The stage is set for a coast-to-coast college basketball showdown as the Ohio State Buckeyes travel west to take on the Oregon Ducks in Eugene, Oregon, on January 8, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time (7:30 p.m. Pacific) and fans can catch all the action on the Big Ten Network or tune in via radio on KUJZ 95.3 FM and KRSK 105.1 FM. This nationally televised contest brings together two programs with plenty to prove as the season heats up and the NCAA Tournament picture begins to take shape.
For Ohio State, the narrative this season has been one of near-misses and what-ifs. The Buckeyes, now 10-4, have played tough against quality competition but have struggled to seal the deal in close games. Their most recent outing was a heartbreaker, falling 72-69 to an undefeated Nebraska team on January 5. That loss stung, but there’s little time for self-pity as the Buckeyes now face a formidable Oregon squad on the road—a challenge that could define their postseason hopes.
Head coach Jake Diebler, in his second full season at the helm, has leaned heavily on star point guard Bruce Thornton. Thornton’s numbers are eye-popping: 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, all while keeping turnovers to a minimum at just 1.3 per contest. His backcourt partner, John Mobley Jr., is a marksman from deep, connecting on 40% of his three-point attempts and pouring in 22 points against Nebraska, including five triples. But the Buckeyes’ depth has taken a hit with the indefinite absence of key reserve Brandon Noel, a blow that could test Ohio State’s stamina and versatility against Oregon’s deep rotation.
Despite their offensive firepower—ranking 27th nationally in offensive efficiency, per KenPom, and eighth in the country in two-point field goal percentage at 61.7%—the Buckeyes have yet to translate strong statistical profiles into signature wins. Their defense, ranked 67th by KenPom, has held its own, but the inability to close out games remains a glaring issue. As one analyst put it, "The Buckeyes have played really close games with the best teams on their schedule, but they've come up short against a handful of teams."
On the other side, the Oregon Ducks enter the matchup with their own set of challenges and ambitions. Sporting an 8-7 record, Dana Altman’s squad has weathered a tough schedule, including a recent 88-85 overtime loss to Rutgers—their first OT game of the season. That game showcased the emergence of Wei Lin, who exploded for a career-high 23 points, hitting six three-pointers and dishing out five assists. Nate Bittle, Oregon’s senior big man and a linchpin on both ends, added 28 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
Bittle’s importance to the Ducks cannot be overstated. Averaging 17 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, he anchors an Oregon team that ranks 77th offensively and 84th defensively on KenPom. However, Bittle has struggled with turnovers of late, committing 12 in his last two games. Oregon’s offensive rebounding is a major strength—they’re 22nd nationally in that department—with Bittle and Ohio State transfer Sean Stewart leading the charge. Stewart, who grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds in a recent win over Omaha, will be eager to make his mark against his former team.
The Ducks have dealt with injuries too, notably to Jackson Shelstad, their primary ball handler and last year’s hero against Ohio State. Shelstad, who scored 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the Ducks’ 73-71 win in Columbus last season, is questionable for this matchup. His availability could swing the contest, as one preview noted: "If he’s a go, I think Oregon can ride Bittle and its depth advantage into a win and cover here. If he’s out, I’d side with the better more consistent team in Ohio State."
This game marks only the sixth meeting all-time between these programs. Ohio State leads the series 3-2, but Oregon took last year’s contest on the road. The two teams hadn’t met for over three decades prior to that, with previous meetings dating back to 1992, 1971, and even the 1939 National Championship game, which Oregon won 46-33. The Ducks’ win last season was a nail-biter, with Oregon overcoming a halftime deficit and outscoring the Buckeyes 46-39 after the break. As for tonight, the oddsmakers are leaning slightly toward the home team—Oregon is favored by 3.5 points, with the total set at 153.5, according to the latest odds from BetMGM and Fanatics Markets.
From a tactical perspective, the Buckeyes’ offense is built on efficient cutting actions and perimeter play. Christoph Tilly, a key frontcourt piece, leads the team in points per possession on cuts, while Mobley and Thornton provide rim pressure and spacing. Ohio State’s ability to get to the free-throw line at a top-20% national rate could be a difference-maker, especially against an Oregon defense that has struggled to contain cutting actions, allowing nearly a point per possession in those scenarios.
Oregon, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on its size, rebounding prowess, and home-court advantage. The Ducks have hit the moneyline in 14 of their last 20 home games, a stat that underscores their comfort in Matthew Knight Arena. Wei Lin’s breakout performance and Bittle’s inside presence give the Ducks options, but they’ll need to limit turnovers and hope for a healthy Shelstad to maximize their chances.
Both teams are hungry for a statement win. For Ohio State, a victory in Eugene could provide the momentum needed to solidify their NCAA Tournament resume and shake off the narrative of close losses. For Oregon, defending home court against a Big Ten foe would be a much-needed boost after a rocky start to the year and a string of tough losses to top-50 opponents.
As tip-off approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Will Bruce Thornton and the Buckeyes finally close out a big game on the road, or will Nate Bittle and the Ducks protect their turf and build on last year’s dramatic win? One thing’s for sure—this Big Ten-Pac-12 battle promises high stakes, star power, and plenty of drama under the bright lights of Matthew Knight Arena. Stay tuned as the action unfolds tonight in Eugene.
