Ohio State won't have its head coach or starting center when it faces New Orleans on Thursday.
Chris Holtmann and Felix Okpara have contracted the flu and won't participate against the Privateers, Ohio State announced before the game.
Associate head coach Jake Diebler will serve as acting head coach in Holtmann's stead.
Okpara, who has started all 11 games for the Buckeyes and leads the squad in blocks per game with 2.3, will likely be replaced by fourth-year Zed Key at center in the starting lineup.
Ohio State could opt for smaller lineups when it wants to give Key a rest. The only other center on the roster is freshman Austin Parks.
Diebler previously served as acting head coach for Holtmann on Jan. 9, 2022, when the Buckeyes' head man caught a case of COVID-19. The Buckeyes beat Northwestern 95-87 that day.
Fresh off a strong 67-60 victory over UCLA, Ohio State will hope to maintain momentum with Diebler in charge of things against its final mid-major opponent of the year. The Buckeyes tip off against New Orleans at 6 p.m. in Value City Arena, with the game streamed on B1G+.
