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Ohio State Buckeyes add final key piece in the transfer portal and it comes with a bit of a risk for them

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 7, 2025 7:24 PM ET

After finishing 17–15 this past season and missing the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year, the Ohio State Buckeyes had no choice but to undergo a bit of a roster overhaul.

Following the season, the Buckeyes lost C Austin Parks, C Aaron Bradshaw, F Evan Mahaffey, F Sean Stewart, and G Meechie Johnson Jr. to the transfer portal. There were no real surprises there, and the Buckeyes being able to retain Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr., and Devin Royal was huge.

Ohio State has added C Christoph Tilly, G Gabe Cupps, and F Brandon Noel through the transfer portal. Now, the Buckeyes have made another addition—this time via a player who could help give them more size, as long as he can stay healthy.

Baylor transfer C Josh Ojianwuna comes to Ohio State with a big question mark

Ohio State has landed C Josh Ojianwuna from the transfer portal, and they hope he can be an impact player next winter. Ojianwuna started 23 games for the Baylor Bears in 2024–25 before a knee injury cut his season short in February.

Baylor forward transfer Josh Ojianwuna has signed with Ohio State, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247sports.

6-foot-10, 230-pound former top-90 overall recruit who was a starter for Baylor last season. Posted averages of 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.… pic.twitter.com/A4ZjP3YDeG
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) May 7, 2025

The hope is that Ojianwuna will continue progressing in his rehab and be ready to contribute by November. If not, the Buckeyes could seek a redshirt season for the senior. Ojianwuna is a 6-foot-10 center who would ideally serve as the backup to Tilly, who is expected to start.

After losing both Bradshaw and Stewart, the Buckeyes needed to add more depth to their frontcourt. Getting bigger overall has been a priority for Ohio State, and they’ve addressed that need this offseason with the additions of Tilly, Noel, and now Ojianwuna.

What Ojianwuna can be for Ohio State next season will ultimately come down to his health. If he’s healthy, this is a strong addition for Jake Diebler and his staff

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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