Ohio State Men’s Lacrosse Continues Its Climb Up National Rankings

The Ohio State University men’s lacrosse team has become a powerhouse in collegiate lacrosse over the past decade. From humble beginnings to reaching new heights, the Buckeyes have consistently proved their worth in the sport. The team’s steady rise up the national rankings is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and strong leadership. But it is not just about individual players or coaching prowess — it is about a program-wide culture of excellence, unity, and commitment to success that has propelled Ohio State into the upper echelons of NCAA lacrosse.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore how the Ohio State men’s lacrosse team has earned its place among the elite programs in college lacrosse, tracing the team’s journey through key milestones, influential figures, and key moments that have contributed to their rise. From tactical developments to personal stories of players and coaches, the story of Ohio State men’s lacrosse is one of growth, challenges, and ultimate success.

The Foundations of Ohio State Lacrosse

The Ohio State men’s lacrosse team was founded in 1953, and while it has a long history, it wasn’t until the late 1990s and early 2000s that the program began to attract significant national attention. During its early years, the team was fairly competitive but lacked the national prominence it would eventually attain. The Buckeyes participated in the NCAA tournament on a few occasions in their early years but were often overshadowed by perennial powerhouses like Johns Hopkins, Maryland, Syracuse, and Princeton.

It wasn’t until 1999 that Ohio State made its first real statement on the national stage. Under head coach Joe Breschi, the Buckeyes made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1999, marking a significant achievement for the program. The team’s ability to compete at a high level was beginning to show, but the real transformation began shortly after Breschi’s tenure.

The Rise of Ohio State Lacrosse: The Influence of Nick Myers

Nick Myers, the current head coach of the Ohio State men’s lacrosse team, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the program’s history. After taking over as head coach in 2008, Myers quickly turned the Buckeyes into a consistent contender in the NCAA tournament. His vision, recruiting acumen, and tactical approach to the game have reshaped the team and allowed it to compete on an equal footing with the traditional lacrosse powerhouses.

Myers brought a fresh approach to the team, focusing on developing both skilled and well-rounded athletes who could play at the highest level. His leadership style emphasized teamwork, discipline, and the importance of mental toughness, which became a cornerstone of the team’s identity. By blending strong coaching with a commitment to improving individual players’ skills, Myers laid the foundation for Ohio State’s eventual rise to national prominence.

One of Myers’ key philosophies is his emphasis on defensive solidity, which has become a trademark of the Ohio State lacrosse program. Under his leadership, the team has consistently been one of the top defensive teams in the nation, priding itself on its ability to control the tempo of games and limit opponents’ scoring opportunities. This defensive approach, combined with an explosive offense and well-rounded midfield, has been the formula for Ohio State’s consistent success.

Ohio State’s Ascension in the NCAA Lacrosse World

Ohio State’s breakthrough came in 2017 when the team earned its first-ever appearance in the NCAA men’s lacrosse national championship game. After a successful regular season, the Buckeyes navigated through a tough tournament bracket, defeating several strong teams to secure a spot in the final. In the championship game, Ohio State faced off against the University of Maryland, a traditional lacrosse powerhouse. Despite a valiant effort, the Buckeyes were ultimately defeated, but the experience marked a key milestone in the program’s history.

The 2017 runner-up finish signified that Ohio State was now a legitimate force in NCAA lacrosse. The Buckeyes had proven that they could compete with the best of the best and had earned their place among the elite programs. The result was a wake-up call for both the team and its supporters. Although they didn’t secure the national title, the journey to the championship game validated Ohio State’s place as a top-tier program in college lacrosse.

Following that runner-up finish, the Buckeyes remained a perennial contender, consistently appearing in NCAA tournaments and remaining competitive in the Big Ten Conference. Their success is not only measured by NCAA appearances but also by their sustained excellence in the regular season and conference championships. Under Coach Myers’ leadership, the program continued to rise, and its reputation among college lacrosse programs began to grow.

Key Players in Ohio State’s Rise to the Top

Central to Ohio State’s success has been the development of elite players who have excelled in both individual and team play. The rise of the Buckeyes cannot be discussed without mentioning some of the standout athletes who have helped elevate the program.

1. Trevor Baptiste (2016-2020)

Trevor Baptiste was one of the most prominent names to ever play for Ohio State. As a faceoff specialist, Baptiste was unmatched, dominating the faceoff circle and providing the Buckeyes with countless possession advantages. His impact was not just statistical; he set the tone for the team in terms of intensity and competitiveness. Baptiste’s leadership and determination were integral to Ohio State’s rise in national rankings during his time with the program.

2. Jake Withers (2014-2018)

Another key player in Ohio State’s success was Jake Withers, a versatile midfielder who played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ midfield and transition game. Withers was known for his athleticism and ability to control the ball in high-pressure situations, contributing to both the offense and defense. Withers’ leadership, versatility, and work ethic exemplified the qualities that Myers sought to instill in all of his players.

3. Johnny Pearson (2017-Present)

As an attackman, Johnny Pearson became one of the Buckeyes’ top offensive threats. Known for his speed, precision, and leadership on the field, Pearson helped elevate the team’s offensive capabilities. His ability to score under pressure made him an invaluable asset to the team. Pearson’s success highlighted the Buckeyes’ increasing ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent that could compete with the nation’s best.

4. Jackson Reid (2018-Present)

Another rising star for Ohio State is Jackson Reid, who became a force to be reckoned with in the attack unit. Reid’s vision, accuracy, and unselfish playstyle quickly made him one of the best offensive players in the Big Ten and in the nation. His ability to orchestrate plays and score in critical moments helped push Ohio State further up the rankings in recent seasons.

5. Tommy Schreiber (2010-2014)

Tommy Schreiber is one of the best midfielders to ever play at Ohio State. His combination of speed, agility, and a powerful shot made him a formidable force for the Buckeyes. Schreiber’s leadership both on and off the field was a key element of the Buckeyes’ early success in the Big Ten Conference.

These players, among others, have played critical roles in Ohio State’s rise, but what truly sets the Buckeyes apart is the collective strength of their roster. Every player on the team, from the faceoff specialists to the defensemen, works together to contribute to the team’s success.

Challenges and Setbacks Along the Way

No success story is without its challenges, and Ohio State men’s lacrosse is no exception. While the team has achieved a great deal of success, it has also faced its share of obstacles. After the 2017 national championship appearance, the Buckeyes encountered some tough years, including struggles with injuries, team cohesion, and inconsistent performances.

One of the biggest setbacks came in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the NCAA lacrosse season. This was a difficult blow for the program, especially considering how strong the team had looked in the early part of the season. Despite the disappointment, the program quickly regrouped, keeping its focus on the future and rebuilding momentum for the next season.

Additionally, as a member of the Big Ten, Ohio State faces stiff competition every year, not only from traditional powerhouses like Maryland and Johns Hopkins but also from other rising programs in the conference. Maintaining success in such a highly competitive environment requires constant adjustments and evolution, a challenge that Myers and the Buckeyes have embraced head-on.

Ohio State’s Continued Success and Future Outlook

Today, Ohio State men’s lacrosse stands as a model for success in collegiate athletics. The team has shown that consistent development, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence can yield extraordinary results. As the program continues to climb the rankings, expectations are high, and the Buckeyes are determined to reach new heights.

Looking to the future, Ohio State’s lacrosse program is well-positioned to maintain its success. With Coach Nick Myers at the helm, the team will continue to focus on recruiting top-tier talent, fostering a winning culture, and competing at the highest level. The Buckeyes are determined to finally secure that elusive national title, and with their growing reputation, they are becoming one of the top destinations for aspiring lacrosse players.

As Ohio State men’s lacrosse continues its climb, they remain a program to watch in the world of college lacrosse. The Buckeyes have come a long way, but their journey is far from over. With continued hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, Ohio State has the potential to make its mark as one of the greatest programs in NCAA lacrosse history.

The Ohio State men’s lacrosse team’s ascent up the national rankings has been nothing short of remarkable. From its early years of competing in the NCAA tournament to becoming a national championship contender, the team has proven that it has the talent, coaching, and mentality to compete with the best in the sport. The combination of strong leadership, elite players, and a team-first mentality has transformed Ohio State into a lacrosse powerhouse.

While there is still work to be done in order to claim the ultimate prize — a national championship — the future of Ohio State men’s lacrosse looks bright. The team’s continued success in the Big Ten Conference and its consistent presence in the NCAA tournament will only add to the legacy of the program, and as more top recruits come to Ohio State, the Buckeyes will continue to climb, bringing pride to the university and its supporters. Ohio State men’s lacrosse has firmly established itself as one of the premier programs in the nation, and the journey is far from over.