Ohio State Men’s Lacrosse: A Historic Path to the 2025 NCAA Tournament

Entering the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the Ohio State University Men’s Lacrosse team has emerged as a powerhouse, dominating the sport in a way few expected at the beginning of the season. With an impressive record that includes victories over every Big Ten rival and each of last year’s Final Four teams, the Buckeyes have firmly established themselves as one of the nation’s elite lacrosse programs. The team’s strong regular season sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament run, with a matchup against Notre Dame in the first round this Sunday serving as the next crucial step on their journey.

For Ohio State, 2025 has been a season of remarkable growth, resilience, and skill. Under the leadership of Head Coach Nick Myers, the Buckeyes have not only defeated some of the most storied programs in college lacrosse, but they’ve also shown the depth and versatility needed to excel in the highly competitive landscape of NCAA lacrosse. What has been particularly impressive about Ohio State’s success this season is their ability to excel against the best, consistently outplaying teams that have historically been among the sport’s elite.

The journey to this point in the season has been anything but easy for Ohio State. The Big Ten Conference is one of the most competitive in the nation, and Ohio State has managed to overcome every opponent within it. The Big Ten’s lacrosse landscape is known for its physicality and the high level of talent across all programs, with teams like Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State, and Johns Hopkins regularly competing for national titles. Yet, Ohio State proved themselves superior in each of these matchups, defeating all five Big Ten teams with a combination of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and strategic brilliance.

In addition to dominating their conference, the Buckeyes have also demonstrated their national-level credentials by defeating each of the teams that made it to last year’s NCAA Final Four. These victories were not just about the final scores; they were statements of Ohio State’s depth and versatility, proving that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with the top teams in the nation.

One of the highlights of the season was Ohio State’s thrilling victory over defending national champions, Virginia. The Buckeyes were able to pull off a statement win that showcased their ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes matchups. The victory over Virginia was an emotional high for the team and a key moment in a season that has been full of memorable performances.

Similarly, Ohio State’s win over Duke demonstrated the team’s ability to manage the game’s tempo and make critical adjustments. Duke’s high-powered offense was neutralized by Ohio State’s defense, and the Buckeyes’ offense capitalized on fast-break opportunities and efficient shooting. The victory against Duke was particularly significant as it came in a tightly contested game, proving that Ohio State was capable of winning under the most challenging circumstances.

Ohio State’s ability to play well on the road and in neutral-site games further solidified their reputation as one of the nation’s top teams. In games against perennial powerhouse programs such as Syracuse, North Carolina, and Denver, Ohio State displayed their ability to adapt to different environments and still perform at a championship level.

At the core of Ohio State’s success has been the stellar play of several standout players. This season, the Buckeyes have been fortunate to have a balanced roster, where individual talent and team chemistry have gone hand in hand.

Attackman Jack Myers has been one of the most dominant forces in college lacrosse this year. As the quarterback of the offense, he has consistently delivered in crucial moments, registering multiple assists and scoring some of the most significant goals of the season. His vision and lacrosse IQ make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, as he is capable of creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Myers’ leadership and poise have been crucial in Ohio State’s success.

Alongside Myers is midfielder Cole Fiedler, whose ability to both score and create plays has been instrumental in Ohio State’s offensive efficiency. Fiedler’s combination of speed and strength allows him to dodge defenders and get his shot off with precision. His playmaking ability, combined with his knack for scoring in transition, makes him a dual threat that keeps opposing defenses guessing.

In the midfield, Jackson Reid has emerged as another key player for the Buckeyes, providing scoring depth and balance. Reid’s athleticism and ability to shoot from distance make him a constant threat, and his chemistry with Myers has been a significant factor in Ohio State’s offensive success.

Defensively, defenseman Samuel Iannacone has been a standout, anchoring a Buckeyes’ defense that has been difficult to break through all season. His ability to cover top attackers, force turnovers, and clear the ball efficiently has been crucial in allowing Ohio State to control possession and dictate the pace of games. Iannacone’s leadership on the defensive end has been indispensable in a season where Ohio State’s defense has proven to be as formidable as its offense.

In goal, Kyle O’Connor has been outstanding, consistently making key saves and providing stability between the pipes. His ability to read the game and his quick reflexes have allowed Ohio State to rely on him in high-pressure situations. O’Connor’s consistency in goal has made him one of the best in the nation and has given Ohio State the confidence to play an aggressive, fast-paced style of lacrosse.

As the team prepares for its first-round matchup against Notre Dame this Sunday, it’s clear that Ohio State’s game preparation will be key to their success in the NCAA Tournament. Notre Dame, one of the most respected programs in NCAA lacrosse, will undoubtedly present a challenge for Ohio State, but the Buckeyes have proven themselves more than capable of handling high-pressure situations.

One of the keys to Ohio State’s success this season has been their strategic approach to games. The Buckeyes have managed to execute a balanced game plan that emphasizes strong defense, efficient offense, and disciplined faceoff play. Their ability to control the pace of games has been a significant factor in their victories, and they will need to continue that trend against Notre Dame.

Defensively, Ohio State will need to focus on limiting Notre Dame’s high-powered offense, particularly their star players, such as attackman Pat Kavanagh. Kavanagh is one of the best attackmen in the nation, and his ability to score and create opportunities for his teammates will require close attention from Ohio State’s defense. However, Ohio State has proven that they can handle elite attackers, and the combination of Iannacone and the rest of the defensive unit should be well-prepared to limit Kavanagh’s impact.

Offensively, Ohio State will need to capitalize on their fast-break opportunities and continue their effective shooting from all areas of the field. With players like Myers and Fiedler driving the offense, the Buckeyes will look to move the ball quickly and exploit any weaknesses in Notre Dame’s defense. The Buckeyes have been successful this season because of their unselfish ball movement and their ability to find high-quality shot opportunities. If they continue this trend, they will be a difficult team for Notre Dame to defend.

Faceoffs will also be an important aspect of the game. Ohio State’s faceoff specialist, Rocco Santamaria, has been a key player throughout the season, and his ability to win faceoffs and give Ohio State possession will be crucial in a tight tournament matchup. Controlling possession will give the Buckeyes the ability to dictate the tempo and keep Notre Dame’s offense off the field.

If Ohio State can defeat Notre Dame and advance to the later rounds of the NCAA Tournament, they will face increasingly difficult challenges. The level of competition in the tournament will only intensify, with powerhouse programs like Maryland, Virginia, Duke, and Syracuse all vying for the national championship.

However, Ohio State has already proven that they have the talent and mentality to compete at the highest level. They have shown an ability to beat teams with different playing styles, whether it’s an up-tempo offense or a more methodical, defensive-oriented squad. Their depth and ability to adjust make them a dangerous team that no one can afford to overlook.

With a balanced attack, a stout defense, and a game plan built on discipline and execution, Ohio State has everything they need to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. If they continue to play with the same intensity and focus that they’ve demonstrated all season, there’s no reason why the Buckeyes can’t secure their first national championship in program history.

The 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to be an exciting ride for Ohio State Men’s Lacrosse, and with their history-making season so far, the Buckeyes are poised to make a serious push for lacrosse’s ultimate prize.