Power Rankings for Women’s College Basketball: Could Ohio State, Currently Undefeated, Make a Late Comeback?

As the 2024-2025 Women’s College Basketball season reaches its midpoint, the landscape of the sport is as competitive and unpredictable as ever. Dominant programs like South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn continue to be the teams to beat, but there is a surprising contender making waves: the Ohio State Buckeyes. Currently undefeated, Ohio State has steadily moved up in the national rankings, building momentum as the season progresses. But with a slew of powerhouse programs still lurking in the wings, the question on everyone’s mind is: can Ohio State make a late comeback and position itself for a deep run in the NCAA tournament?

In this article, we will explore Ohio State’s current standing in the landscape of Women’s College Basketball, examine the factors that have contributed to their strong start, and assess the potential for them to continue their unbeaten run. We will also analyze their place in the larger context of the NCAA, considering the strengths and weaknesses of their roster, the challenges that lie ahead, and the historical trends in women’s college basketball that might influence their chances of making a late tournament run.

Ohio State’s Current Position

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been nothing short of impressive this season, entering the midpoint of the 2024-2025 campaign with an undefeated record. While the team has traditionally been competitive in the Big Ten and at the national level, this year’s squad appears poised to make a deep run in the tournament. At the time of writing, Ohio State is ranked in the top ten of the national polls and has demonstrated consistent dominance both in conference play and out of it.

In terms of offense, Ohio State has been led by their star players, particularly the dynamic scoring abilities of their key athletes. The Buckeyes’ offensive system is predicated on a fast-paced, high-scoring style, and they have averaged over 80 points per game this season. While the Big Ten is known for its physical style of play, Ohio State has managed to combine toughness with finesse, creating a balanced and potent offensive attack.

Defensively, Ohio State has also been impressive. Their ability to shut down opponents, particularly in critical moments, has been a key factor in their undefeated streak. The team’s full-court press and ability to turn defense into fast-break offense have made them one of the most dangerous teams in the nation.

Despite their impressive play, Ohio State’s schedule has not been without its challenges. Early-season victories over ranked teams helped establish them as a legitimate contender, but as the season progresses, the strength of the competition will increase. Can the Buckeyes sustain their momentum and build upon their undefeated record as they face tougher opponents?

Key Factors Behind Ohio State’s Success

1. Strong Leadership and Coaching

At the helm of Ohio State’s women’s basketball program is head coach Kevin McGuff, a seasoned leader with a track record of success. McGuff’s coaching philosophy is centered around creating an up-tempo style of play, emphasizing transition offense and aggressive defense. His ability to adapt to different challenges and tweak his strategy to fit his team’s strengths has been crucial to Ohio State’s undefeated start.

McGuff has done an exceptional job of bringing together a roster of talented players and getting them to play cohesively. His emphasis on team chemistry and player development has allowed Ohio State to grow stronger as the season has progressed, and it will be interesting to see how he handles the increased pressure as the Buckeyes approach the latter stages of the season.

2. Elite Players on the Roster

While Ohio State is a well-coached team with solid depth, the contributions of its standout players cannot be overlooked. The team’s success starts with their star athletes, who have been consistently dominant on both ends of the floor.

• Jacy Sheldon: One of the most talented and experienced players in women’s college basketball, Sheldon is Ohio State’s focal point on offense. A dynamic scorer with the ability to create her own shot, Sheldon has consistently been a game-changer for the Buckeyes. She brings versatility, with the ability to play both guard and forward positions, and has become known for her clutch performances in big games.
• Taylor Mikesell: A seasoned veteran and one of the top shooters in the country, Mikesell has provided the Buckeyes with scoring from beyond the arc. Her ability to space the floor and shoot with precision has made Ohio State a difficult team to defend. Mikesell’s shooting has helped open up driving lanes for her teammates and stretched opposing defenses.
• Eboni Walker: A dominant presence in the post, Walker has been an anchor for Ohio State on both sides of the court. Her rebounding ability, coupled with her shot-blocking skills, has helped the Buckeyes control the paint. Her physicality in the low post has made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
• Sierra Cheatham: A versatile forward, Cheatham has been an important contributor on both offense and defense. Her length and agility make her a difficult defender, and her ability to score from inside and outside has given Ohio State flexibility in their offensive schemes.

These players, along with a solid supporting cast, have given Ohio State one of the most balanced and talented rosters in the country.

3. Defensive Tenacity and Depth

While Ohio State is known for its explosive offense, the team’s defense has been equally impressive this season. The Buckeyes have a reputation for being relentless on defense, with an ability to stifle opposing teams with aggressive full-court presses and suffocating half-court defense. They’ve been able to force turnovers, which have often translated into easy transition buckets.

Ohio State’s depth also plays a key role in their defensive prowess. They have several players capable of guarding multiple positions, and their ability to rotate fresh bodies in and out of the lineup allows them to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game. As they move through the tougher parts of their schedule, this depth will prove invaluable.

Can Ohio State Make a Late Comeback?

Despite their impressive start, Ohio State faces a number of challenges that could impact their chances of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Let’s examine the potential hurdles that could stand in their way, and whether the Buckeyes have what it takes to overcome them.

1. Tougher Competition Ahead

While Ohio State has dominated many of its early-season games, they have yet to face some of the elite teams in the country that will test their resilience. The Big Ten, while a competitive conference, may not provide the same level of intensity as some of the other top conferences like the SEC or Pac-12. As Ohio State enters the second half of the season, their matchups with top-ranked teams will become increasingly difficult.

Programs like South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn boast rosters filled with WNBA-caliber talent. These teams are seasoned in high-pressure situations, and the Buckeyes will need to prove that they can hang with the best. While Ohio State has the talent to compete with these programs, they will need to execute at an elite level to overcome their competition.

2. Depth and Health

Although Ohio State has a deep roster, maintaining player health and managing fatigue throughout the remainder of the season will be key. The physicality of women’s college basketball can take a toll on players, especially during conference play and the grind of tournament time. If the Buckeyes experience injuries or if their star players are forced to play heavy minutes, it could negatively impact their performance in the postseason.

Depth is one of Ohio State’s greatest strengths, but it will need to be tested in big games. Players like Sheldon, Mikesell, and Walker will likely be relied upon heavily as the season progresses, and the team’s success will depend on their ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level when it matters most.

3. March Madness Pressure

While Ohio State has looked impressive in regular-season play, the pressure of the NCAA tournament is a different beast. The “March Madness” environment, with its single-elimination format and high-stakes games, can be overwhelming for any team. Ohio State will need to keep their composure in crunch time and execute their game plan under the bright lights. Tournament experience can often make the difference in tight games, and Ohio State’s relative lack of deep tournament runs in recent years may pose a challenge.

4. Mental Toughness and Leadership

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Ohio State will need to demonstrate mental toughness in the postseason. The ability to overcome adversity—whether it’s a poor shooting night, a close game, or a tough opponent—is essential for a deep tournament run. The Buckeyes will need strong leadership on the court, especially from their seniors like Sheldon and Mikesell, to guide them through the highs and lows of the tournament.