What Is Next For The Buckeyes?
Mobley is expected to return to Columbus this summer to look to increase his production once again. Mobley, second on the Buckeyes in scoring this past season, increased his production to 15.2 points per game from the 13 he averaged as a freshman. He also developed into one of the Big Ten’s best 3-point shooters.
If Mobley does indeed return, he and Pippen are expected to start in the backcourt, per Andy Anders of Eleven Warriors.
“Pippen is likely to start at guard for Ohio State alongside junior John Mobley Jr. in 2026-27,” Anders said. With his tremendous passing skills, Pippen can run point in many Ohio State sets while Mobley plays his more natural off-guard position.”
“Pippen’s defense should also be a great complement to Mobley, who improved but still had his shortcomings in that area in 2025-26, Anders continued. “Pippen’s length at 6-foot-3 and defensive instincts were a real challenge to the ACC’s perimeter players this past season, as he logged a team-high 1.8 defensive win shares.”
Amare Bynum, the consensus No. 60th recruit in 2025, had a strong final three months as a freshman and is also slated to return. Like Mobley, Bynum — a 6-8 power forward — could have found his running mate today.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Giovany, Kentucky transfer Andrija Jelavić has committed to Ohio State. Early this evening, Jelavic spent last season with the Wildcats after playing two seasons with Mega Superbet in the Adriatic League.
“Kentucky transfer Andrija Jelavić has committed to Ohio State, per Miško Ražnatović,” Giovany tweeted. “The 6’11 Croatian sophomore started 18 SEC games, averaging 5.5 points, 4.0 rebounds in 16 minutes.”
Who Is Andrija Jelavic?
Jelavic is a 21-year-old big man with extensive international experience. Jelavic started his career coming off the bench, though he started the final 20 games for the Wildcats. He had four double-figure scoring games, though he was much more efficient against poorer teams.
Jelavic is expected to have a huge role for the Buckeyes, who were reportedly looking for a starting center. Jelavic moves well for a player his size and possesses a nice touch around the rim, though he can stretch the floor with his shooting. He is an elite finisher and a good cutter. However, he does need to improve defensively and add muscle.
With Jelavic and Bynum in the fold, the Buckeyes should be pretty well set up front. Seven-foot-1 Croatian Ivan Njegovan, 6-10 Nigerian Josh Ojianwuna — who took a medical redshirt this past season — and 6-9 incoming freshman Alex Smith provide depth. Six-foot-8 forward Anthony Thompson, a consensus five-star recruit, is the gem of Diebler’s two-person 2026 high-school recruiting class.
Diebler is expected to add some more depth, with likely an emphasis on the backcourt. The Buckeyes have been linked to BYU guard Rob Wright, Duquesne guard Jimmie Williams, Davidson guard Devin Brown, and FAU guard Devin Vanterpool.
