Ohio State Basketball Loses Key Starter to Transfer Portal

Ohio State reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. They lost to TCU in the first round. That defeat left guard Bruce Thornton without a postseason victory in his collegiate career.

Devin Royal will leave the program and enter the transfer portal, Jonathan Givony reported. Givony shared the update for Draft Express.

Transfer portal decision

Royal is a Pickerington native and a former Mr. Basketball in Ohio. He improved each season during his time with the Buckeyes. He had been expected to provide senior leadership next year.

Ohio State basketball now begins a period of roster recalibration. A key starter has entered the transfer portal.

Roster implications and next steps

Head coach Jake Diebler now faces major offseason roster decisions. Diebler has a five-star recruit headed to Columbus next season. He also must use the transfer portal to build around that incoming talent.

Losing Royal removes a key starter and interior scoring option. That loss may be the largest portal departure since Diebler became head coach.

The Buckeyes will need to find size and scoring inside during the offseason. Recruiting and targeted transfers are likely priorities now.

Filmogaz.com will monitor transfer decisions and roster updates. Further destinations for Royal remain unknown.