Ohio State’s men’s basketball program is facing increasing uncertainty as two more recruits have decommitted, further raising concerns about the direction of the program under head coach Chris Holtmann. Recruiting struggles have been an ongoing issue for the Buckeyes, and the recent wave of decommitments only intensifies scrutiny on the program’s leadership and future prospects.
One of the most notable decommitments came from four-star guard George Washington III, who originally pledged to Ohio State in November 2024 but later reopened his recruitment. His decision was seen as a major loss at the time, as he was expected to be a key contributor to the backcourt. More recently, in November 2024, highly touted four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis also withdrew his commitment, further compounding the program’s struggles in attracting and retaining top talent. While Mathis’ position as a football player differs from basketball, his decision adds to the growing perception of instability within Ohio State athletics.
The Buckeyes’ lackluster performance in the 2023–24 season has played a significant role in these recruiting challenges. Despite finishing with a respectable 22–14 record, the team failed to make a deep NCAA Tournament run and instead settled for an early exit in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). For a program with Ohio State’s history and expectations, anything less than consistent NCAA Tournament appearances and competitive Big Ten finishes is seen as a disappointment.
Beyond on-court performance, the decommitments highlight potential concerns regarding the program’s culture, development strategy, and recruiting approach. Prospective players want to join a program that not only competes for championships but also provides a clear path to development and professional opportunities. With recent recruiting losses, it’s evident that Ohio State must address these concerns and rebuild trust with top-tier recruits.
Going forward, Holtmann and his staff must work to stabilize the program by improving performance, strengthening relationships with recruits, and creating a compelling vision for the future. Otherwise, the Buckeyes risk falling further behind in an increasingly competitive Big Ten landscape.
