Ohio State Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker: Key Departures and Roster Needs

Ohio State men’s basketball head coach Jake Diebler faces a critical roster rebuilding phase as the transfer portal officially opens on April 7, 2026. The program is tasked with replacing approximately half of its roster following a series of departures and graduations.

Four players have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal: senior forward Devin Royal, redshirt junior guard Taison Chatman, redshirt junior guard Gabe Cupps, and junior forward Colin White.

The loss of Devin Royal is particularly significant for the Buckeyes’ offense. Royal averaged 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. To mitigate this loss, Ohio State expects the arrival of five-star prospect Anthony Thompson, who is projected to replace Royal at the small forward position.

Other departing players include Taison Chatman, who averaged 4.3 points per game, and Gabe Cupps, who averaged 1.7 points per game. Colin White contributed 0.9 points and 1 rebound per game during the previous campaign.

Roster Attrition and Retention

The transfer portal departures coincide with the loss of several key players to graduation. The Buckeyes must replace all-time leading scorer Bruce Thornton, as well as Christoph Tilly, Brandon Noel, and Puff Johnson.

Currently, Ohio State has four returning scholarship players on its roster: Amare Bynum, Ivan Njegovan, Josh Ojianwuna, and Mathieu Gruijic. The program has successfully retained Bynum, and there is a possibility that second-leading scorer John Mobley Jr. Will return after testing the NBA draft process, as he will not enter the transfer portal.

Coach Jake Diebler has emphasized that player retention is the primary objective for the program during this period.

We have to start with retention, That’s a major focus for us this time of year, and then we build it out.

Jake Diebler

Positional Needs and Portal Targets

Ohio State has identified several immediate needs to remain competitive in the Big Ten. The coaching staff is searching for a new starting guard, a starting-caliber center, and various depth pieces across the roster.

In the backcourt, the Buckeyes are targeting high-production scorers. Colby Garland of San José State, who averaged 20.3 points and 4.6 assists, is a primary target to provide a go-to scoring option. Other guard targets include Tyler Lundblade from Belmont, who averaged 15.6 points, and Stefan Vaaks from Providence, a 6’7 playmaker who averaged 15.8 points as a freshman.

Additional guard options include Cord Stansberry of Western Carolina and Chase Cormier, who is viewed as a potential rotational piece.

To address the frontcourt and interior presence, Ohio State is monitoring Ben Defty, a 7-footer who averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting nearly 70 percent from the field. Other frontcourt targets include Samson Aletan of Yale and 6’11 Joe Hurlburt. Dillon Claussen, a 6’8 forward from Washburn, is also being considered for his versatility and defensive activity.

Conference Context and Pressure

The urgency of this rebuilding process is heightened by the success of conference rivals. Michigan won the national championship on Monday, April 6, 2026, after defeating UConn in the final. Illinois also reached the Final Four before falling to UConn.

The Big Ten’s overall strength, with six teams reaching the Sweet 16, increases the pressure on Diebler to secure high-level talent. Ohio State is still seeking its first NCAA Tournament win under Diebler’s leadership, while rival Michigan has achieved championship success under Dusty May, a coach who was previously considered for the Ohio State position.

The transfer portal will remain open through April 21, 2026, providing a limited window for the Buckeyes to finalize their roster for the upcoming season.