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Ohio State Buckeyes are showing interest in a Big Ten transfer to cap off their portal class for the year

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated May 12, 2025 3:40 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes have had an offseason filled with roster turnover, which was expected after finishing 17–15 and missing the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season.

Ohio State saw centers Aaron Bradshaw and Austin Parks, forwards Evan Mahaffey and Sean Stewart, and guard Meechie Johnson Jr. enter the transfer portal. In response, the Buckeyes have added guard Gabe Cupps, forward Brandon Noel, and centers Christoph Tilly and Josh Ojianwuna. Now, head coach Jake Diebler and his staff are showing interest in a Big Ten transfer.

Ohio State Buckeyes Reach Out to Penn State Wing Puff Johnson

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Ohio State has contacted Penn State transfer Puff Johnson. Johnson has also drawn interest from Alabama, Illinois, and Seton Hall. The 6-foot-8 transfer is being looked at my multiple major programs.

Penn State guard Puff Johnson has heard from Ohio State, Illinois, Seton Hall, Alabama and Grand Canyon, a source tells @On3sports.

Former North Carolina transfer averaged 10.2ppg at Penn State this season. https://t.co/uOWMfDRMry pic.twitter.com/U3drp7Bc4o
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) May 10, 2025

The Pennsylvania native is entering his sixth season of college basketball after spending the last two years with the Nittany Lions. He played his first three seasons at North Carolina, appearing in 65 games with just two starts. Last season at Penn State, Johnson averaged 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in 17 starts.

Ohio State was able to retain Bruce Thornton, John Mobley, and Devin Royal. Tilly is expected to start at center, and the small forward spot remains up for grabs. If the Buckeyes land Johnson, he could compete with Noel for that position.

It’s notable that Ohio State is pursuing Johnson in the portal. Chris Holtmann’s staff previously recruited him out of high school, and now Jake Diebler is renewing that interest.

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

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