Ohio State Athletic Updates: Transfers, Commitments, and Championship Reflections

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Meechie Johnson, the Cleveland native, has entered the transfer portal, marking another chapter in his college basketball career. After two seasons with Ohio State, where he faced challenges and an early end to tournament aspirations, Johnson is now seeking a new team.

The 2022-23 season concluded for Ohio State basketball without an NCAA Tournament appearance, but the Buckeyes recently received encouraging news for the upcoming campaign. Guard Brice Sensabaugh confirmed his return for his sophomore year via social media on Thursday. He played 32 games as a freshman, starting 22, during which he averaged 13 points per game with impressive shooting percentages of 38.9% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc, and 88.2% from the free-throw line. Sensabaugh, a product of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was recognized as a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class.

In other news, Ohio State men’s hockey faced a disappointing end to their season, losing 8-3 to Boston University in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The game was tied at three going into the third period, but the Terriers surged ahead, scoring five unanswered goals. The Buckeyes finished their season with a record of 24-14-2, with Coach Steve Rohlik concluding his 12th year at the helm.

Meanwhile, the Ohio State football program is preparing for the potential recruitment of four-star running back Favour Akih, who will return for an official visit. Akih, who recently visited Miami, is ranked as the No. 205 overall prospect by 247Sports and sits as the No. 15 running back nationally. His return visit could be pivotal, as Ohio State currently has no commitments in the 2026 class for running backs. The Buckeyes have, however, secured commitments from offensive linemen Sam Greer and Maxwell Riley from Northeast Ohio.

Adding to the excitement, former Indiana guard Gabe Cupps has committed to Ohio State. The former Ohio Mr. Basketball award winner participated in 37 games during his first two years at Indiana, averaging 2.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. After missing most of the 2024-25 season, Cupps is set to make a return to his home state.

Former tight end Gee Scott recently addressed his mixed emotions regarding the program’s past. Returning to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center last week, he expressed his admiration for new decorations which honor Ohio State’s playoff victories from the past season. Notably, a banner acknowledging their 2024 National Championship caught his eye, stirring reflective thoughts on the team’s legacy.

“I can’t stop looking at it,” Scott said about the championship banner. “Every time, every meeting, every interview. Can’t stop.” Scott discussed the duality of being part of a championship-winning team yet facing former rivalry losses against Michigan. As he contemplates the team’s legacy, he highlighted how fans might reconcile past failures with their recent successes.

Ultimately, Scott noted that his relationship with faith and personal growth defines his understanding of success. The sentiment was echoed by defensive back Jordan Hancock, who said, “I feel like national champions speaks volumes about success, for sure.” Hancock remained optimistic, stating that despite the rivalry losses, their efforts culminated in a national title, proving the team’s resilience.