Ohio State women’s basketball has added Stanford to its 2026-27 non-conference schedule. The Buckeyes will play the Cardinal at the Bay Area Women’s Classic in San Francisco. This game takes place on December 20, 2026. It marks a return to a matchup that has seen Ohio State dominate in the past. Fans can expect a tough test against a historic West Coast program.
A Return to the Bay Area
The new game is set for the Chase Center in San Francisco. This venue hosted the event where the matchup was announced. The event is called the Invisalign Bay Area Women’s Classic. It is an annual doubleheader that features top teams. Ohio State has played there before. Their first trip to this specific event was also against Stanford. That history sets the stage for a competitive game two years from now.
According to Land-Grant Holy Land, the Buckeyes won their last meeting against Stanford by a wide margin. The final score was 84-59 in favor of Ohio State. The team showed great balance with six players scoring in double figures. Four of those six players later made it to the WNBA. One of those former Buckeyes is still active on a team today. This shows the depth and talent the program has produced.
History of the Matchup
The rivalry has some interesting twists due to record changes. Ohio State holds a 3-1 record against Stanford if you count all games played. However, the official record stands at 2-2 because of two vacated wins. These wins were removed due to recruiting violations. Head coach Kevin McGuff has a winning record against the Cardinal. He went 3-1 before the vacated wins were applied. This history suggests Ohio State has the edge on paper.
Stanford has had its own ups and downs recently. The program struggled in the first year under new head coach Kate Paye. They finished with a 16-15 record that season. This was only the third time in history they lost that many games. It was their first time since the 1983-84 season. That was the year legendary coach Tara VanDerveer left for the West Coast. The team improved slightly the next year but still missed the NCAA Tournament.
Current Players and Rivalry
Some current Buckeyes have faced Stanford before. Guard Ava Watson was the only current player to score at least 10 points in the last game. She led the team with strong play during that contest. Center Elsa Lemmilä and guard Kennedy Cambridge also played in that win. Both came off the bench for McGuff during the early-season victory. The win was considered a marquee game at the time. The opponent name carried a lot of weight in college basketball.
Point guard Jaloni Cambridge missed that past game due to injury. She suffered a lower back injury ten days before the match. Her absence was a key factor in the lineup. Now she is healthy and ready for future games. The team looks to build on the success of that past season. They aim to bring the same energy to the 2026-27 season. The roster will look similar to last year’s group.
What This Means for Ohio State
This scheduling move shows ambition from the coaching staff. Adding a team like Stanford signals a desire for tough competition. It helps prepare the team for the Big Ten conference season. Fans love to see their team play on big stages. The Bay Area Women’s Classic offers a national spotlight. It is a chance to prove the program belongs with the best. The win from two years ago gives the team confidence.
The recruiting trail remains busy for the program. On July 3, McGuff secured a commitment from forward Sydney Mobley. She is a 6-foot-1 four-star player from Ohio. Mobley is the No. 29-ranked overall freshman for the 2027 class. This adds depth to the roster for the future. The team is not just planning for next year. They are building a strong foundation for years to come. The addition of Stanford fits into this long-term plan.
Changes to the roster have already started. Guard Chance Gray left for the WNBA to play for the Los Angeles Sparks. She played a bench role for the Sparks. Guard Dasha Biriuk has also transferred out of the program. These departures create spots for new talent. The team will look to fill these gaps with new players. The schedule adds a challenge that will test the new lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Ohio State play Stanford?
The game is scheduled for December 20, 2026.
Where will the game be played?
It will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
What is the history between the teams?
Ohio State won their last meeting 84-59. They have a 2-2 official record against Stanford.
Who is the head coach for Ohio State?
Kevin McGuff is the head coach of the Buckeyes.
Will the roster change for the 2026-27 season?
Some players have left, but the team is adding new recruits like Sydney Mobley.
