Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s offseason overhaul continues to impact every level of the roster, and the latest developments at the wing position further emphasize just how much work remains for the Buckeyes heading into 2026-27. With Devin Royal committing to Villanova for his final season and Mathieu Grujicic also entering the transfer portal, Ohio State is now left with significant gaps on the perimeter that must be addressed quickly.
From a Buckeye perspective, Royal’s departure is the most notable loss among the wings. A steady contributor over the past two seasons, he started regularly and provided consistent scoring, averaging 13.7 points per game in back-to-back years. While his efficiency dipped this past season—likely influenced by a shift from power forward to small forward—he remained a reliable offensive option and showed incremental improvement as a perimeter shooter. His rebounding numbers also declined, further reflecting the challenges of adjusting to a new role.
Still, the writing was on the wall regarding his future in Columbus. With Amare Bynum emerging as a cornerstone in the frontcourt and five-star freshman Anthony Thompson arriving with expectations of immediate impact on the wing, Royal faced an uphill battle to retain a starting role. His move to Villanova offers a fresh opportunity to close out his college career in a system where he can play a more defined role and continue to showcase his skill set.
Grujicic’s departure, while less impactful statistically, underscores the broader issue of depth at the position. The international prospect arrived as an intriguing developmental piece, bringing professional experience from Spain and the versatility to play multiple wing spots. However, his transition to the college game never materialized. Limited to just six games and minimal production, he quickly fell out of the rotation and now seeks a new opportunity to continue his development elsewhere.
With these exits, along with Colin White also leaving earlier in the offseason, Ohio State’s wing depth has been nearly wiped clean. As it stands, Anthony Thompson is the only true wing on the roster with a clear path to meaningful minutes, placing immense pressure on a freshman to contribute immediately. That’s not a sustainable formula for a team with postseason aspirations.
The need for reinforcements is obvious. Ohio State is actively targeting wing players in the transfer portal, with names like Jalen Haralson and Abdi Bashir Jr. emerging as potential fits. The Buckeyes have already made progress in other areas, securing commitments from Justin Pippen in the backcourt and Andrija Jelavić in the frontcourt, but the wing position remains one of the most critical priorities left to address.
These moves are part of a much larger roster reset. With multiple players—including Royal, Grujicic, Gabe Cupps, Taison Chatman, and Colin White—departing via the portal, Ohio State is undergoing one of its most significant transitions in recent years. While that creates uncertainty, it also provides an opportunity to reshape the roster with players better suited to Jake Diebler’s system and expectations.
For Ohio State fans, the focus now shifts to how effectively the coaching staff can respond. The Buckeyes don’t just need bodies—they need impact players who can contribute right away and help stabilize a roster that is currently short on proven depth. The success of this rebuild, particularly on the wing, will go a long way in determining whether Ohio State can take a meaningful step forward next season or continue to search for answers.
