The wait is over for Ohio State basketball, and the Buckeyes will waste little time finding out where they stand against some of the nation's best.

Ohio State opens its 2026-27 campaign Monday night with a challenging matchup against No. 25 BYU in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at the Delta Center, with the game airing nationally on FS1.

For third-year head coach Jake Diebler, the season opener presents an opportunity to establish momentum against a nationally ranked opponent while beginning a season with expectations of returning to the NCAA Tournament and making a deeper postseason run.

The Buckeyes are coming off a 21-13 campaign that saw them return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. However, their postseason ended in the opening round with a loss to TCU, leaving plenty of motivation heading into a new season.

Ohio State returns two important pieces from last year's squad in guard John Mobley Jr. and forward Amare Bynum. Mobley enters the season as one of the team's most important offensive weapons after averaging 15.7 points per game last season. The preseason All-Big Ten selection has already established himself as one of the conference's top perimeter threats, knocking down 174 3-pointers through his first two collegiate seasons.

Mobley's availability will be something to monitor after he suffered an ankle injury during the team's Oct. 25 exhibition against Butler. He has indicated that the injury was minor and that he expects to be ready for the season opener.

Bynum also returns after finishing his freshman campaign on a strong note. He averaged 9.7 points and 4.9 rebounds last season and will be expected to take on an expanded role offensively.

The Buckeyes have also added several new faces, including transfer point guard Justin Pippen, who brings valuable experience and defensive ability to the backcourt. Five-star freshman Anthony Thompson headlines the incoming recruiting class and gives Ohio State another intriguing offensive option on the wing.

However, the challenge awaiting Ohio State is far from an easy one.

BYU enters the season ranked No. 25 nationally after finishing 23-12 last year. The Cougars are looking to replace significant production after losing star forward AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, along with Richie Saunders, who was also selected in the draft.

Despite those departures, BYU still has plenty of firepower.

Guard Robert Wright III returns as the centerpiece of the Cougars' offense after averaging 18.1 points and 4.6 assists per game last season. His ability to create offense, distribute the basketball and knock down perimeter shots will present an immediate challenge for the Buckeyes' defense.

BYU also added Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler, who brings size and experience to the frontcourt, while former Kentucky guard Collin Chandler returns to his home state to provide another perimeter scoring option.

One of the biggest concerns for Ohio State will be containing BYU's outside shooting. The Cougars enter the season with several proven and projected perimeter threats, making defensive communication and limiting open looks particularly important.

For the Buckeyes, rebounding and interior defense will also be critical areas to watch. Ohio State has worked to add size and physicality to its frontcourt, but those improvements will be tested against a BYU team looking to establish itself early in the season.

Monday's matchup also carries some historical significance. The programs have met seven times previously, with Ohio State holding a narrow 4-3 advantage in the all-time series. The teams have not faced each other since December 1997, when BYU earned a 72-65 victory at the Rainbow Classic.

The Buckeyes have historically been strong in season openers, owning a 105-21 record in their first game of the season. They have not dropped a season opener since 2003, but Monday's contest will be just the fourth time in program history that Ohio State begins a season against a nationally ranked opponent.

With a difficult nonconference schedule ahead, a victory against a ranked opponent would provide an early statement for a Buckeyes team looking to take another step forward under Diebler.

Ohio State will look to start the season on the right foot, but it will need strong perimeter shooting, improved rebounding and disciplined defense to leave Salt Lake City with a statement victory.

The Buckeyes and No. 25 Cougars tip off at 9 p.m. Monday night on FS1.