Ohio State Basketball Transfer Update: Royal, Chatman, Cupps, White Leaving 2026

Bassyonni

Published: April 7, 2026 10:09 AM ET

This offseason is crucial for the Ohio State Buckeyes as they navigate significant changes within their basketball roster. With the transfer portal becoming increasingly dynamic, Ohio State faces a pivotal moment as it prepares for the 2026-27 season.

Ohio State Basketball Transfer Update

Four players have announced their departure from the program, which will require head coach Jake Diebler to fill substantial gaps in the roster. The players exiting include:

Taison Chatman, Guard, R-JR: 4.3 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.8 APG
Gabe Cupps, Guard, R-JR: 1.7 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 1.1 APG
Devin Royal, Forward, SR: 13.7 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.6 APG
Colin White, Forward, JR: 0.9 PPG, 1 RPG, 0.4 APG

Departures Overview

On April 5, 2026, Taison Chatman announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after three seasons with the Buckeyes. Similarly, Gabe Cupps will also leave after a season, marking his third move in college basketball following his stints at Ohio and Indiana.

Colin White, who has played off the bench for two seasons, is also looking for a new opportunity. Devin Royal, who served two seasons as a starter, is leaving after realizing he may not secure a starting position in the upcoming year.

Challenges Ahead for Ohio State

With these departures, Ohio State now has critical needs to address in preparation for the next season. The Buckeyes require:

A new starting guard
A starting-caliber center
Additions for depth across all positions

The arrival of highly touted prospect Anthony Thompson is expected to mitigate some gaps, particularly at small forward, after Royal’s departure.

The Competitive Landscape

The pressure intensifies as Ohio State seeks to enhance its competitiveness. Michigan recently captured a national championship, underscoring the need for the Buckeyes to keep pace in a powerful Big Ten Conference.

Ohio State has yet to secure a win in the NCAA Tournament under Coach Diebler. The ongoing success of rivals highlights the urgency for the Buckeyes to make pivotal additions through the transfer portal.

As the offseason progresses, Ohio State’s ability to attract talent will be critical. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how the team navigates this transformative period.