The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team is bracing for significant turnover this offseason following a disappointing 17-15 season. The first signal of this change came on March 18, 2025, when sophomore center Austin Parks announced via social media that he would be entering the transfer portal, marking the beginning of what might be a flurry of roster adjustments for the team.
Parks, who spent two years with the Buckeyes after coming from St. Mary’s High School, averaged just 1.3 points and 0.9 rebounds in 15 appearances this past season. While his departure isn’t expected to be a huge loss in terms of sheer statistics, it underscores the need for a fresh start following Ohio State's exclusion from the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. Parks expressed gratitude for his time in Columbus, stating, "I’ve been taught so many life lessons, formed lifelong friendships and am forever thankful for my time in Columbus." His announcement raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, who speculate he may not be the last player to depart.
After missing the NCAA tournament and declining an invitation to participate in the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament hosted by Fox Sports, it became clear that the Buckeyes needed to reevaluate their roster. Head coach Jake Diebler faced criticism as his first full season came to an end without a postseason appearance. The Buckeyes are anticipated to not only see departures but also actively pursue new talent from the transfer portal, which remains open from March 24 until April 22, 2025.
One name that has generated interest within Ohio State’s program is Owen Freeman, a 6-foot-10 forward who previously played for Iowa. During the 2024 season, Freeman averaged an impressive 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. After Iowa parted ways with head coach Fran McCaffrey, Freeman opted to enter the transfer portal, catching the attention of several teams looking to bolster their rosters. Freeman’s experience and skill set would address a glaring need for size in Ohio State’s interior, making him an appealing candidate for the Buckeyes.
In addition to seeking out potential transfers, the Buckeyes have also secured a commitment from four-star recruit A’Mare Bynum, a talented power forward standing at 6-foot-8. As the team prepares to welcome fresh talent, they will simultaneously look to navigate through the challenging dynamics of the transfer landscape in pursuit of players who can make an immediate impact in the upcoming season.
With Parks' announcement and the anticipated roster changes ahead, Ohio State is at a pivotal moment. The departure of Parks signals the start of what could be a transformative offseason. While he may only have served a reserve role, his exit, alongside the prospect of new signings, demonstrates a broader urgency for the Buckeyes to reverse their fortunes.
As fans await further developments, the focus will be on which players will remain and who might arrive to reenergize a team that has underperformed. The clock is ticking as the transfer portal opens soon, allowing teams like Ohio State a crucial opportunity to enhance their chances for a better future.
As Ohio State embarks on this journey to retool their roster, every decision made during the off-season will be critical. The Buckeyes must balance retaining key players while also pulling in new talent that aligns with their goals and has the capability to elevate the team's performance. If they play their cards right, the coming months could set the stage for a much-improved campaign next season.
