Carly: It is a massive turnover in Columbus. We are talking about a point guard crisis that could derail the entire season before a single ball is tipped, all while the program secures nearly seventeen million dollars a year from a new jersey patch deal. How do you balance the checkbook when the floor is on fire? That is exactly what we are unpacking today.
Doug: It’s a paradox, Carly. You have financial security, but you have a severe lack of ball-handling stability. And now, with Milan Momcilovic heading to Kentucky, the depth chart looks even thinner than we feared last week. It’s going to be a long season if the execution doesn’t improve.
Carly: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Carly, and this is your daily dose of Big Ten basketball. Joining me as always is our lead analyst, Doug. Doug, we’ve been tracking Ohio State’s eighth-place standing prediction for days now, but today we’re shifting gears. We’re opening the mailbag. Three things coming up: first, the fallout from Milan Momcilovic’s transfer to Kentucky and what it means for the backcourt; second, how the new JPMorganChase partnership changes the landscape for the athletic department; and third, that bizarre executive order from Governor DeWine regarding the 2022 athletes. Let’s dive into the questions.
Carly: Our first question comes from Marcus in Chicago. He writes: 'I heard Milan Momcilovic transferred to Kentucky. Does this finally kill the hope for a top-four finish in the Big Ten?'
Doug: Marcus, thanks for writing in. Look, if we were talking about a top-four finish three months ago, maybe there was a sliver of hope. But with Milan gone, and already facing a critical point guard crisis, the math just doesn't work for the upper tier. The loss of his ball-handling skills exacerbates the issues we discussed on the ninth. Without improved handling, the offense stalls. I stand by my prediction: eighth place is the realistic ceiling right now.
Carly: And Doug, earlier this week we mentioned that a ten-win season is possible but fragile. Does losing Milan make those ten wins much harder to come by?
Doug: It makes them significantly harder. When you lose a key contributor like Milan, especially in a system that relies on specific rotations and spacing, you don't just replace him with another player; you have to change how the team plays. If the point guard spot remains unstable, turnovers increase. Turnovers lead to fast-break points for opponents. In the Big Ten, where half-court execution is king, giving away possessions is fatal. So yes, the ten wins are still theoretically possible, but they will require perfect health and unexpected depth contributions.
Carly: Next question comes from @BuckeyeFan88 online. He asks: 'The headlines say Ohio State signed a lucrative deal with JPMorganChase for jersey patches, yielding nearly $17 million per year. Can’t this money solve the roster problems? Why isn't the mood more optimistic?'
Doug: This is the central tension of the current narrative. The JPMorganChase deal is fantastic for the athletic department's bottom line. Nearly $17 million annually provides financial security, allows for better facilities, and helps with NIL collectives. But money cannot instantly fix on-court execution. You can buy a better trainer, but you can’t buy a player who suddenly develops elite pick-and-roll decision-making overnight. The roster losses, like Milan’s departure, create a vacuum that cash alone cannot fill immediately. It’s a long-term asset, not a short-term bandage.
Carly: Right. So the front office is secure, but the coaching staff is still trying to figure out who runs the offense against Michigan’s pressure. Speaking of which, let’s talk about the other big headline: Governor Doug DeWine signing an executive order allowing 2022 athletes to play, despite NCAA guidance excluding those who have played four seasons. What does this mean for Ohio State?
Doug: This is a huge development. If Ohio State has any players affected by this 2022 cohort rule, this executive order essentially gives them eligibility where the NCAA guidance said no. It adds potential depth. However, we have to be careful here. This doesn't magically create new talent; it only restores eligibility for existing roster members or transfers who fit that specific criteria. It’s a win for roster construction flexibility, but it doesn't address the immediate point guard void caused by Milan leaving for Kentucky.
Carly: So, it’s a boost, but not a cure-all. One last question for this segment from Sarah in Columbus. She asks: 'With Denzel Aberdeen returning to Michigan, and Ohio State dealing with these internal issues, is the gap between the two teams widening in the Big Ten race?'
Doug: Sarah, that’s a fair concern. Denzel Aberdeen’s return stabilizes Michigan’s bracketology profile and gives them a clear favorite status in many early projections. Meanwhile, Ohio State is navigating a point guard crisis and roster instability. Yes, the gap is widening. Michigan has stability; Ohio State has chaos. Unless Ohio State finds a sudden surge in backcourt efficiency, Michigan will likely pull ahead in the standings. Our eighth-place prediction for Ohio State looks even more accurate now compared to last week.
Carly: Okay, so we’ve covered the crisis, the cash, and the controversy. Before we move on to roster battles, I need to pause for a moment. We believe in keeping this show free for everyone, with no ads and no paywall. That model only works because of listeners like you who chip in to help keep the lights on and the research fresh. If you value honest, daily analysis without the fluff, please consider supporting us via the link in the episode description. Every bit helps us stay independent and focused on the game. Thanks for listening.
Carly: Welcome back. We’re diving into Segment Two: Roster and Depth Chart Battles. Our first question here is from Tyler in Ann Arbor. He asks: 'If Milan Momcilovic is gone, who steps up in the frontcourt? Is the stability we talked about last week actually real?'
Doug: Tyler, great question. Last week we noted that frontcourt stability is offset by the point guard crisis. Now, with Milan moving to Kentucky, that stability is tested. The remaining big men have to absorb more minutes and take on larger roles in the post. But here’s the tactical issue: if the point guards can’t deliver the ball effectively due to pressure, the big men get isolated. They end up facing double-teams with no escape valve. It’s not just about who is physically present; it’s about whether the spacing allows them to operate. Right now, the spacing is compromised by the backcourt issues.
Carly: So, the frontcourt is waiting on the backcourt to wake up. What about the point guard position specifically? Who is actually running the show in practice?
Doug: That’s the million-dollar question, literally, given the JPMorganChase deal. But tactically, it’s a mystery. We haven’t seen a clear winner emerge yet. The coaching staff is likely looking at younger players or walk-ons to see who has the courage to handle the press. Without a proven veteran like Milan, expect a lot of transition errors early in the season. The risk of turnovers is high because the primary ball-handler is inexperienced under pressure.
Carly: From @HoopsHustle_99: 'How does the JPMorganChase deal impact recruiting for next year? Can they use that money to bring in a savior guard?'
Doug: @HoopsHustle_99, this is where the long-term vision matters. While the $17 million helps with facility upgrades and NIL support, which attracts recruits, it doesn’t guarantee immediate solutions for this season. Recruiting takes time. A star guard committed now won’t suit up until the following season. For 2026-27, Ohio State has to work with the hand they were dealt. The financial deal secures their future competitiveness, but it doesn’t fix the current roster hole. They have to survive this season with what they have.
Carly: Let’s look at the defensive side. With the roster losses, is rim protection still a strength? Or are they vulnerable inside?
Doug: Rim protection is always tied to confidence, and confidence comes from offensive flow. If the offense is stagnant because of poor ball-handling, the defense gets tired. Players who are forced to run full-court presses defensively often fatigue quickly. So, while the physical tools might be there, the systemic issues hurt their ability to rotate and protect the rim consistently. It’s a cascade effect. Fix the offense, and the defense breathes easier.
Carly: One more for this segment. From Jessica in Dayton: 'Does the executive order for 2022 athletes open the door for a transfer portal addition to help the backcourt?'
Doug: Jessica, that’s a clever angle. If there are eligible players from the 2022 class available in the portal who were previously blocked by NCAA rules, Ohio State could potentially grab one. However, the window is closing. With games tipping soon, finding a ready-made solution in the portal is difficult. Most viable options are likely already committed elsewhere. It’s a slim chance, but not impossible. It adds a layer of intrigue to the final roster cuts.
Carly: Alright, we’re in the final stretch. Segment Three: Hypotheticals and Lightning Round. First, a fun one from Mike in Toledo. He asks: 'If Ohio State had to pick one thing to fix instantly—the point guard crisis or the lack of rim protection—which would save the season?'
Doug: Mike, this is a tough call, but I’ll go with fixing the point guard crisis. Why? Because poor ball-handling leads directly to turnovers, and turnovers lead to easy baskets for the opponent. In the Big Ten, where scoring is often low, giving up easy points is unsustainable. Rim protection is important, but if you can’t get the ball down the floor efficiently, you’re not even testing the opponent’s rim protection. Fix the engine, and the rest follows.
Carly: I agree. An offense that doesn’t turn the ball over can grind out wins even with mediocre defense. Now, lightning round! First quick take: Is the JPMorganChase deal the best recruitment tool in the Big Ten right now?
Doug: Absolutely. Nearly $17 million a year is unprecedented leverage. It signals stability and ambition. For recruits thinking about their future financial security, this is a massive selling point.
Carly: Second quick take: Will Ohio State miss the tournament entirely if they finish eighth?
Doug: Finishing eighth doesn’t automatically knock you out, but it puts you in the bubble conversation. Given the current trajectory, it’s a dangerous spot. One bad loss could eliminate them.
Carly: Final quick take: Did Governor DeWine’s order help Ohio State more than any other Big Ten school?
Doug: Hard to say definitively without knowing every roster, but since Ohio State has faced significant roster volatility, any extra eligibility boost is valuable. It helps stabilize the depth chart.
Carly: To recap: Ohio State faces a severe point guard crisis worsened by Milan Momcilovic’s transfer to Kentucky, but the new JPMorganChase deal provides crucial financial stability for the future. We predict an eighth-place finish, with ten wins being a fragile target. If you enjoyed this deep dive, please subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Share it with a friend who needs to hear the truth. Go Bucks!