Ohio State Seeks New Guard, Center, and Depth in 2026 Transfer Portal
The Ohio State basketball program faces significant roster changes as it prepares for the 2026 transfer portal season. With more than half of the 2025-26 roster departing, the team is in search of new talent, particularly a starting guard and center, to enhance its depth. This is particularly critical following the Buckeyes’ recent NCAA Tournament appearance, which marked their first in four years.
Roster Changes and Transfer Portal Focus
Ohio State will see four seniors leave due to eligibility expiration, in addition to four non-seniors entering the transfer portal. Currently, the roster includes only eight players, set to return next season. Among these, center Ivan Njegovan stands out as the sole depth contributor, averaging 11.4 minutes per game and demonstrating strong rebounding skills.
Critical Needs in the Lineup
Ohio State must address three significant needs in the transfer portal:
- A Starting Guard: Bruce Thornton’s departure leaves a gap in the backcourt. The Buckeyes are likely to retain John Mobley Jr., who increased his scoring to 15.7 points per game. He could fit well in the role of shooting guard, although Ohio State needs a veteran guard to share responsibilities.
- A Starting-Caliber Center: The team cannot depend solely on Josh Ojianwuna, a Baylor transfer recovering from injury. Ohio State must find a center who can complement Njegovan and improve overall performance, particularly in rebounding and defense.
- Increased Depth: The Buckeyes lack adequate depth, particularly at the guard and wing positions. The goal is to elevate the roster to ten meaningful contributors. Upgrades in this area will be essential for competing in the Big Ten.
Rebounding and Defensive Challenges
Ohio State struggled with rebounding during the previous season, ranking 290th nationally with an average of 33.2 rebounds per game and a -1.8 rebounding margin. Addressing this weakness will be crucial for future success.
Potential Roster Additions
The team is eyeing quality transfers who can provide immediate impact. However, attracting players willing to join as reserves poses a challenge. Given the limited availability of talent ready to contribute, Ohio State must strategically approach the portal.
The focus will be on securing players who have proven production, speed, and versatile skill sets, aiming not only to fill essential positions but also to enhance overall team depth for the upcoming season.
As Ohio State prepares for these changes, the transfer portal offers both challenges and opportunities. The staff must evaluate prospects wisely to ensure the team can compete effectively in future seasons.
