Ohio State doesn’t have the luxury of lingering after a rivalry loss, and Jake Diebler doesn’t want it that way anyway as USC visits Columbus.

With USC coming to the Schottenstein Center on Wednesday night, the Buckeyes find themselves back in a familiar spot this season: responding. Ohio State has not dropped back-to-back games all year, a reflection of what Diebler continues to emphasize as a resilient, mature group that prepares well even when results haven’t always followed.

That ability to bounce back, however, must now translate into longer stretches of consistent basketball against a USC team built to punish mistakes.

“We need to play at the level we’re capable of longer, especially against high-level teams,” Diebler said Monday.

Diebler & Staff “Coach in Truth”

Jake, you said on Sunday that you guys coach in truth. After watching the film, did what you saw during the game align with the film review?

Diebler didn’t sugarcoat what showed up on film. What Ohio State felt immediately after the loss aligned with what the tape confirmed, particularly on the glass and in moments where physicality mattered most. It wasn’t an effort issue. It was execution.

Rebounding and turnovers continue to be the two areas Diebler pointed to as swing factors, especially in a league where momentum changes quickly and possessions matter. Against high-level opponents, Ohio State has demonstrated its ability to prepare at a high level and execute a game plan; however, sustaining that execution through adversity remains the next step.

It’s also worth noting again that Michigan attempted 17 more shots than Ohio State on Sunday. The Buckeyes must improve on the glass because no team can overcome that wide a shot gap and expect to win.

“We’ve practiced with great consistency most of the year,” Diebler said. “We’ve struggled to play with that same consistency throughout some games.”

That theme becomes even more relevant against USC, a team comfortable turning games into grinders and capitalizing when opponents beat themselves. Diebler’s team is also looking to avoid dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season. 

USC enters Columbus as one of the league’s most difficult matchups late in games. The Trojans have won six one-possession games and lead the conference in free throw attempts. Diebler views that statistic as skill-based and intentional.

“They put officials in a tough spot,” Diebler said. “They play with great physicality, and they have guys who are dynamic with the ball.”

For Ohio State, that creates a “game within the game.” Defensive technique, disciplined rotations, and avoiding bailout fouls will be critical, according to Diebler. USC is going to get to the line, but Ohio State can’t help them get there.

Ohio State, when it is playing its best basketball, also lives at the free-throw line. Diebler believes that balance — defending without fouling while maintaining aggression offensively — will be central Wednesday night.

USC’s comfort in close games mirrors Ohio State’s own experience this season. Diebler emphasized that end-of-game preparation is a constant theme in practice. 

The Buckeyes have been drilling late-game scenarios since June, emphasizing clarity and instinct instead of overthinking. When games tighten, execution has to be automatic and reactive, according to the Buckeye head coach.

Those moments, Diebler noted, are where leadership, offensive organization, and decision-making separate teams in this league.

Health, Availability, and Rotation Notes

• Brandon Noel continues to trend in the right direction. While not imminent, Ohio State remains hopeful he can return before the end of the season.

• Puff Johnson is day-to-day and hopes to get a full practice in today. His availability against USC will likely be a game-time decision.

Jake Diebler said Puff Johnson is day-to-day. He hopes to get a full practice in today, and will be a game-time decision against USC, barring any unforeseen setbacks.

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) February 10, 2026

• Amare Bynum remains a developmental focus. Diebler emphasized clarity, energy, and physicality, encouraging the freshman to rely on his instincts and impact the game beyond the box score.

• John Mobley continues to receive consistent coaching regardless of production. Diebler reiterated his confidence in Mobley’s ability to respond and grow.

“If you prepare well and keep working, it’s only a matter of time,” Diebler said.

What’s Ahead for Ohio State After USC:

How does it feel to be playing a good ACC opponent in the middle of the Big Ten schedule? 

While Virginia looms later in the week, Diebler was clear that Ohio State’s mindset doesn’t change. Every game carries weight because of the standard of the program.

“This is the best time of year,” Diebler said. “We need to be our most connected and tough version of ourselves.”

Jake Diebler on Ohio State’s mindset and ability the rest of the season:

🗣️ “I believe we are positioned to play our best basketball down the stretch.” pic.twitter.com/dHHGNjS02C

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) February 10, 2026

Ohio State believes it is still positioned to accomplish meaningful goals this season. The path forward starts with defending home court and playing tougher for longer stretches.

Tomorrow’s conference matchup between two teams desperate to stay in the NCAA Tournament mix will tipoff at 6:30 pm on FS1.