Ohio State Loses Two Wings to Transfer Portal

Departures of Colin White and Devin Royal signal need for Buckeyes to rebuild perimeter depth

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:27am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college basketball game, with the players' forms deconstructed into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a vibrant color palette.The transfer portal's impact on college basketball rosters is a complex, ever-evolving landscape, as Ohio State's recent roster churn illustrates.Columbus Today

In a blow to Ohio State's basketball roster, two key wing players—Colin White and Devin Royal—have entered the transfer portal, leaving the Buckeyes to navigate a sudden need for perimeter talent and experience. The exits underscore the perpetual roster churn in college hoops and the heightened leverage that versatile wings wield in the modern game.

Why it matters

The departures of White and Royal represent more than just individual player movements. They highlight the broader trend of 'homegrown' expectations eroding as the transfer portal empowers players to seek better fits and opportunities. This dynamic forces programs like Ohio State to be more aggressive in the portal to quickly replenish perimeter depth rather than relying on development timelines.

The details

White, a 6-foot-6 wing who was a celebrated high school star, struggled to find consistent minutes in his two seasons at Ohio State amid a crowded frontcourt. His decision to enter the portal exemplifies how the brutal realities of college basketball can undermine the promise of prep stardom. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are also losing Devin Royal, intensifying the need to add experienced wings who can contribute immediately on both ends of the floor.

  • White and Royal entered the transfer portal in April 2026.
  • White was named Ohio Mr. Basketball in 2024 prior to joining Ohio State.

The players

Colin White

A 6-foot-6 wing who was a celebrated high school star at Ottawa-Glandorf, earning Ohio Mr. Basketball in 2024 before joining Ohio State, where he struggled to find consistent minutes over two seasons.

Devin Royal

Another wing player who has also entered the transfer portal, leaving Ohio State with a pressing need to replenish its perimeter depth.

Ohio State

The men's basketball program at Ohio State University, which is now tasked with rebuilding its roster after the departures of two key wing players.

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What’s next

Ohio State will need to be aggressive in the transfer portal to find experienced wings who can contribute immediately and help stabilize the roster. The program will also need to focus on developing its younger players to build a sustainable pipeline of talent.

The takeaway

The departures of Colin White and Devin Royal from Ohio State's basketball roster highlight the perpetual roster churn in college hoops and the heightened leverage that versatile wings wield in the modern game. This dynamic forces programs to be more proactive in the transfer portal to quickly replenish perimeter depth rather than relying on development timelines.