Ohio State Buckeyes Suffer Another Loss to the Transfer Portal Following Disappointing Season

The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball program has endured a tumultuous season, and their struggles have only continued in the offseason as another player has entered the transfer portal. The latest departure marks a growing concern for the Buckeyes, who failed to make the NCAA Tournament and now face a crucial rebuilding period under head coach Jake Diebler.

A Season to Forget

The 2023-24 season was one to forget for Ohio State basketball. The Buckeyes finished with a subpar record in Big Ten play, failing to meet preseason expectations. Despite moments of promise, inconsistency plagued the team. Losses against ranked opponents and surprising defeats at the hands of unranked teams sealed their fate. As a result, Ohio State was left out of March Madness for the second consecutive season—a major disappointment for a program with rich basketball history.

Throughout the season, the Buckeyes struggled with defensive lapses, turnovers, and offensive droughts in key moments. Even with a talented roster, they failed to establish a clear identity on either end of the court. Standout performances from a few key players weren’t enough to keep them in contention, and ultimately, their shortcomings led to an early exit in the Big Ten Tournament. The failure to secure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament further emphasized the need for change.

The Transfer Portal Exodus

Following their disappointing campaign, Ohio State has been hit hard by the transfer portal. The latest departure adds to a growing list of players looking for new opportunities elsewhere. While roster turnover has become a common theme in today’s college basketball landscape, the Buckeyes are facing an alarming number of exits.

The transfer portal has transformed college basketball, making it easier for players to explore new opportunities. Ohio State is no exception to this reality, and with players opting to leave, Diebler and his staff must act swiftly to prevent a complete roster overhaul.

Key Departures and Their Impact

One of the most significant losses for Ohio State was sophomore guard Bruce Thornton. As the team’s leading scorer, Thornton’s decision to enter the portal is a major blow. He provided much-needed scoring, playmaking, and leadership—qualities that will be difficult to replace. His departure signals a need for the Buckeyes to find a new offensive focal point.

Additionally, freshman forward Devin Royal, who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action, has also opted to leave. Royal was viewed as a key piece for the future, and his exit raises concerns about the team’s ability to develop young talent. The Buckeyes were banking on his growth to fill gaps in their frontcourt, and now they must find another prospect to step up.

Other departures include bench contributors who provided depth and energy throughout the season. While not all transfers are program-altering losses, the sheer number of players leaving presents a challenge for the coaching staff. Ohio State will have to tap into the portal themselves to rebuild their roster and remain competitive in the Big Ten.

Why Are Players Leaving?

Several factors contribute to the Buckeyes’ struggles with player retention. The disappointing season, combined with uncertainty regarding the program’s future, has made it difficult to keep talent in Columbus. Players often seek a fresh start after a tough year, and Ohio State’s failure to reach the NCAA Tournament has only accelerated this trend.

Coaching changes also play a role. With the recent transition from Chris Holtmann to Jake Diebler, some players may feel unsure about their fit in the new system. While Diebler is respected within the program, his long-term vision for Ohio State basketball is still taking shape. Players who committed under Holtmann may now be looking for a system that better suits their playing style.

Additionally, the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals has made transferring even more appealing. Programs with stronger NIL opportunities can attract top talent, and if Ohio State falls behind in this area, they risk losing more players to schools that offer better financial incentives.

The Road to Recovery

Despite the challenges, the Buckeyes still have opportunities to turn things around. The transfer portal taketh, but it also giveth. Ohio State must be aggressive in pursuing experienced players who can contribute immediately. The coaching staff needs to identify key areas of improvement and target players who fit their system.

One major priority will be replacing Thornton’s production. The Buckeyes need a reliable point guard who can lead the offense and create scoring opportunities for teammates. If they fail to secure a quality replacement, their struggles could continue into next season.

Ohio State must also focus on improving their frontcourt. The departure of Royal leaves a hole in their rotation, and finding a versatile forward will be critical. Whether through the transfer portal or high school recruiting, adding size and skill in the paint should be a top priority.

Finally, the Buckeyes need to establish a stronger team culture to prevent future transfer exoduses. Retaining key players and building continuity within the program will be essential. If Diebler can instill confidence in his vision and show tangible progress, Ohio State can stabilize and position themselves as a contender once again.

The Bigger Picture

Ohio State’s recent struggles highlight a broader trend in college basketball—roster instability. The transfer portal has created a more fluid landscape, where teams can lose multiple players in a single offseason. While this presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for programs that can adapt quickly.

For the Buckeyes, the immediate goal is to stop the bleeding and build momentum heading into next season. With the right moves, they can recover from this setback and return to national relevance. However, if the current trend continues, Ohio State risks falling further behind in the competitive Big Ten landscape.

The loss of another player to the transfer portal is a tough blow for an Ohio State program already reeling from a disappointing season. The Buckeyes must now navigate a challenging offseason filled with roster reconstruction and program evaluation. While the road ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear—Ohio State cannot afford another lost season. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether they can bounce back or continue their downward spiral. Buckeye fans will be watching closely, hoping for signs of a turnaround in Columbus.