Eric Boggs
Colin White’s time in Columbus has come to an end, as the Ohio State forward announced he will enter the transfer portal following two seasons with the Buckeyes. For Ohio State fans, it’s a move that feels more about unrealized potential than surprise, as White’s tenure never fully matched the promise he brought with him out of high school.
White arrived at Ohio State as one of the most decorated in-state prospects in recent memory. The Ottawa-Glandorf product was not only a three-star recruit, but also an Ohio Mr. Basketball winner and a two-time first-team all-state selection. His high school résumé placed him in rare company, as he and LeBron James remain the only players in Ohio history to start on a Final Four team in all four years of their prep careers. With that pedigree, expectations were understandably high for what he could become in scarlet and gray.
However, his college career never quite gained traction. Injuries played a role in slowing his development, and consistent opportunities were limited within a competitive roster. Over the course of two seasons, White appeared in 48 games, averaging just under a point and one rebound per game in limited minutes. His shooting numbers reflected the struggle to find rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, where he connected on just over 11 percent of his attempts.
From a Buckeye perspective, this is one of those departures that underscores the reality of modern college basketball. Not every highly touted in-state player becomes a long-term contributor, and sometimes a change of scenery is the best path forward for both the athlete and the program. White still possesses the size, versatility, and defensive potential that made him an intriguing prospect, and with two years of eligibility remaining, he will have the opportunity to reset and carve out a larger role elsewhere.
His exit also adds to what is shaping up to be a transitional offseason for Ohio State. White becomes the second Buckeye to enter the portal, joining Devin Royal, as roster movement continues to reshape the team heading into next season. At the same time, there is some stability with Amare Bynum announcing his return and John Mobley Jr. keeping the possibility of a return open while exploring the NBA Draft process.
For Ohio State, the focus now shifts to roster construction and maximizing available scholarships, while for White, it’s about finding the right fit to unlock the potential that made him one of Ohio’s most accomplished high school players. While his time in Columbus didn’t unfold as many had hoped, Buckeye fans can still appreciate the journey and wish him success as he takes the next step in his career.
