bruce thornton was named to the 2026 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Late-Season Team, a 30-player group that now includes the Ohio State guard as he sits third on the program’s all-time scoring list. The recognition arrives as Thornton carries a 19. 9 points-per-game scoring average that has driven Ohio State’s push toward the NCAA Tournament.
Bruce Thornton named to Naismith Late Season Team
Thornton is one of 30 players on the Naismith Late Season Team, the pool from which the national Player of the Year finalists will be chosen. The Naismith process will narrow the field to finalists in March, with the winner to be announced during the Final Four in early April. Thornton’s season averages — 19. 9 points, 5. 4 rebounds and 3. 9 assists in 36. 2 minutes per game — are cited as the statistical foundation for his selection.
Third on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list
The guard, a four-time starter and team captain, passed William Buford and Jerry Lucas to move into third place on Ohio State’s career scoring list. There is a clear path for Thornton to challenge the program’s top spot before his college career ends, and his scoring role has been the central element of his team’s offense this season.
How Thornton’s performance shapes Ohio State’s postseason outlook
Ohio State’s tournament hopes have leaned on Thornton’s production: he leads the team with 19. 9 points and is logging 36. 2 minutes per game while adding 5. 4 rebounds and 3. 9 assists. If Ohio State avoids having its bubble burst in its pursuit of the NCAA Tournament, the team’s run will be tied closely to Thornton’s scoring and all-around contributions.
Finalists for the Naismith Award will be announced in March, and the winner will be revealed during the Final Four in early April, giving a clear next marker for Thornton and the Buckeyes as the season moves into its decisive stretch.
