The Ohio State basketball team is trying to figure out a way to improve next season. After making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years, they were bounced in the first round by TCU. It was a disappointing way to finish the season, but Jake Diebler looked like he was gaining some momentum.
Then, the news came that Devin Royal is going to enter the Transfer Portal. Royal was slated to be the senior leader for the Ohio State Buckeyes next season. Instead, he will be headed to another program. He was one of the few players Diebler needed to retain next year.
With Royal gone, the Buckeyes cannot afford to lose any more players to the portal. Amare Bynum is perhaps the most valuable player left on the roster with what he showed in his freshman season. He gave Buckeye fans a massive message, telling everyone he will be back next season.
Ohio State forward Amare Bynum announces his return next year
Bynum made the announcement on social media to let everyone know he's going to be back and better than ever for the Buckeyes next season. Bynum is the most athletic player that the team had on the roster this past season. That will probably be the case next year, as well.
Run it back Buckeye Nation 🌰 pic.twitter.com/eIkxsOFGDF
— Amare bynum (@amarebynumm) March 30, 2026
This is a day and age where players have to announce that they are returning. Bynum certainly would be interesting to a multitude of other programs, and there's a chance that they even reached out to him. In any case, Bynum will be returning to Ohio State next season.
Keeping Bynum is great news for Diebler as he tries to build more momentum to actually have postseason success. Five-star freshman Anthony Thompson should really help Ohio State's chances next season, as he will be a dynamic player at the small forward spot.
Getting Bynum back is great news for Ohio State basketball fans. Now, they need to work on keeping Juni Mobley, as well.