Ohio State Buckeyes received good news over the weekend that Jake Diebler has been waiting on
Ohio State Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament for a third straight season and pressure is on Jake Diebler to right the ship. Following the 17-15 season, it was known that the Buckeyes would see some turnover in the transfer portal. Four players have decided to transfer and that has been Aaron Bradshaw, Austin Parks, Evan […]
Ohio State Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament for a third straight season and pressure is on Jake Diebler to right the ship.
Following the 17-15 season, it was known that the Buckeyes would see some turnover in the transfer portal. Four players have decided to transfer and that has been Aaron Bradshaw, Austin Parks, Evan Mahaffey, and Meechie Johnson Jr.
On the flip side, the Buckeyes have brought in Indiana G Gabe Cupps and Santa Clara C Christoph Tilly from the portal. Bruce Thornton decided to come back for his senior season and now the Buckeyes have more good news.
Devin Royal returning for his junior season at Ohio State
The biggest must this offseason for the Buckeyes was keeping their top three players together. Thornton and John Mobley Jr. already decided to return. Devin Royal made it known that he would be back in Columbus in 2025-2026 as well.
There wasn’t a player that was more improved for the Buckeyes in 2024-2025 than Royal. The sophomore made 27 starts and averaged 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game. It was a big improvement from his freshman season where Royal averaged 4.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per game.
Getting Royal back assures Ohio State returns their No. 2 scorer and all three of their top scorers. Four out of five starting spots are all but locked up. Royal and Tilly will man the frontcourt while Thornton and Mobley are in the backcourt. Ohio State still needs to figure out the three spot.
A big win for the Buckeyes because keeping top players in today’s age of college sports isn’t easy especially when the program isn’t having a bunch of success. Royal is from the Columbus area and giving it another go with the Buckeyes shouldn’t be a big surprise.
