The Ohio State Buckeyes rebounded from a season-opening loss against No. 25 BYU with an 89-65 win vs. the Youngstown State Penguins on Friday night.

Ohio State’s blowout margin is a touch misleading. With 10:32 remaining in regulation, the Buckeyes led the Penguins just 53-52. From there, though, Ohio State went on a 13-0 run to put some distance between its in-state foe and emerge victorious.

Head coach Jake Diebler’s team is still working to find cohesiveness early this year, but putting a win on the board is great for morale. Here’s three things to know about Ohio State’s win:

Andrija Jelavic’s versatility opens the Buckeyes’ offense

Jelavic was a bright spot in Ohio State’s loss to BYU. The Kentucky transfer recorded 13 points and nine rebounds against the Cougars, then followed up with 21 points and nine more boards vs. the Penguins. He had seven of the 13 points in the Buckeyes’ distance-applying run.

Coach Diebler credited Jelavic for raising his game following the Cincinnati scrimmage. He has helped solidify Ohio State’s starting lineup and is giving Anthony Thompson an opportunity to adjust to the speed of the college game.

John Mobley Jr. is ready for his time in the spotlight

Bruce Thornton’s excellence allowed Mobley to grow alongside a star in Columbus for two seasons. Now, the junior guard – who had 25 points on Friday – has the keys to the program and the full trust of his coaching staff.

Mobley is picking his spots offensively, excellently deciphering when to get others involved and when he needs to put his foot on the gas. He knows he can go get a bucket when needed. Using these early-season contests to build his teammates’ confidence will pay off in Big Ten play and beyond.

Amare Bynum is a template for Anthony Thompson

Everyone in college basketball circles knows the ceiling Thompson, a true freshman from Lebanon, possesses. He’s still getting his feet wet and figuring out this level of basketball, which is fine. Thankfully, he has the perfect role model in his sophomore teammate, Bynum.

Bynum played 20 or fewer minutes off the bench in each of his first five games as a freshman in 2026-26. In that time, he adapted to college basketball and eventually forced his way into a bigger role.

Thompson’s pedigree demands a place in the starting five, so he’s going about his acclimation differently than Bynum. The general day-to-day process Bynum goes through, though, is what Thompson can use to grow at this level.

The old adage of “Rome wasn’t built in a day” describes Thompson’s development. As long as he remains patient and committed, his time to shine will come.

Ohio State Record: 1-1 (0-0 Big Ten)

Next Up: vs. Marshall, Nov. 9 at 6:00 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)