Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Basketball Roster Changes: Who’s Leaving and Who’s Coming In
Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball coach Jake Diebler has been busy this offseason, navigating the transfer portal to bring in new talent while saying goodbye to some key players from last season. Despite losing several players to graduation and the portal, Diebler has managed to reload the roster with a mix of experienced transfers and highly touted recruits.
Among the departures from the program are seniors Dale Bonner, Jamison Battle, and Owen Spencer. Battle, a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, made a significant impact during his time with the Buckeyes, finishing second on the team in scoring and rebounding. Bonner, known for his perimeter defense and timely shooting, also played a key role for Ohio State.
In addition to the graduating seniors, Diebler saw a number of underclassmen and rotational players enter the transfer portal, including starters Roddy Gayle Jr. and Felix Okpara. The departures of Gayle and Okpara, who both found new homes at other Division I programs, leave voids in the Buckeyes’ lineup that will need to be filled.
However, Diebler has not been idle in the transfer market, bringing in a trio of transfers in Meechie Johnson Jr., Aaron Bradshaw, and Micah Parrish. Johnson, a former Buckeye who returned to Columbus after a stint at South Carolina, adds scoring and defense to the backcourt. Bradshaw, a seven-foot center, will provide size and rim protection, while Parrish brings versatility and shooting on the wing.
Rounding out the recruiting class are top-125 recruits Colin White and Juni Mobley, who add depth and talent to the roster. White, a local standout from Ohio, brings a physical presence in the paint, while Mobley, a dynamic guard from Utah, adds scoring and playmaking ability.
With a well-rounded roster and a mix of experience and youth, Diebler and the Buckeyes are poised to make a run at the NCAA Tournament next season. Despite the turnover in personnel, Ohio State looks to be in a strong position to compete in the Big Ten and beyond.