Scarlet Sunrise: Where do Buckeyes land in Joe Lunardi's early bracketology projection for 2024?

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Where do Buckeyes land in Joe Lunardi’s early bracketology projection for 2024?

It’s never too early for looking ahead to the next year’s NCAA Tournament. Just ask ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi, who has already started projecting the field of 68.

In his May 2 projection, Ohio State is a “last four byes” team. Lunardi pits the Buckeyes as a 10 seed against seventh-seeded TCU in the Midwest region and, more specifically, Charlotte.

At the moment, Lunardi has nine Big Ten teams in the field, two more than any other conference. Last season, the Big Ten sent eight teams to The Dance, but they posted a combined record of 6-8, and the only one to reach the Sweet Sixteen was Michigan State.

The Big Ten is still looking for its first national champion since 2000. That year, the Spartans took home the title.

Ohio State is hoping to return to March Madness after missing out on the tournament for the first time since 2016-17 last year (aside from the 2019-20 season when the tourney was canceled because of COVID-19). The Buckeyes had made the tournament the other four years it was held during head coach Chris Holtmann’s tenure.

The pressure is on for Holtmann and his staff to not only get Ohio State back in the field of 68 but also make a run. The Buckeyes have yet to make it past the Round of 32 under Holtmann. Ohio State logged a losing record (16-19) for the first time since 2003-04 last season, however, the Buckeyes ended the year on a high note, winning five of their last seven games and becoming the lowest seed all-time (13th) to reach the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

Trio of Buckeyes signees land in final 2023 On3 hoops rankings

Ohio State is returning at least three major contributors from a top-10 2022 class that inspired optimism about the direction of the program late last season. And, now, the Buckeyes are welcoming another top-10 class from the 2023 cycle. Actually, following the final On3 recruiting rankings update for the Class of 2023, the newest group of four Buckeyes is eighth nationally, just like last year’s collection of talent.

It’s also the second-ranked class in the Big Ten, trailing only Michigan State, which has the sixth-rated overall class. Ohio State’s includes wings Devin Royal and Scotty Middleton, as well as guard Taison Chatman and center Austin Parks.

For more on On3’s final updated rankings for this cycle, and where each of Ohio State’s signees clocked out as individual high school prospects, go here.

Devin Royal’s (@DevinRoyal7) mid range game is top level.

The footwork with the counters along with the touch, pace, & balance. He gets to his spots, and makes defenders pay.

No. 30 in 2023 On3 150.@PCTigersHoops @andybackstromhttps://t.co/EcbsDrrVuRpic.twitter.com/lEE8yZdZzg

— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) May 9, 2023

Progress Report: Evaluating Ohio State quarterbacks after spring camp

Spring ball ended last month. With the Buckeyes gearing up for the summer, Lettermen Row is taking a position-by-position look at the progress of the program ahead of the 2023 season.

We’re starting with the quarterback position.

Who was the spring MVP under center? Who was most improved? And, most importantly, what’s the timeline for head coach Ryan Day making a decision about QB1?

All of those questions are addressed here.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 118 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 202 days

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