With the transfer portal frenzy finally settling down, Ohio State men's basketball fans can take a breath. The first three weeks of April were a whirlwind of player movement, with names entering and exiting the portal almost daily. Now that the dust has cleared, most teams—including the Buckeyes—are putting the finishing touches on their 2026-27 rosters.
Ohio State added four players through the portal: Justin Pippen (Cal), Jimmie Williams (Duquesne), Curtis Givens (Memphis), and Andrija Jelavic (Kentucky). Pippen is expected to step into a starting role, while the others are likely to provide depth off the bench. That said, nothing is set in stone this early in the offseason.
The Buckeyes were linked to several high-profile transfer targets but ultimately missed out, whether due to being out-bid or simply losing interest. That raises the question: Did head coach Jake Diebler and his staff do enough to elevate the program after losing two of last season's top three scorers in Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal?
Speaking of Thornton, his departure to the professional ranks leaves a significant void. Last week, our analysts Connor and Justin discussed how Ohio State's offense might look different without him. Connor noted that the Buckeyes could actually play faster this season, as Thornton wasn't the quickest guard. The incoming transfer guards, along with John Mobley, bring more speed to the floor.
Justin added that we'll likely see fewer isolation plays—those "get the ball to x and let him make a play" sets. Thornton was exceptionally efficient near the basket and could overpower opposing guards. Without that weapon, the Buckeyes will need to adapt their offensive approach.
So, how do we grade Ohio State's transfer portal class? It's a mixed bag. The additions are solid, but the lack of a true star power pickup leaves some questions. Can this group mesh with the returning players and overcome the loss of key scorers? Only time will tell, but for now, the grade is a cautious B—promising, but with room for improvement.