Justin Pippen Commits to Ohio State, Shaking Up Big Ten Rivalry

The basketball prodigy's transfer from Cal to the Buckeyes adds intrigue to the Michigan-Ohio State matchup.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:27am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball game between Michigan and Ohio State, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.The transfer of star player Justin Pippen from Cal to Ohio State adds a new layer of complexity to the intense Michigan-Ohio State basketball rivalry.Boston Today

The basketball world is abuzz with the news that Cal guard Justin Pippen, son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, is committing to Ohio State. This decision has sent shockwaves through the Big Ten, as Pippen's transfer from Cal to the Buckeyes adds a new layer of intrigue to the intense rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State.

Why it matters

Pippen's decision not only impacts the on-court dynamics of the Big Ten, but also highlights the evolving landscape of college basketball. The transfer portal has become a significant factor, allowing players to move freely between teams, which can lead to increased competition but also instability within conferences.

The details

As a sophomore, Pippen is coming off a breakout season at Cal, where he averaged 14.2 points per game, 4.6 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. His decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal earlier this week has set the stage for this significant development. Pippen, who has already experienced the intensity of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry during his time at Michigan, will now be on the other side of the matchup, which is a unique and intriguing twist.

  • Pippen entered the NCAA transfer portal earlier this week.
  • Pippen played 28 games for Michigan before transferring to Cal.

The players

Justin Pippen

A sophomore guard who is transferring from Cal to Ohio State, adding to the intrigue of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry.

Scottie Pippen

NBA Hall of Famer and the father of Justin Pippen, whose family legacy adds an extra layer of interest to his son's decision.

Scotty Pippen Jr.

Justin's older brother, who is currently making waves in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Devin Royal

The departing Buckeye guard, whose role Pippen is expected to fill at Ohio State.

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What they’re saying

“This decision is particularly intriguing given Pippen's family legacy and his potential impact on the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State.”

— Terence Hammes MD, Author

“The loss of a player of Pippen's caliber could have significant implications for the conference's overall competitiveness.”

— Terence Hammes MD, Author

What’s next

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The takeaway

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