Carly: You are not ready for the roster chaos coming out of Columbus. We have a governor signing orders, a bank dropping seventeen million dollars, and a point guard spot that is completely wide open. Stick with us.
Doug: It is exactly what we feared. The infrastructure is there, but the personnel? That is the question mark.
Carly: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Carly, and this is your daily deep dive into Ohio State Buckeyes basketball. I’m joined by my resident analyst, Doug.
Doug: Hey everyone. Good to be back. Today we are doing a full mailbag, answering your questions on the biggest storylines heading into the 2026-27 season.
Carly: Here is the roadmap. First, we tackle the Governor DeWine executive order and what it means for the 2022 cohort. Second, we break down the point guard vacancy left by Milan Momcilovic. And third, we answer your hypotheticals about the JPMorganChase deal impacting actual court spacing. Let’s get into it.
Carly: First up, we have a question from Sarah in Columbus asking about the legal side of things. She writes: 'Can you explain the Governor DeWine order again? Does this mean we just get free players added to the roster overnight?'
Doug: It’s a specific legislative maneuver, Sarah. Governor Doug DeWine signed an executive order allowing athletes from the 2022 class to play in 2026-27, even though NCAA guidance currently excludes those who have already played four seasons. It creates a state-level exemption for eligibility purposes.
Carly: So it’s not magic. It’s a waiver. But does it actually help the team right now?
Doug: It adds depth. In the Big Ten, depth is everything. If you have guys who have already taken the college game seriously, they don’t need a redshirt year to adjust to the pace. They can contribute immediately.
Carly: @BuckeyeFan99 asks a tougher question: 'If these 2022 athletes are so good, why didn’t they play earlier? Is the program hiding talent?'
Doug: No hiding. It’s compliance. The NCAA rules were tight. Once the landscape shifted and the Governor stepped in, it became viable. These players likely sat out due to prior service or eligibility windows closing. Now, the door is open.
Carly: Marcus in Cleveland wants to know about the financial side. 'How does the JPMorganChase deal change the recruiting trail?'
Doug: Nearly $17 million per year. That is massive. It allows for enhanced facilities, better travel, and more resources for support staff. It doesn’t buy wins directly, but it buys competitiveness. In a conference like the Big Ten, that margin matters.
Carly: But does cash fix a broken rotation? That brings us to our next segment. The point guard spot. Last time we talked, we mentioned Milan Momcilovic's departure. Who is stepping up?
Carly: Jenna from Westerville asks: 'Who is the favorite to start at point guard if Momcilovic is gone? Is it a returning player or a transfer?'
Doug: The brief doesn't list specific new transfers yet, but the void is real. We need someone who can handle pressure. The current depth chart is thin there. Without a proven ball-handler, the offense stagnates.
Carly: Right. If you can’t push the pace, you’re playing half-court against Michigan and Purdue every night. That’s a recipe for low efficiency.
Doug: Exactly. Shot selection suffers when the primary initiator is pressured. You end up with contested mid-range jumpers instead of open looks off the dribble. It changes the entire offensive identity.
Carly: Tyler in Dayton chimes in: 'What if they promote a freshman? Is that risky?'
Doug: It’s high risk, high reward. Freshmen can bring energy and speed, but they make mistakes. In the Big Ten, one bad pass leads to a transition dunk for the opponent. Switching defenses exploit hesitation.
Carly: So, is the prediction still ten to twelve wins?
Doug: Yes. Eighteenth in the Big Ten is too optimistic. Eighth place is realistic if the guard play stabilizes. But if the point guard spot remains empty, those wins slip away. Turnovers kill momentum.
Carly: Let’s move to Segment Three. Hypotheticals and lightning rounds. Kevin in Akron asks: 'If JPMorganChase paid the coaches personally, would they take less money to stay at Ohio State?'
Doug: That’s a conflict of interest nightmare. The deal is for the athletic program, $17 million annually. It goes to the university, not personal pockets. Direct payments are illegal under NCAA amateurism rules, even with state orders.
Carly: Okay, fair point. Lightning round. First question: 'Is the Big Ten the hardest conference in history?'
Doug: Up there. Yes. The physicality, the switching, the pace—it’s grueling. Every team has size.
Carly: Second: 'Will Denzel Aberdeen’s re-addition affect Ohio State’s bracketology chances?'
Doug: Aberdeen is mentioned in the context of the 2025 champions and early favorites. His presence strengthens the overall field, making Ohio State’s path harder. You have to earn every seed.
Carly: Third: 'Best player in the 2026 recruiting class?'
Doug: Beckham Black. He’s leading the top 25 list. Seniors, juniors, sophomores—he’s the standard.
Carly: Final question from @HoopsHero: 'Should Ohio State trade their JPMorgan patch for a better PG?'
Doug: You don’t trade a $17 million annual partnership. That’s institutional stability. You recruit for the guard spot. You develop it. You don’t sell the future for a short-term fix.
Carly: We’ve covered the DeWine order, the guard void, and the money trail. Our prediction stands: eighth in the Big Ten, around ten to twelve wins. But it all hinges on who handles the rock.
Doug: Efficient shot selection and switching will determine if those wins materialize. Keep an eye on the depth chart updates.
Carly: If today’s breakdown helped you understand the stakes, please consider supporting the show. Your contribution keeps this content free and daily. Just click the link in the episode description to chip in. We appreciate you.
Doug: Thanks for listening. Stay tuned for more Buckeyes coverage.
Carly: I’m Carly, this is Doug. Go Bucks!