Eric Boggs
As Ohio State’s basketball program begins its offseason, significant roster changes are already underway. The Buckeyes have seen multiple players enter the transfer portal while securing their first commitment in former Indiana guard Gabe Cupps.
Austin Parks, a reserve center from St. Marys, Ohio, has entered the transfer portal after two seasons in Columbus. Parks saw limited action throughout his time with the Buckeyes, appearing in just 24 games. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game across 15 appearances. With Ohio State expected to aggressively pursue centers in the portal, Parks’ role for the 2025-26 season was uncertain, making his departure unsurprising.
Meechie Johnson Jr. also opted to enter the portal as he seeks a medical hardship waiver after playing only 10 games in the 2024-25 season. Johnson, who began his career at Ohio State before transferring to South Carolina in 2022, returned to Columbus for the past season but struggled with mental health challenges. He averaged 9.1 points and 2.7 assists per game but shot just 35.6% from the field before stepping away from the team in December. His departure marks the end of his second stint with the Buckeyes as he searches for another opportunity to complete his collegiate career.
Evan Mahaffey, another Buckeye to hit the portal, has already found a new home at Akron. Mahaffey, who began his career at Penn State before transferring to Ohio State ahead of the 2023-24 season, played a key role as the Buckeyes’ starting small forward before transitioning into a bench role in 2024-25. He averaged 3.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and nearly one block per game last season. With his transfer to Akron, he looks to take on a more prominent role in his final year of eligibility.
On the incoming side, Ohio State secured its first transfer portal addition in Gabe Cupps. The former Indiana guard and Centerville, Ohio native committed to the Buckeyes, returning to his home state. Cupps, who was Ohio’s Mr. Basketball in 2022, played in 37 games over two seasons at Indiana, averaging 2.6 points per game as a freshman. He missed most of the 2024-25 season due to a torn meniscus but could have three years of eligibility remaining if granted a medical redshirt. With his commitment, Ohio State fans can hope that Cupps and his former high school rival, Buckeye forward Devin Royal, will try to recruit Xavier transfer Dailyn Swain to join them in Columbus.
As Jake Diebler enters his second season at the helm, Ohio State is expected to continue its pursuit of key transfers to strengthen its roster. With the departures of Parks, Johnson, and Mahaffey, the Buckeyes will likely target both a wing and a center to complement their existing core and make a strong push to return to NCAA Tournament contention.
