Ohio State’s Devin Royal Opts to Return for Junior Season, Bolstering Buckeyes’ Frontcourt
As Ohio State looks ahead to a new chapter under head coach Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes have received some promising news: standout forward Devin Royal has confirmed he will return to Columbus for his junior season. His decision signals another crucial step in stabilizing and strengthening a roster that is aiming to put an end to a recent postseason drought.
Royal, who took significant strides in his development during his sophomore season, made his announcement on Saturday, solidifying his place in what could become a formidable frontcourt rotation next year. His return represents a major win for the Buckeyes, who missed the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year but showed encouraging signs of growth under Diebler’s leadership.
A dynamic and increasingly well-rounded presence on the court, Royal averaged 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game during the 2024–25 season, finishing as the team’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder. His production surged as the year progressed, showcasing a blend of interior scoring and rebounding with an expanding perimeter game.
One of the biggest developments in Royal’s game was his improved shooting touch from beyond the arc. Over the final 16 contests of the season, Royal connected on 35.3% of his three-point attempts — a significant leap for a player who initially made his mark in the paint. That newfound versatility made him even more dangerous offensively and added another dimension to Ohio State’s offensive approach.
Royal also proved to be a consistent scoring threat, recording six games with 20 or more points. His ability to impact games on both ends of the floor made him one of the Buckeyes’ most reliable players and a foundational piece for the future. He brought energy, effort, and evolving skill to every contest, solidifying his place as a leader on the court.
This progression marks a stark contrast to his freshman year, where he showed flashes of promise but played a more limited role. During the 2023–24 season, Royal appeared in 33 games and contributed 4.7 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Though those numbers were modest, they laid the groundwork for the breakout season that followed.
Originally a top-50 national recruit from the class of 2023, Royal came to Ohio State with high expectations. He’s since begun to fulfill that potential, demonstrating the kind of upward trajectory that the Buckeyes hope to capitalize on as they reshape their program. Now, entering his third year, Royal is expected to take on an even more prominent leadership role — both in performance and in helping guide younger players.
Royal is now the third key player from last year’s core to confirm his return, joining sophomore guard John Mobley Jr. and senior Bruce Thornton. Thornton, however, is currently participating in the NBA Draft scouting process and has yet to make a final decision on whether he’ll remain in the draft or return for one more season in Columbus.
Mobley Jr. and Royal, in particular, represent the younger heart of the Buckeyes’ squad — a duo whose chemistry and development will be central to Ohio State’s aspirations of returning to March Madness. With Royal anchoring the frontcourt and Mobley Jr. managing things in the backcourt, the Buckeyes have the makings of a more balanced and potent unit heading into 2025–26.
In addition to the returning core, the Buckeyes are welcoming several new and returning pieces to the frontcourt next season. Junior Sean Stewart and sophomore Ivan Njegovan will provide depth and physicality, while incoming freshman A’mare Bynum brings youth and raw potential. Christoph Tilly, a senior transfer from Santa Clara, will offer veteran experience and additional size, rounding out a group that should be much more capable of competing in the paint.
Diebler, entering his second season at the helm, has prioritized continuity and development as Ohio State seeks to climb back into the national conversation. With Royal’s return, he’ll have a cornerstone forward with Big Ten experience and a high ceiling — the type of player who can be a difference-maker in a tough, physical conference.
While it remains to be seen whether Thornton will return and how the new pieces will mesh, one thing is clear: Devin Royal is poised to take on an even greater role next season. His improved shooting, defensive awareness, and maturity make him a crucial asset for a team hungry for postseason success.
Royal’s commitment to Ohio State speaks volumes about his belief in the program’s direction under Diebler. It also reflects the trust he’s built with the coaching staff and his confidence in the progress he’s made as a player. With two years of experience, improved skills, and a growing leadership presence, Royal could very well emerge as one of the premier forwards in the Big Ten next season.
For Ohio State, keeping a player of Royal’s caliber — especially one with demonstrated improvement and untapped potential — is essential in building a sustainable foundation for the future. As the Buckeyes prepare for what could be a turning point year, having Devin Royal back in scarlet and gray gives them one more reason to believe that a return to national relevance is within reach.
