Ohio State's men's basketball team is tasked with resetting its roster, and they made a big swing on Friday.
Ohio State's men's basketball team is looking at a full facelift heading into the 2026-27 season. They must see major improvements next year or else the program is going to be in a really bad spot, three full seasons into Jake Diebler's tenure.
The 2025-26 season was saved by a miracle run at the end of the year to work their way into the tournament. Once in there as an eight seed, they were swiftly dismissed at the hands of the TCU Horned Frogs, and it ended what was another disappointing season.
Midway through last year, Athletic Director Ross Bjork put the pressure on Diebler by saying that the standard for this program is to make the tournament every year and the expectation is a long run in the tournament, not just a one-and-done.
The Buckeyes accomplished the first on that checklist, but after the quick escort, they still have work to do.
To get their roster in a position to accomplish this, they are going to have to nearly flip it completely. Their lead player, Bruce Thornton, is on his way out of the program, while their second-best player, Devin Royal, is in the transfer portal and likely going to play for the UConn Huskies next season.
So that leaves the Buckeyes needing a big year while having to replace the top of their roster. Many, including myself, are calling for the Buckeyes to go big game hunting to accomplish this. On Friday, they did just that.
It was announced on Friday night that the Buckeyes have reached an agreement with former Michigan Wolverine and California Bear Justin Pippen committed to transferring to Ohio State.
Last year, he averaged 14.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game as his team went 22-12 and 9-9 in the ACC.
Last year was the first time that Pippen saw significant playing time, as he hardly appeared at all for the Wolverines in 2024.
Now, Pippen finds his newest home and is hoping to be a focal point for the Buckeyes as they continue to fight to turn their program around. He will be the first of hopefully several new portal additions to this basketball team.
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