Devin Royal to Transfer From Ohio State

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After three seasons at Ohio State, forward Devin Royal plans to enter the transfer portal and finish his college career with a new program. Royal, a native of Pickerington, Ohio, was a key contributor for the Buckeyes, scoring over 1,000 points and starting 59 games. However, his production dipped slightly in his junior season, leading him to explore other options for his final year of eligibility.

Why it matters

Royal's departure is a significant loss for Ohio State, as he was a talented player who grew up a Buckeye fan. However, the move could ultimately benefit both sides, as it allows Royal to find a better fit for his final season, while opening up opportunities for other players on the Ohio State roster.

The details

In his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Royal played in 96 games, starting 59. He scored over 1,000 points, shooting just over 50 percent from the floor. After playing at the power forward position for his first two years, Royal moved to small forward this past season, a move he requested with an eye on his future at the next level. While his scoring remained steady at 13.7 points per game and his assists slightly improved from 1.1 to 1.6 as a junior, Royal's shooting percentage dropped from 52.5 percent to 47.6 percent, and his rebounds decreased from 6.9 to 5.7 per game.

• Royal plans to enter the transfer portal on April 7, 2026.
• The 2025-26 season ended with Ohio State's first-round loss in the NCAA Tournament.

What’s next

It remains to be seen where Royal will land for his final season of college basketball, but his departure opens up opportunities for other players on the Ohio State roster.