Ohio State Men’s Basketball Navigates Transfer Portal Amid Roster Changes
As the 2025 NCAA basketball season concludes, the Ohio State men’s basketball program finds itself actively engaged in the transfer portal, seeking to bolster its roster for the upcoming season. This period of roster flux presents both challenges and opportunities for Coach Jake Diebler and his staff as they work to reshape the team.
Departures: Austin Parks Initiates Transfer Activity
On March 18, sophomore center Austin Parks became the first member of the 2024-25 team to enter the transfer portal. Parks’ decision marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be a series of roster adjustments. While specific reasons for his departure have not been publicly disclosed, his exit opens up potential opportunities for new talent to join the Buckeyes.
Incoming Prospects: Targeting Talent to Strengthen the Lineup
In response to potential departures, Ohio State is proactively identifying and pursuing talent to enhance its roster. Recent reports indicate interest in several transfer candidates:
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Colby Duggan (Campbell University): The Buckeyes are reportedly eyeing forward Colby Duggan, who averaged 15.7 points and 3 rebounds per game during his time at Campbell. Duggan’s scoring ability could provide an immediate offensive boost to Ohio State’s lineup.
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Owen Freeman (Formerly of Iowa): Former Iowa center Owen Freeman is considered one of the top available centers in the transfer portal. While securing Freeman’s commitment may be challenging, his addition could address Ohio State’s need for a strong presence in the paint.
Strategic Approach: Balancing Departures and Acquisitions
The transfer portal operates on a defined timeline, with the window opening on March 24 and closing on April 22. However, players from programs undergoing coaching changes are permitted to enter the portal before this period. This nuance allows Ohio State to potentially engage with a broader pool of talent.
Historically, Ohio State has supplemented its roster through transfers, with varying degrees of success. Notable examples include:
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Keyshawn Woods: Transferred from Wake Forest, Woods averaged 10.1 points per game during the 2018-2019 season and delivered pivotal performances in clutch moments.
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CJ Jackson: A transfer from Eastern Florida State College, Jackson served as the starting point guard, averaging 12.3 points per game in his final two seasons.
These instances highlight the potential impact of well-chosen transfers on the program’s success.
Financial Considerations: NIL Opportunities Influencing Decisions
In the evolving landscape of college athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities play a significant role in recruitment and retention. Rumors suggest that Ohio State is offering substantial NIL packages to attract guards from the transfer portal. These financial incentives are becoming increasingly influential in players’ decisions to join or remain with a program. Scarlet and Game
Looking Ahead: Strategic Planning for a Competitive Future
As the transfer portal activity intensifies, Ohio State’s coaching staff faces the critical task of balancing the acquisition of new talent with the development of existing players. Identifying positions of need, aligning potential transfers with the team’s strategic goals, and navigating the complexities of NIL opportunities are all factors that will shape the Buckeyes’ roster.
The coming weeks are pivotal for Ohio State men’s basketball, with decisions made in the transfer portal likely to have a lasting impact on the program’s competitiveness in the 2025-2026 season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring developments, anticipating announcements that will define the team’s trajectory in the seasons to come.
