Buckeyes Land Baylor’s Veteran Center Josh Ojianwuna in Key Transfer Portal Victory
The Ohio State men’s basketball program has secured a significant addition to its frontcourt, landing a commitment from veteran Baylor transfer center Josh Ojianwuna. The move, announced Wednesday, addresses a crucial need for size and experience in the paint for the Buckeyes as they look to reshape their roster under Head Coach Jake Diebler. Ojianwuna, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound force, brings three seasons of Big 12 experience to Columbus and has one year of eligibility remaining.
Ojianwuna is coming off his most productive collegiate season at Baylor. In the 2024-25 campaign, before a season-ending knee injury in February, the Asaba, Nigeria native started all 23 games he played for the Bears, averaging an impressive 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in just under 25 minutes per contest. His efficiency around the basket was particularly noteworthy, as he shot a stellar 77.4% from the field. This level of production and interior presence was something Ohio State struggled with at times last season, making Ojianwuna a highly coveted transfer target.
“We are really excited to add Josh to our program,” said Coach Jake Diebler. “He brings a wealth of experience from a successful program at Baylor. He’s a physical player who is a very efficient scorer around the basket and a strong rebounder. We believe he will have an immediate impact on our team.”
Prior to his breakout junior season, Ojianwuna played a valuable role off the bench for Baylor, appearing in 29 games as a freshman and all 35 games as a sophomore. Over his three years in Waco, he was part of three NCAA Tournament teams, showcasing his experience in high-stakes college basketball. He boasts career averages of 5.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting a remarkable 70.4% from the floor across 87 games.
Ojianwuna’s journey to Ohio State is an interesting one. He attended the NBA Academy Africa in 2017 before transitioning to the NBA Global Academy in 2019. As a recruit in the 2022 class, he was considered a Top 100 prospect by 247Sports, highlighting the potential that Ohio State is now tapping into.
The addition of Ojianwuna is the fourth transfer portal acquisition for the Buckeyes this offseason, joining Santa Clara center Christoph Tilly, Wright State forward Brandon Noel, and Indiana guard Gabe Cupps. This influx of experienced talent signals Diebler’s commitment to quickly rebuilding the roster and addressing the team’s needs following several departures.
Ojianwuna’s size and physicality will be a welcome addition to Ohio State’s frontcourt, which at times lacked the necessary muscle and rebounding prowess in the 2024-25 season. His ability to score efficiently in the paint will also provide a much-needed offensive threat inside. If he can successfully recover from his knee injury, Ojianwuna has the potential to be a significant contributor for the Buckeyes in the upcoming season.
The move is also considered a “lucrative deal,” though specific financial details have not been disclosed. In the current landscape of college basketball, name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities often play a crucial role in attracting top transfer talent. It’s likely that Ohio State’s collective, “The 1870 Society,” played a part in securing Ojianwuna’s commitment, highlighting the increasing importance of NIL in modern college athletics.
Overall, the addition of Josh Ojianwuna is a significant win for Ohio State. He brings experience, size, rebounding ability, and efficient scoring to a team looking to improve and compete in the Big Ten. Assuming a full recovery from his injury, Ojianwuna could be a key piece in the Buckeyes’ frontcourt for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
