Ohio State Men’s Lacrosse accomplished a significant milestone this weekend, securing their first win over the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays in Baltimore since 2021. With the Buckeyes’ victory, they improved to an impressive 11-1 on the season and further cemented their dominance in the Big Ten, moving to 3-0 in conference play. This win is one that will be remembered by fans and players alike, as Ohio State continues to make its mark as one of the premier programs in college lacrosse.
The matchup between Ohio State and Johns Hopkins, two of the most storied programs in NCAA lacrosse, was highly anticipated, and the Buckeyes came out with a fierce determination to prove themselves. The game not only showcased Ohio State’s talent but also their mental toughness, as they battled through a tough environment to earn a well-deserved victory. This win has sent a message to the rest of the NCAA lacrosse community that Ohio State is a legitimate contender for the national championship this year.
A Historic Victory
The Buckeyes’ win over Johns Hopkins in Baltimore marked a significant achievement, especially considering their previous struggles on the road against the Blue Jays. Johns Hopkins has long been a powerhouse in college lacrosse, with a rich tradition and a tough home-field advantage. However, Ohio State’s 2021 victory was a rare occurrence, and it took them until now to repeat that feat on the Blue Jays’ home turf.
For Ohio State, the victory was the culmination of hard work, preparation, and determination. The game was not just about the outcome, but about making a statement and continuing their strong season in a highly competitive conference. The Buckeyes’ ability to thrive in the face of adversity, especially in a hostile environment like Homewood Field in Baltimore, spoke volumes about their maturity and resilience as a team.
Head coach Nick Myers, who has led the Buckeyes for over a decade, has seen this program grow from strength to strength. This win over Johns Hopkins will go down as one of his signature victories and is a testament to the direction in which he has taken the Ohio State lacrosse program. Myers has fostered a winning culture at Ohio State, and the players’ belief in themselves and their system was on full display on Saturday.
A Complete Team Effort
While the Buckeyes have many individual stars who have shined throughout the season, it was their collective effort that truly made the difference in this matchup. Ohio State’s balanced attack, solid defense, and excellent goalie play were all key components of their victory over the Blue Jays.
Offensively, the Buckeyes were firing on all cylinders, with several players contributing to the scoreline. Attackman Jack Myers, who has been a standout performer for Ohio State all year, was once again the catalyst for the offense, putting up multiple goals and assists. His ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for his teammates was crucial to Ohio State’s success. Myers has been a key leader for the Buckeyes, and his performance in this game was a perfect reflection of his leadership and skill.
In addition to Myers, the Buckeyes’ midfielders were also highly effective. The midfield unit, led by players like Justin Inacio and Tre Leclaire, consistently generated offensive opportunities and controlled possession. Leclaire’s ability to dodge defenders and create shooting lanes was evident in his goal-scoring performance, while Inacio’s athleticism and work rate helped Ohio State dominate in transition. The midfield also played an important role in the defensive side of the ball, where they pressured Johns Hopkins’ offense and helped initiate fast breaks.
Defensively, Ohio State’s backline was solid, limiting Johns Hopkins’ scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. The defense was led by senior close defenseman Cole Williams, who played an instrumental role in shutting down Johns Hopkins’ top attackmen. Williams’ ability to cover his man and make crucial stops at key moments was a major factor in the win. The defense, as a whole, was disciplined and focused, and they executed their game plan with precision.
In goal, Ohio State’s netminder, Jack Myers’ brother, the ever-reliable Justin Myers, was exceptional. He made several key saves, including a number of point-blank stops in the second half to help preserve the Buckeyes’ lead. Justin Myers’ poise and ability to keep the Blue Jays from gaining momentum in the latter stages of the game was critical in the win. His performance earned him high praise from both his teammates and coaches, and it solidified his standing as one of the top goalkeepers in the country.
The Big Ten Dominance Continues
With the win, Ohio State improved to 11-1 on the season, and they remain undefeated in Big Ten play with a 3-0 record. The Big Ten has quickly become one of the most competitive conferences in college lacrosse, and Ohio State’s strong start to conference play has placed them in prime position to compete for the conference title. Their win over Johns Hopkins is not just a statement of their ability to compete with elite teams, but also a sign of their strength within their own conference.
The Big Ten features several nationally ranked teams, including Maryland, Rutgers, and Penn State, all of whom pose a serious challenge for the Buckeyes as they push toward the postseason. However, with their dominant performance against Johns Hopkins and their solid start in the conference, Ohio State has proven that they are more than capable of standing toe-to-toe with the best teams in the nation. The Buckeyes are setting the standard for excellence in the Big Ten, and they will be a team to watch as the season progresses.
The win over Johns Hopkins also serves as a confidence boost for the Buckeyes as they continue their pursuit of the NCAA tournament and a potential national championship. As one of the top teams in the country, Ohio State will be looking to build on this victory and use it as a springboard for future success. With the talent on this roster and the coaching staff’s experience, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially bring home a national title.
What’s Next for Ohio State Lacrosse?
After a hard-fought victory in Baltimore, the Buckeyes are now focused on the remainder of their regular season schedule. Ohio State has a number of tough matchups ahead, including games against Big Ten rivals Maryland and Rutgers, who will provide stiff competition as the season enters its final stretch.
Ohio State’s next steps will be critical as they look to maintain their momentum and secure a high seed in the NCAA tournament. While the win over Johns Hopkins was a huge achievement, the Buckeyes know that they must continue to improve and refine their game in order to compete for a national title. There is still work to be done, but with the team’s strong performance and their growing confidence, Ohio State is poised for a successful finish to the season.
The Buckeyes will need to continue playing with the same intensity and focus that they displayed against Johns Hopkins, ensuring that they remain one of the top teams in the country. With a talented roster, great coaching, and an unrelenting work ethic, Ohio State will be a formidable force in the NCAA lacrosse landscape as the 2025 season progresses.
Ohio State’s victory over Johns Hopkins in Baltimore was a statement win for the Buckeyes, showcasing their strength as a team and their ability to compete with the best programs in the country. The Buckeyes’ 11-1 record and 3-0 start in the Big Ten have positioned them as one of the top teams in college lacrosse, and this win has only added to their growing reputation. As Ohio State continues its pursuit of a national championship, their victory over Johns Hopkins will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 season.
