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

. is a prime example of this evolution. Over the past decade, the Buckeyes have transformed from a competitive team with potential into a consistent national powerhouse. Their meteoric rise in the rankings is a testament to hard work, strategic leadership, and the development of a program that attracts top talent year after year.

A Legacy of Success

Ohio State’s men’s lacrosse program, though historically competitive, began its significant rise to prominence in the 2000s. Prior to that, the Buckeyes were a team that frequently found themselves on the cusp of greatness but often fell short when it mattered most. But beginning in the early 2000s, the team’s commitment to excellence took shape, with improvements in coaching, recruiting, and overall program management.

The Buckeyes’ climb to national relevance began in earnest under former head coach Nick Myers, who took over in 2008. Myers, who had been an assistant coach at the University of Denver, brought with him a wealth of lacrosse knowledge and a forward-thinking approach to the game. His emphasis on building a strong team culture, focusing on fundamentals, and blending traditional lacrosse with new-age techniques quickly turned the program into a national contender.

In the years since, Ohio State has regularly made appearances in the NCAA tournament, achieved consistent Top 20 rankings, and garnered attention from lacrosse fans across the nation. The program’s sustained success has been a mixture of great recruiting, stellar player development, and excellent game planning.

The Key Factors Behind Ohio State’s Rise

While the success of Ohio State men’s lacrosse is a team effort, there are several key factors that have driven its climb up the rankings.

1. Strong Leadership at the Helm

Nick Myers, the head coach for over a decade, has been one of the biggest driving forces behind Ohio State’s rise. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have achieved numerous milestones, including consistent NCAA tournament berths, multiple Big Ten championships, and a strong presence in the national rankings. Myers has built a winning culture, instilling discipline and a competitive edge that permeates every level of the program.

In addition to his strategic acumen, Myers has a unique ability to develop strong relationships with his players, often serving as both a mentor and a coach. His commitment to building a well-rounded, family-oriented program has played a key role in Ohio State’s success.

The leadership at Ohio State’s athletic department has also played a role in the success of the men’s lacrosse team. The university has made a concerted effort to invest in its lacrosse facilities, provide necessary resources, and maintain a competitive budget. These investments have allowed the Buckeyes to compete at the highest levels.

2. Recruiting the Best and Brightest

Lacrosse is a sport that thrives on talent, and Ohio State’s ability to recruit top-tier players has been one of the program’s greatest strengths. The Buckeyes have attracted some of the most talented high school and transfer players in the country, helping to raise the team’s overall level of play.

Ohio State’s recruiting prowess is evident not just in terms of talent, but also in the type of players the program targets. The coaching staff has prioritized finding players who are not only skilled but also share the program’s values and work ethic. The combination of elite skill and a strong team-first mentality has created a balanced and dynamic roster, capable of competing with the best teams in the country.

One of the key areas where Ohio State has excelled in recruiting is the goalie position. Over the years, the Buckeyes have consistently landed top-tier goalies, such as sophomore standout Jack Myers, whose performances between the pipes have been a cornerstone of the team’s success.

3. Player Development and Program Stability

Another key to Ohio State’s rise in the rankings has been its ability to develop players. The program does not simply rely on recruiting talent but has built a robust development system designed to help players reach their full potential. The team’s coaching staff places a heavy emphasis on individual development, ensuring that players continue to improve and refine their skills throughout their time at Ohio State.

This development has extended beyond just the physical aspects of the game. Ohio State’s coaching staff works closely with players to develop their mental toughness, lacrosse IQ, and leadership abilities. Many of the program’s success stories can be traced back to players who entered the program as raw talent but left as polished, well-rounded players capable of competing at the highest levels.

Moreover, the stability of the coaching staff and the program as a whole has allowed the Buckeyes to maintain a level of consistency that many programs struggle to achieve. The team has been able to stay competitive and continue its climb up the rankings despite frequent roster turnover, which is common in the sport of lacrosse.

4. The Rise of Big Ten Lacrosse

One of the most significant changes in recent years that has impacted Ohio State’s ascent in the rankings has been the formation of the Big Ten lacrosse conference. In 2015, Ohio State became a founding member of the Big Ten Conference’s lacrosse division, which allowed the team to play against some of the toughest competition in the nation on a regular basis.

The addition of Big Ten teams such as Maryland, Johns Hopkins, and Rutgers has elevated the level of competition in the conference, pushing Ohio State to perform at its best. The Buckeyes have had to consistently raise their level of play in order to remain competitive in the conference, and this has had a direct impact on their national ranking. Playing in the Big Ten has allowed Ohio State to gain valuable experience and exposure, setting them up for success in NCAA tournament play.

5. A Strong Team Culture

The foundation of Ohio State’s success on the field is the strong team culture that has been cultivated over the years. The Buckeyes are known for their work ethic, commitment to improvement, and unselfishness on the field. The team’s slogan, “All In,” reflects the program’s commitment to playing for the greater good of the team and the university.

Ohio State’s culture is built around the concept of “Brotherhood.” The program emphasizes unity, with players often saying that they play for each other as much as they play for the success of the program. This camaraderie has fostered a sense of togetherness that is evident in every game the Buckeyes play. It is this mentality that has helped Ohio State persevere through adversity, overcome challenges, and emerge as one of the top teams in the country.

6. NCAA Tournament Success

Ohio State’s rise in the national rankings is also reflected in its success in the NCAA Tournament. In 2017, the Buckeyes made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA championship game, and although they fell short against the University of Maryland, the experience was a huge step for the program. The Buckeyes continued to build on this success, making repeated appearances in the NCAA Tournament and becoming a fixture in the lacrosse postseason.

In recent years, Ohio State has been a perennial contender, regularly making deep runs into the tournament. Their ability to perform in big-game situations has helped elevate their national profile and further cement their place among the sport’s elite programs.

7. A Bright Future

Looking ahead, the future of Ohio State men’s lacrosse remains incredibly bright. With a strong recruiting pipeline, a successful track record, and a commitment to excellence, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to continue their ascent in the rankings.

As the lacrosse world continues to evolve, Ohio State will be at the forefront of innovation, blending the best aspects of traditional lacrosse with new-age strategies. The program’s continued success will not only shape the future of Buckeye lacrosse but also leave a lasting legacy in the world of collegiate lacrosse.

Ohio State men’s lacrosse has proven to be one of the most successful programs in recent years, continuously climbing up the national rankings. Their rise has been driven by a mix of strong leadership, excellent recruiting, player development, and a commitment to building a team-first culture. With a history of success and a promising future ahead, Ohio State’s lacrosse program is set to remain a dominant force in the world of college lacrosse for years to come.