Justin Pippen Commits to Ohio State: Big Ten Rivalry Switch & NBA Legacy

The son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen takes his talents from Michigan to Ohio State, adding intrigue to the storied Big Ten rivalry.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the fluid motions and energy of a basketball player in action, without any identifiable features or branding, conveying the conceptual drama of college basketball.A cubist interpretation of a college basketball player's dynamic movements, reflecting the evolving narratives and unexpected turns that make the sport so captivating.Columbus Today

Justin Pippen, a standout guard who had a breakout sophomore season at Cal, has committed to play for Ohio State after previously suiting up for rival Michigan. This unexpected move not only adds an interesting wrinkle to the intense Big Ten rivalry, but also presents Pippen with an opportunity to forge his own path while living up to the weight of his famous family name.

Why it matters

Pippen's transfer from Michigan to Ohio State is a rare occurrence, as players rarely switch sides of such a storied college basketball rivalry. This move will be closely watched, as Pippen looks to establish his own identity separate from his NBA legend father Scottie Pippen while also contributing to Ohio State's success in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.

The details

After averaging 14.2 points and 4.6 assists per game during his breakout sophomore season at Cal, Pippen has decided to transfer to Ohio State. The Buckeyes are expecting him to step into a key role similar to that of the departing Devin Royal, a combo guard tasked with contributing on both ends of the floor. This represents a significant leap for Pippen, as he transitions from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, one of the premier conferences in college basketball.

  • Pippen had a standout sophomore season at Cal in 2025-26.
  • Pippen has committed to play for Ohio State starting in the 2026-27 season.

The players

Justin Pippen

A guard who had a breakout sophomore season at Cal, averaging 14.2 points and 4.6 assists per game. He is the son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen.

Scottie Pippen

A former NBA player who is considered one of the greatest small forwards of all time, having won six championships with the Chicago Bulls.

Devin Royal

A departing Ohio State player who played a key combo guard role for the Buckeyes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Pippen's performance and ability to adapt to the Big Ten will be closely watched as he looks to establish his own identity separate from his famous father's legacy while contributing to Ohio State's success.

The takeaway

Pippen's transfer from Michigan to Ohio State adds an intriguing twist to the storied Big Ten rivalry, as the son of an NBA legend looks to forge his own path and prove himself at the highest level of college basketball.