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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jake Diebler’s Seat Getting Toasty in Columbus

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Kaleb Kraus | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 7:00 AM ET

It’s become the new norm around Ohio State basketball. The Buckeyes bring in a coach, he lasts around four seasons, and then it’s back to the drawing board. This time around, Jake Diebler’s seat is getting very warm. His team has taken a step in the right direction in his third season, but it is likely already too late. Especially if the Buckeyes fail to reach the Big Dance again.

Diebler has brought in some good talent to play for the Buckeyes, including now-senior Bruce Thornton, who has stayed loyal, as has Devin Royal. For whatever reason, Ohio State just can’t get it right.

Jake Diebler’s Seat Getting Toasty in Columbus

Flash back to the 2023-24 season when Ohio State removed its previous coach, Chris Holtmann. Jake Diebler led the Buckeyes to an 8-3 record to finish the season, advancing to the Quarterfinals of the NIT. That included a very impressive first win over a No. 2-ranked Purdue team. That has been a little bit of the way Diebler’s tenure has gone. He’s found a way to lead the Buckeyes to some nice wins, especially early in the season, only for Ohio State to fall apart down the stretch.

Though Ohio State sits 15-8 (7-6), many NCAA tournament projections have the Buckeyes on the Bubble. They need to get the team in the dance. It has been too long since they were dancing in March. Ohio State hasn’t been to the NCAA tournament since 2022. You have to go back even further for the last time they competed for a Big Ten Championship.

2012 was the last time Ohio State won the Big Ten in basketball. They have seven NCAA tournament births since 2012. Obviously, this squad isn’t competing at the top of the Big Ten, and their most recent loss against rival Michigan all but killed any positive vibes in Columbus.

Feb 8, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Bruce Thornton (2) reacts after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Was it the Wrong Hire?

Jake comes from a strong Buckeye tree, given his brother Jon Diebler was a great player in his days at Ohio State. So when Jake got the full-time Ohio State job, many were shocked, actually. Not that he didn’t earn the chance, especially when he worked under Thad Matta, who was the last coach to get the Buckeyes to a Final Four, let alone win the conference. He obviously also coached under Holtmann and took over the Buckeyes when he was fired in 2023-24.

You do have to question if it was the right move. He’s been a great recruiter, but for whatever reason, the Buckeyes continue to be middle of the pack as best in the Big Ten.

On the Bubble for the NCAA Tournament

The pivotal part of the schedule is here for the Buckeyes. As they prepare for USC to visit Columbus, they sit as one of the last teams into the field, according to ESPN’s Joe Linardi. That game is going to be pivotal, especially when they also have to prepare for a non-conference tilt with a top-25-ranked Virginia Cavaliers team as well.

Talk about trying to take care of your business. Ohio State needs to make the NCAA tournament, for its own sake, not to mention Coach Diebler.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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