Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball took a significant offseason hit as Devin Royal announced he will enter the transfer portal, bringing his three-year run in Columbus to an end.
A native Ohioan and two-year starter, Royal had developed into one of the Buckeyes’ most reliable and versatile contributors. His decision to leave comes at a critical time for Jake Diebler, who is attempting to build momentum following Ohio State’s return to the NCAA Tournament.
Royal started 32 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. Though his efficiency dipped slightly from the previous year, he showed growth in his perimeter game, improving his three-point shooting from 27.6 percent to 31.6 percent. His ability to adapt—sliding from power forward to small forward to fill a team need—underscored his value within the rotation.
Royal’s development arc was steady. After arriving as a four-star prospect in the 2023 class, he worked his way from a reserve role into a full-time starter and ultimately became a member of Ohio State’s 1,000-point club, finishing with 1,018 career points.
But his departure also reflects the evolving reality of the roster. The emergence of Amare Bynum at power forward and the arrival of five-star freshman Anthony Thompson created a crowded frontcourt picture. With Thompson expected to command a major role immediately, Royal’s path to consistent minutes—and a starting spot—became far less certain heading into his senior season.
Still, even with those circumstances, losing a player of Royal’s caliber is a blow Ohio State can’t easily absorb.
From a roster standpoint, his exit leaves the Buckeyes thin on experienced wing depth. Players like Colin White and Ivan Njegovan are now thrust into more prominent roles, while the staff will need to aggressively pursue reinforcements in the transfer portal.
From a broader program perspective, this isn’t a good look for Diebler.
Royal was expected to be one of the foundational returning pieces for next season—a proven, productive veteran who could help stabilize a roster already dealing with key departures. Instead, Ohio State now faces the challenge of replacing not just his production, but his experience and versatility.
And within the fanbase, this development will only add fuel to an already growing conversation.
There are segments of Ohio State supporters who remain skeptical of Diebler as the long-term answer at head coach. While others point to progress—an NCAA Tournament appearance and improved recruiting—losses like this reinforce concerns about roster retention and program stability in the modern era of college basketball.
Fair or not, perception matters. When a key contributor chooses to leave rather than remain part of the program’s future, it raises questions—especially for a coach still working to establish his footing.
The reality is that the transfer portal cuts both ways. Ohio State has been active in targeting talent, but retaining its own core pieces is just as important. In this case, the Buckeyes come up short.
There’s still time for Diebler and his staff to respond. The portal offers opportunities to reload, and Ohio State’s returning talent—headlined by Bynum and others—provides a foundation to build on.
But losing Devin Royal is more than just a roster move. It’s a moment that increases the pressure, sharpens the scrutiny, and makes this offseason even more critical for the future direction of Ohio State basketball.
