Ohio State is set to host Minnesota on January 20, 2026, for their only matchup of the year. The game will take place at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, with a tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. It will be broadcast live on BTN and available on the Ohio State Radio Network, featuring Paul Keels and former Buckeye Ron Stokes.
Historical Context of the Matchup
This encounter marks the 160th meeting between the two teams. Ohio State leads the all-time series with a record of 92 wins to 62 losses. They have an impressive 14-2 record against Minnesota at the Schottenstein Center, though two of those losses occurred in recent years.
Recent Performance
Last year, the teams faced off once, resulting in an exhilarating double-overtime victory for Ohio State, 89-88. Devin Royal had a crucial dunk that capped an impressive comeback from a seven-point deficit late in the game. Five Buckeyes scored in double figures, with Royal leading the way with 19 points.
Currently, Ohio State is coming off a strong performance, defeating UCLA 86-74. John Mobley Jr. excelled with a career-high 28 points, including six three-pointers. Devin Royal contributed 22 points and nine rebounds, while Bruce Thornton added 21 points and eight rebounds, maintaining his status as one of the top scorers in the Big Ten.
Key Players to Watch
- Bruce Thornton: Averaging 20.5 points, he ranks third in the Big Ten and is seventh on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list.
- John Mobley Jr.: Has made a three-pointer in every game this season, totaling 48 three-pointers.
- Devin Royal: Currently on a streak of 13 consecutive games scoring 10 or more points, important for Ohio State’s success.
- Christoph Tilly: Just seven points shy of 1,000 for his career and averaging 2.5 assists per game.
Minnesota’s Current Situation
On the other hand, Minnesota started the season strong with five consecutive wins. However, they have recently struggled with three consecutive losses, bringing their overall record to 10-8 and 3-4 in the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers have demonstrated control with an impressive average of just 6.0 turnovers per game, ranking them in the top 15 nationally.
Game Information and Tickets
Tickets for the game are available through OhioStateBuckeyes.com, offering options for season passes, single-game tickets, and group plans. Fans can also call the Ohio State Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-GOBUCKS for assistance.
This matchup presents an exciting opportunity for both teams, as they look to secure a vital win in the competitive Big Ten conference.
