Ohio State University has made a significant addition to its men's basketball program by securing the commitment of Gabe Cupps, a transfer guard from Indiana University. Cupps announced his decision on March 26, 2025, marking the first transfer portal addition for the Buckeyes this offseason. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard is a native of Centerville, Ohio, and is expected to have three years of eligibility remaining after a challenging stint at Indiana, where he suffered a season-ending injury.
During his time with the Hoosiers, Cupps played sparingly due to injuries, appearing in only four games in the 2024-25 season. He had undergone knee surgery, which has made him eligible for a medical redshirt. Prior to his injury, Cupps had started 22 games in the 2023-24 season, averaging 2.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while playing 21.7 minutes per contest. His performance earned him a place among five Big Ten freshmen who started at least 20 games that season.
The decision to transfer back to Ohio State is particularly noteworthy, as Cupps had initially chosen Indiana over the Buckeyes and Stanford during his recruitment process in high school. "Cupps had Ohio State as a finalist out of high school before signing with Indiana," noted a report from The Columbus Dispatch. His return to Ohio State not only fulfills a personal ambition but also strengthens the Buckeyes' roster, which has seen the departure of several players entering the transfer portal.
With Cupps' commitment, Ohio State continues its trend of attracting top talent from within the state. The Buckeyes have now landed or are in the process of landing five consecutive Ohio Mr. Basketball winners. This impressive streak began with Malaki Branham in 2021, followed by Cupps, Devin Royal (2023), Colin White (2024), and Marcus Johnson, who won the award in 2025 and still has one year of high school left.
Cupps' high school career was marked by notable achievements, including leading Centerville High School to the Ohio state title in 2021 and being named Mr. Basketball in 2022. His accolades have made him a highly regarded prospect, ranked No. 94 in the 2023 class by 247Sports.com. As a freshman at Indiana, Cupps averaged 2.6 points per game, shooting 36.4% from the field and 35.9% from beyond the arc.
The addition of Cupps is seen as a strategic move for Ohio State as they look to fill gaps in their roster. With Ques Glover having exhausted his eligibility, Cupps is expected to step into a crucial role at the point guard position. His experience and skills will be vital as the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season.
However, not everyone is convinced that adding another guard, especially one of Cupps' size, is the best strategy for Ohio State. Critics point out the need for larger guards to compete effectively in the Big Ten. A commentator remarked, "Look at the portal and tell us there aren't 10 better guards than Cupp already available." This sentiment reflects ongoing debates within the basketball community about the optimal team composition.
As Ohio State moves forward, the focus will be on integrating Cupps into the program and maximizing his potential. His journey from a promising high school player to a collegiate athlete has been fraught with challenges, but his commitment to the Buckeyes signals a new chapter in his career.
With Cupps on board, Ohio State's coaching staff will be eager to see how he develops and contributes to the team's goals. The Buckeyes have a solid foundation with a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Cupps adapts to his new environment and what impact he will have on Ohio State's performance in the Big Ten. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for both Cupps and the Buckeyes as they aim for success on the court.
