Buckeyes, Bearcats to play exhibition game in support of mental health

OHIO — The Ohio State University Buckeyes will travel to the University of Cincinnati this fall to play a charity exhibition game in support of mental health. 

The OSU vs. UC CareSource Exhibition Game for Mental Health is among ongoing efforts from college basketball programs to raise awareness and provide resources to those struggling. The exhibition game is part of a contest with The University of Dayton and Xavier University, which will play their own separate game also this fall. All net proceeds from ticket sales will go toward mental health providers and charities within each school’s footprint. 

Funds will also go toward Jay’s Light, which is an organization created by Dayton Head Coach Anthony Grant and his wife, Chris, after their daughter, Jay, died in 2022 from mental illness. The organization helps mothers, fathers, teens and young adults find mental health resources. 

“We’re excited to partner with Cincinnati and CareSource this preseason for such a tremendous cause,” Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler said in a statement. “The opportunity to raise awareness, specifically in our great state, was important to our program and university. The overall wellness and mental health of our student-athletes has long been a priority for our athletic department, and we are blessed to have incredible resources here at Ohio State. Being able to join Coach Grant, along with Coach Miller and his program, is important for our state as we continue to work to have a real impact in our communities.”

The OSU and UC game is set for Friday, Oct. 18 inside Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, and the Dayton and Xavier game will be played on Sunday, Oct. 20 in Dayton. Ticket information will be announced later this month. 

“We are thrilled to participate in this exhibition with Ohio State and raise awareness for mental health initiatives,” Cincinnati Head Coach Wes Miller said in a release. “This game will be a great showcase for Fifth Third Arena and serve as a preview for our fans for what’s in store for our 2024-25 team.”