Ohio State basketball’s margin for error was already thin. Brandon Noel’s injury makes it even thinner.
Noel had become one of the Buckeyes’ most reliable bench pieces, providing physicality, rebounding, and interior scoring in a rotation that has struggled to generate consistent production outside the starting five. With him sidelined, Ohio State now faces a defining stretch where depth, development, and adaptability will determine whether this season still has a path toward March relevance.
The absence
doesn’t just remove a contributor. It forces a reshuffling that exposes both opportunity and vulnerability across the roster.
Amare Bynum steps into a bigger role
The most immediate and obvious change comes at the four spot, where Amare Bynum is now firmly locked in as the starter without question. There is no more easing into minutes or situational usage. Ohio State needs Bynum to anchor the power forward position on both ends of the floor.
Bynum’s responsibilities will expand beyond scoring and rebounding. He must be a defensive stabilizer, a reliable screener, and a player who can survive extended minutes without fouling or losing efficiency. His ability to handle physical Big Ten frontcourts will be critical, especially with Noel no longer available to spell him off the bench.
Simply put, Ohio State’s frontcourt ceiling over the next several weeks is directly tied to Bynum’s consistency.
Rotation minutes open across the wing and frontcourt
Noel’s injury also creates a ripple effect through the rotation. Devin Royal is expected to see increased minutes at the four, particularly in smaller lineups or when Ohio State needs more mobility and spacing. Royal’s development could continue to become one of the season’s most important subplots. If he can provide energy, switchability, and solid offensive production, it would help soften the blow of Noel’s absence.
Those shifts open the door on the wing as well. Colin White and Mathieu Grujicic are now positioned to receive longer looks, with opportunities to carve out defined roles rather than spot appearances. Taison Chatman may also see expanded minutes, particularly if Ohio State leans into lineups that prioritize pace and perimeter play.
These aren’t just rotational tweaks. They are auditions, and Ohio State needs answers quickly.
Bench production is no longer optional
The most concerning reality is that Noel was one of the few bench players who consistently gave Ohio State something tangible. His injury magnifies the season-long issue of bench scoring and overall second-unit reliability.
That problem can no longer be masked. If this team wants to remain in the postseason conversation, multiple players must step up simultaneously. One breakout performance won’t be enough. Ohio State needs sustained contributions, defensive engagement, and energy that doesn’t disappear when the starters sit.
This is the stretch where roles solidify and seasons tilt. Noel’s injury forces Ohio State to find the depth it has been searching for all year. Whether it actually does may decide if this team is still playing meaningful basketball when March arrives.
