Ohio State Earns No. 4 Seed, Hosts First Round of NCAA Tournament on Sunday in Quest for Deep March Run
Ohio State’s women’s basketball team has once again earned a prominent place in the NCAA Tournament, securing a No. 4 seed and the privilege of hosting a first-round game in Columbus this Sunday. After a season marked by impressive wins, steady improvement, and a gritty Big Ten schedule, the Buckeyes now set their sights on making a serious push through the madness of March with the support of their home crowd at Value City Arena.
The announcement came during the Selection Sunday broadcast, and the excitement around the program was palpable. Players, coaches, and fans alike gathered to learn their fate, and there was a collective sense of both accomplishment and anticipation as the bracket was unveiled. Being named a top-four seed is no small feat in the competitive world of college basketball, especially in a season where parity and unpredictability have ruled the day. For head coach Kevin McGuff and his team, this seeding represents the culmination of months of hard work and resilience.
Ohio State’s season was defined by strong performances against ranked opponents and consistent play down the stretch. Their overall record, combined with a solid strength of schedule, helped secure the No. 4 seed and the chance to open the tournament at home—a significant advantage in a win-or-go-home format. The opportunity to play the first-round game in familiar surroundings, with thousands of scarlet-and-gray-clad supporters cheering them on, could be pivotal in building momentum early in the tournament.
The Buckeyes’ offense has been a standout component of their identity all season. Their ability to push the tempo, hit outside shots, and create opportunities in transition has made them a difficult matchup for even the most defensively disciplined teams. Guard play has been a strength, with a veteran backcourt that can control pace and take over games when necessary. Meanwhile, the frontcourt has offered crucial rebounding and rim protection, rounding out a well-balanced roster capable of making a deep run.
But just as important as their on-court talents has been the team’s composure and maturity. This group has navigated close games, battled back from deficits, and handled the pressure of a loaded Big Ten schedule. Those experiences will serve them well in the postseason, where poise and execution often determine who advances and who goes home. While some teams rely heavily on one star, Ohio State has embraced a team-first mentality that allows multiple players to step up on any given night. That depth and adaptability are trademarks of a tournament-tested team.
Their first-round opponent, while not yet officially announced, will come from the group of lower seeds, likely a conference champion from a mid-major. These matchups are never to be taken lightly. History is full of upsets where high seeds fell to under-the-radar teams playing with nothing to lose. Ohio State will need to prepare with urgency and focus, understanding that in the NCAA Tournament, records and rankings often matter less than who shows up ready to compete on that particular day.
Coach McGuff has been here before. His experience in preparing teams for the postseason is a crucial asset. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have become a regular presence in March, and each year has brought new lessons and challenges. He’s emphasized the importance of staying grounded—of respecting every opponent and focusing on one possession at a time. That mentality has served the team well, and it will be essential again as they begin their 2025 tournament journey.
The significance of hosting the first round can’t be overstated. The home-court advantage in college basketball is real, and in the tournament, it can tilt the balance in close contests. The energy inside Value City Arena can elevate a team’s performance and make life difficult for visitors. Ohio State’s fans are known for their passion and loyalty, and their presence on Sunday could provide that extra edge needed to advance.
There’s also a broader story at play here—one that speaks to the growth of the women’s game and Ohio State’s role in it. With television ratings climbing, attendance numbers rising, and parity increasing across the country, women’s basketball is experiencing a surge of popularity. Programs like Ohio State, with strong traditions and committed support, are leading the charge. Hosting a first-round game brings more exposure to the program, inspires young fans, and reinforces the Buckeyes’ status as a national contender.
Of course, the road ahead won’t be easy. Should Ohio State advance past the first round, the level of competition will only intensify. The second-round game would likely pit them against a higher-seeded team from another power conference, and every victory will require execution, discipline, and grit. That’s the nature of March Madness—one moment of brilliance or one mistake can swing a game. But this team has shown it can rise to the occasion, and their journey is far from over.
For seniors on the roster, this tournament represents the culmination of their college careers. The emotions will be high, the stakes even higher. For underclassmen, it’s a chance to gain experience and leave their mark. Every player, regardless of role or year, has a part to play in shaping the team’s destiny. That collective effort, where individual talents are channeled into a unified goal, is what makes the NCAA Tournament so compelling.
There is also an undercurrent of redemption in this year’s tournament for Ohio State. Last season’s early exit still lingers in the minds of returning players, and they’ve been open about using that disappointment as motivation. They’ve practiced harder, prepared more diligently, and committed to finishing what they started. That hunger is evident in how they approach each drill, each film session, each team meeting. It’s a resolve born not just from ambition, but from unfinished business.
As tipoff approaches, the buzz in Columbus continues to build. Students are making plans, alumni are booking tickets, and the Ohio State community is rallying behind its team. In a city that lives and breathes Buckeye sports, March is a time of unity and hope. The dream of cutting down nets, of making a Final Four run, is alive and well.
For now, the focus remains on Sunday. On executing the game plan. On making the extra pass. On playing relentless defense. On doing all the little things that win tournament games. It starts with one win—then another. Before long, a run can take shape. But it all begins at home, in front of familiar faces, with the chance to defend their court and advance.
The NCAA Tournament offers no guarantees. But Ohio State has put itself in the best possible position—with a high seed, a balanced roster, a strong coaching staff, and the support of a passionate fan base. Now it’s about seizing the moment. The journey begins Sunday, and the Buckeyes are ready.
