Jake Diebler explains Ohio State's approach to transfer portal since his hiring

Heading into the second season of the Jake Diebler era at Ohio State, the Buckeyes have their eyes on their first Big Ten regular season championship since 2012.

In the first season of the Diebler era at Ohio State, the Buckeyes posted a 17-15 (9-11) record and missed the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season. They, however, bring back two-time All-Big Ten guard Bruce Thornton and forward Devin Royal this season, along with the No. 32-ranked transfer portal class.

The Ohio State alum explained his approach to the transfer portal this week.

“We want to be aggressive as we continue to build out NIL and identify how that is going forward,” Diebler said. “For me, when I envision this roster being built out for years to come, it’s gonna start with retention. There’s gonna be an element of development. Those two things have to exist for us because I think it’s important. We’ll also continue to recruit high-level freshman, but maybe not every freshman can come in and have an impact right away.”

“But, we’re certainly gonna be aggressive in the portal to compliment the pieces we have. Sometimes that compliment needs to be a high, high-impact player and we want to be able to have the flexibility in the spring to maneuver.”

Ohio State brought in No. 32 ranked portal class

Diebler hauled in four players from the portal this offseason, including Baylor forward Josh Ojianwuna, Wright State forward Brandon Noel, Santa Clara center Christoph Tilly and Indiana guard Gabe Cupps. Tilly was ranked as On3’s No. 86 best player in the portal.

“We want flexibility in this program,” Diebler said. “Sometimes that’s gonna be utilized in the portal. We’ve obviously been aggressive in the international space as well this year, but I think flexibility is key. Whether it’s guys going to the Draft or changes you want to make in your roster during portal season, having that flexibility is really important.”

After making the NCAA Tournament in eight of nine seasons from 2006-2015, Ohio State has been dancing just four times since 2018 (2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022). It has not won the Big 12 regular season crown since 2012 and has not won the Big 12 Tournament since 2013. To say the program is currently a sleeping giant would be an understatement.

Diebler showed great promise in year one, accruing wins over Kentucky, Texas, Purdue and Maryland. The second year of the Diebler era looks bright as well, and his approach to the portal should make all Buckeye fans excited.