On Friday, the Ohio State Buckeyes landed Justin Pippen in the transfer portal from California.
As with most college basketball teams this time of year, the OSU roster I sin flux amid a busy transfer portal. On Monday, the Buckeyes learned a player from the 2025-26 roster is set to join a new program for next season.
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Per Joe Tipton of On3, forward Devin Royal is set to join Villanova.
“NEWS: Ohio State transfer forward Devin Royal has committed to Villanova, he told @On3,” Tipton posted on X. “The 6-6 junior averaged 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this.”
Fans on social media reacted to the news of Royal leaving Ohio State to join Villanova.
“13 and 6, rebounds, gets downhill. nova finally got a forward who actually plays like a forward,” wrote a fan.
“The move from the Big Ten to the Big East for a player like Devin Royal is a masterclass in seeking tactical fit. Villanova’s system has historically thrived on versatile, high-IQ wings who can play multiple positions,” posted another.
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“This is is where it gets interesting with Devin Royal. Versatile, rugged forward with real brawn and rebounding skill. I think there’s legit small-ball 5 lineups that we can roll out with him,” argued a fan.
“Royal is sort of in the JVP mold, gonna play 3/4 maybe some, he’s very effective on the glass and will live on the line both offensive and defensive.”
“Best fit for him though, he goes to a team that doesn’t really have any good scoring guards,” believes a poster.
“Omg Devin Royal to Villanova. Wow. That scoring and rebounding from Ohio State. He is going to fit right in with the Wildcats,” posted another. “Big East just got even better. What do you guys think. Will he start right away?”
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Ohio State needed to make some changes to the roster after finishing 21–13 overall and 12-8 in Big Ten play for the 2025-26 season. The Buckeyes never appeared to be a threat to elite teams, and was bounced in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
