If you're asking did the Buckeyes win, the answer depends entirely on which channel you were watching or which part of Columbus you were walking through yesterday. It was one of those classic "mixed bag" weekends that makes being an Ohio State fan both a thrill and a total headache.
Yesterday, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Ohio State men's basketball team pulled off a massive statement win. They took down the UCLA Bruins with a final score of 86-74. It wasn't just a win; it was a beatdown in the second half that had the Schottenstein Center absolutely rocking. If you're a hoops fan, yeah, the Buckeyes won big.
But let’s be real. Most people asking did the Buckeyes win are still nursing a massive hangover from the football season’s chaotic end. We’re sitting in mid-January, the heart of the "portal season," and the football news is flying faster than a Jeremiah Smith sprint.
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The basketball Buckeyes just put the Big Ten on notice
Honestly, the way the basketball team played against UCLA was a breath of fresh air. They didn't just squeak by. They dominated the glass and looked like a team that actually wants a high seed come March.
The 86-74 victory was fueled by some lights-out shooting. You've got to love when the offense clicks like that. It’s a nice distraction because, let’s face it, the football team's recent exit from the playoffs is still a sore spot for a lot of us.
While the men were handling business, the women's ice hockey team—ranked No. 2 in the country—was also out there taking care of business. They downed Minnesota State 4-1 on Saturday. It’s funny how the "minor" sports (though they aren't minor to the people playing them) are the ones consistently bringing home the hardware lately.
What about football? The "did the Buckeyes win" reality check
If you’re looking for a football score from today, you won’t find one. The pads are off. But the "win" or "loss" column for Ryan Day right now is being decided in the transfer portal and the coaching search.
The Buckeyes' 2025-2026 football season officially ended a couple of weeks ago in the Cotton Bowl. It was a rough 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes. That game was a heartbreaker because it was a CFP Quarterfinal, and after a perfect 12-0 regular season, falling short like that felt like a gut punch.
So, did they win the season? Technically, they finished 12-2. They beat Michigan (which is the only "win" that saves a coach's job in Ohio), but they lost the Big Ten Championship to Indiana and then stalled out against Miami.
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The current "wins" happening off the field
Even though there wasn't a kickoff today, Ohio State is winning the "reloading" game. Here is what's happening right now in Columbus that actually matters for the 2026 season:
- The Portal Surge: The Buckeyes just landed James Smith and Qua Russaw from Alabama. That is a massive get for the defensive line.
- Jeremiah Smith is Staying: There were rumors (there are always rumors), but the superstar wideout is locked in for next year.
- The OC Search: This is the big one. Brian Hartline is headed to USF to be a head coach, and Ryan Day is currently hunting for a replacement. Rumors are swirling about NFL names like Brian Daboll.
Basically, the program is in a "win the offseason" mode. It's not as fun as a Saturday at the Shoe, but it's what keeps the machine running.
Why everyone is still talking about the Miami loss
It’s hard to talk about did the Buckeyes win without mentioning the "what ifs" from the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State entered that game as the No. 2 team in the country. Their defense had been historic all year, holding teams to 16 points or less during the regular season.
Then Miami happened.
The Hurricanes found cracks in a defense we thought was invincible. Losing Caleb Downs and several other starters to the NFL draft right after that game has left the fan base a little uneasy. We’re in that weird transition period where the 2025 success feels like a distant memory and the 2026 uncertainty is starting to creep in.
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Actionable insights for the die-hard fan
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on whether the Buckeyes are winning, don't just check the scoreboard. Follow the scholarship count. With the transfer portal closing its initial window, the roster you see today is about 90% of what you'll see in the fall.
- Watch the OC hire: If Day lands a heavy hitter from the NFL, the Buckeyes "win" the month of January.
- Basketball momentum: Keep an eye on the next three conference games. If they play like they did against UCLA, they’re a lock for the tournament.
- Spring Game prep: Circle April on your calendar. That’s when we see if the new defensive transfers actually fit the scheme.
The Buckeyes won on the court yesterday, but the real victory for this program is going to be determined by how Ryan Day fills the holes left by a dozen NFL-bound stars. It’s a long way to September.