Big Ten Basketball Preseason Power Rankings: 1-7

7. Ohio State

Jan 3, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes guard Kam Williams (15) and teammate Jae’Sean Tate (1) celebrate in the second half versus the Illinois Fighting Illini at Value City Arena. Ohio State won 77-61. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

2014-15 Record: 24-11 (11-7)

Key Players:

F Jae’Sean Tate, So

F Marc Loving, Jr

G Ja’Quan Lyle, Fr

C Daniel Giddens, Fr

G Austin Grandstaff, Fr

G Kam Williams, So

Outlook:

There is plenty of buzz surrounding the Buckeyes heading into the season, as this is a team full of young talent. But can it all come together?

One of the nation’s top recruiting classes joins an already solid group of young players, including Tate, Loving and Williams. Lyle, Giddens and Grandstaff are all big-time prospects and will figure to see lots of actions this season. In fact, all three are projected to start as true freshmen.

There is enough talent on this roster to make a run at the Big Ten title and even a deep run in March. The inexperience may play a major factor though. It will be interesting to see how the backcourt fares without D’Angelo Russell and Shannon Scott.

Projected Record: 22-9 (11-7)