If you walked into the Schottenstein Center lately, you’d notice something has shifted. It’s not just the noise. There is this frantic, calculated energy on the floor that honestly makes you feel out of breath just watching. Most people think they know what to expect from Kevin McGuff’s teams—the "Dub Chain," the full-court press, and a bunch of points. But ohio state basketball women in 2026 is a whole different beast than the squads we saw even two years ago.
The Buckeyes aren't just winning; they're reinventing how they play.
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The Jaloni Cambridge Factor
Let’s be real. If you haven't seen Jaloni Cambridge play, you’re missing the best show in the Big Ten. Last Sunday in College Park, she basically dismantled No. 8 Maryland single-handedly. 28 points. 9 rebounds. 8 assists. She even snagged her 100th career steal in that game.
She's a sophomore. Let that sink in for a second.
Usually, when a star like Jacy Sheldon or Celeste Taylor moves on, there’s a massive "figuring it out" phase. Not here. Jaloni has stepped into that void and turned the volume up. She was just named the Naismith Player of the Week for a reason. She doesn't just run the point; she dictates the heartbeat of the entire roster.
Why the "Press" looks different now
For years, the Buckeyes were known for a press that was essentially a gamble. They’d force a turnover, or they’d give up a layup. High risk, high reward. Basically, it was a rollercoaster.
This year? It’s more like a vice.
The length on this team is absurd. You’ve got Elsa Lemmilä, a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Finland, anchoring the middle. Then you have Kylee Kitts, a redshirt freshman who just dropped 18 points on Maryland and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. When you put that kind of size behind a backcourt of Jaloni and her sister Kennedy Cambridge, the passing lanes just... disappear.
Ohio State is currently sitting at 15-2 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten. Their only losses came against UConn and a tough UCLA squad. They’re ranked No. 14 in the AP poll, but if you look at the way they’re handling top-10 opponents, that number feels low.
The Veteran Glue
While the young stars get the headlines, Chance Gray is the one keeping the wheels from falling off. The senior guard, who transferred in from Oregon, provides that steady, "I’ve been here before" presence. She’s averaging double figures and playing heavy minutes because McGuff trusts her to make the right read every single time.
Then there's the chemistry.
Watching the Cambridge sisters play together is sort of like watching a hive mind. They know where the other is going before the person moving even does. Kennedy’s defensive intensity is the perfect foil to Jaloni’s offensive wizardry. It’s rare to see a family dynamic work this well on a high-level Power 4 stage without it getting messy.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that Ohio State is just a "track meet" team. People think if you can slow them down, you beat them.
That might have been true in 2022. It isn't true now.
They can actually play in the half-court. Lemmilä is a legit post threat who can pass out of the double team. The team is shooting 45.9% from the field, which is 39th in the country. They aren't just chucking up threes and hoping for the best; they’re hunting high-percentage looks.
The Road Ahead: Yacht Rock and Nittany Lions
Tonight, the Buckeyes are hosting Penn State for "Yacht Rock Night." It sounds goofy—wearing Hawaiian shirts to a basketball game—but it’s indicative of the culture in Columbus right now. There’s a lightness to this team. They’re having fun.
Penn State is coming in at 7-10 and 0-6 in the conference, so on paper, this looks like a blowout. But in the Big Ten, "trap games" are everywhere. Penn State has Gracie Merkle, who is shooting a ridiculous 74.6% from the floor. If the Buckeyes come in sleepy after the Maryland high, things could get weird.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re following ohio state basketball women this season, here is how to actually track their progress toward a deep March run:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: The Buckeyes lead the league in several hustle categories, but their "points off turnovers" stat is the number that wins them games. If they're under 15 points off TOs, they're in trouble.
- Monitor Elsa Lemmilä's Minutes: Against elite size (like UCLA or potentially South Carolina later), Elsa is the "Great Equalizer." Her ability to stay out of foul trouble is the most underrated key to their season.
- The February Gauntlet: Mark your calendars for February 22nd. That’s when Southern California comes to town. That game will likely decide if the Buckeyes get a top-2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The "Dub Chain" is still a thing, but the team wearing it has evolved. They’re tougher, bigger, and more disciplined than the teams of the recent past. Kevin McGuff has found a way to blend extreme youth with veteran poise, and right now, it’s looking like a recipe for a trip to the Final Four.
To keep up with the team, check the official Ohio State Athletics site for ticket availability for the upcoming home stretch against Michigan and Michigan State in late February. If you're watching from home, the B1G+ app is your best bet for the midweek games that aren't on national TV. Pay attention to the bench rotation in these January matchups; seeing how deep McGuff goes with players like T'yana Todd and Ava Watson will tell you everything you need to know about their durability for the postseason.