The 2026 college basketball transfer portal has been buzzing since it opened. Ohio State wasted no time making moves to strengthen their roster for the 2026-27 season.
The Buckeyes, fresh off an NCAA Tournament run, have already landed commitments from key players. They’re still on the hunt for more talent, and honestly, it feels like they’re just getting started.
Let’s dig into Ohio State’s approach in the transfer portal, their recent pickups, and which prospects are worth keeping an eye on.
Ohio State’s Strategic Approach to the Transfer Portal
Ohio State’s basketball program has taken a careful approach to the transfer portal. They care more about how a player fits than about high rankings or offseason hype.
The Buckeyes want guys who can slide right into their system and help out on the court. You can see this mindset in the players they’ve chosen so far—and in the way they’re still evaluating options.
Key Acquisitions: Justin Pippen and Andrija Jelavic
Since April 7, Ohio State has picked up two big names: guard Justin Pippen and big man Andrija Jelavic. Both are well-regarded—Pippen sits just outside the top 75 among all portal entrants, and both rank in the top 25 at their positions.
Landing these two shows Ohio State’s serious about adding talent that actually fits their system, not just chasing headlines.
Evaluating Potential Transfers
Ohio State’s coaches have spent months watching and assessing potential transfers. They want players who not only have talent, but also match the team’s culture and style.
This focus on “fit” really says a lot about the way they’re building their team.
Building for the Future
With the 2026-27 season coming up, Ohio State’s clearly planning ahead. Grabbing commitments from guys like Pippen and Jelavic sets them up for a solid run.
Upcoming Prospects and Events
Recruiting doesn’t stop with the transfer portal. Ohio State is also tracking top prospects from the 2027 and 2028 classes.
Some of these young talents showed off their skills at the Made Hoops Midwest Mania event in Hamilton, Ohio. Teams from fourth grade all the way up to 11th grade competed, making it a pretty wild scene.
Notable Prospects in Action
Several standouts from the Midwest Mania event caught Ohio State’s attention, including:
- Joshua Tyson and Bryce Curry from West Chester (Ohio) Lakota West
- Isaiah Mack-Russell from Cincinnati Winton Woods
- Shawn Foster from Lima (Ohio) Senior
- Jaylen Gunther from Youngstown Ursuline
Ohio State’s already shown interest in these players, which speaks to how seriously they take finding and developing young talent.
Upcoming Events to Watch
The basketball schedule is packed with events where these prospects will play. Here are some dates that stand out:
- All-Ohio Nike Cup, April 17-19, Columbus
- Buckeye Classic, April 17-19, Columbus
- Adidas 3SSB Session 1, April 24-26, Ladera Ranch, Calif.
- Nike EYBL Session 1, April 24-26, Atlanta
- Bill Hensley Run ‘N Slam, May 1-3, Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Adidas 3SSB Session 2, May 15-17, Mishawaka, Ind.
- Nike EYBL Session 2, May 15-17, Memphis, Tenn.
- Nike EYBL Session 3, May 22-25, Kansas City, Mo.
These tournaments give Ohio State’s coaches a chance to scout and get a real feel for future recruits. It could make a big difference for their next few rosters.
Spring Practice and Football Preparations
Switching gears for a second—Ohio State football is also getting ready for the upcoming season. Spring practice is in full swing, and the team is working hard to build a strong foundation.
There’s still a lot of time before kickoff, so the Buckeyes can tweak their strategies and figure out the best lineup. Feels like both programs are setting up for something big.
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Ohio State keeps taking a proactive, strategic approach to the transfer portal and recruiting. They focus on finding the right fit and put real effort into evaluating potential players.
The Buckeyes look ready to build competitive teams in both basketball and football. For more details and updates, the full article is over at 247Sports.
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