiding a potentially damaging Quad 3 loss at home. They now have four days to rest and prepare for a matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison.

If Ohio State can get healthy over the next few days and pull off a road win, it would be a huge boost to its résumé.

Catch the Buckeyes vs. the Badgers this Saturday at 2 p.m. on FOX.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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