Ohio State Basketball: Players Potentially Entering Transfer Portal (2026)

Ohio State Basketball Faces Roster Decisions in the Transfer Portal

Following a narrow defeat to TCU in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the Ohio State Buckeyes are turning their attention to the offseason, with roster retention emerging as a key priority for head coach Jake Diebler. The new landscape of college sports, driven by the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, presents challenges as other programs may attempt to lure Buckeyes players away from Columbus.

Potential Departures

Several Ohio State players could consider entering the transfer portal, seeking opportunities for increased playing time or more lucrative NIL deals. Here’s a seem at a few key players and their situations:

Gabe Cupps (Guard)

Cupps transferred to Ohio State after limited playing time with the Indiana Hoosiers, but has also seen limited minutes in Columbus, averaging just under 13 minutes per game. With Bruce Thornton’s likely departure to the NBA, a larger role could be available for Cupps in his junior year. However, it remains uncertain whether Diebler will significantly increase his playing time, potentially leading Cupps to explore opportunities at smaller schools where he could be a more prominent contributor.

Ivan Njegovan (Center)

The 7-foot-1 center has played just under 12 minutes per game during his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, averaging two points and two rebounds. While his size was touted as a potential rim-protecting asset, he has blocked fewer than 0.5 shots per game. With Christoph Tilly exhausting his eligibility, Ohio State may seek to overhaul its center position, potentially opening the door for Njegovan to seek a program where he can secure a more substantial role.

Brandon Noel (Forward)

Noel demonstrated improvement late in the season for the Buckeyes, and the team would likely prefer to retain him. However, his strong performance against Large Ten competition could attract interest from other coaches. An efficient scorer who has battled injuries, Noel could receive offers from other programs that Ohio State may be unable to match.