Curtis Givens III Heads to Columbus: Why the Memphis Transfer Chose Ohio State Basketball

The college basketball transfer portal creates rapid movement during its opening period. One minute a player scores points for his local team the next he starts to prepare for his upcoming journey. Curtis Givens III who stands 6-foot-3 announced his commitment to Ohio State Buckeyes this week. Givens chose to join Jake Diebler's program after he played at LSU and Memphis because he believes it will help him advance his career. The evidence we have gathered until now shows that both parties involved establish a successful relationship through this arrangement.

Curtis Givens III in action (stock image for illustration)

From Memphis Roots to the Big Ten Spotlight

Givens isn't some unknown name scraping the bottom of the portal.  The Memphis native who came from Montverde Academy in Florida became a highly respected basketball prospect. He began his college career at LSU before transferring to his hometown school to compete for Penny Hardaway and the Tigers in the 2025-26 season.

Givens achieved major progress during his last season with Memphis. He recorded an average of 9.4 points and 2.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 43% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. He started 15 games and showed his skills as a reliable combo guard through his ability to create his own shots and make open shots. The backcourt depth and experience requirements of the Buckeyes team make his statistics essential to their needs.

What Sold Givens on Ohio State?

The official visit to Columbus made a significant impact according to reports. Givens experienced the program's atmosphere while he toured the facilities and participated in discussions about basketball with Coach Diebler and the staff. Ohio State has been active in the portal this offseason, already adding pieces like Justin Pippen from Cal, Jimmie Williams from Duquesne, and Andrija Jelavic from Kentucky. The Buckeyes received their fourth transfer through Givens who will support their guard needs for the 2026-27 season.

The attraction of the program is easy to recognize. Ohio State provides Big Ten athletic events together with dedicated supporters who back their teams and students who want to learn from a coaching staff that focuses on building their skills. Givens has two years of eligibility left, which gives him time to carve out a real role and develop his shooting skills together with his overall game performance.

What Givens Brings to the Buckeyes

Givens meets the height and weight requirements for the guard position through his 6 feet 3 inches height and 185 pounds weight. His basketball skills enable him to handle the ball effectively while creating scoring chances for his teammates and reaching high scoring results during games when he shoots accurately. The Ohio State fanbase has expressed their desire for more dependable perimeter players and Givens can provide perimeter support from the bench or through potential starting opportunities which will depend on the team rotation setup.

He's not a finished product by any means — his efficiency and decision-making can still tighten up — but the upside is there. With two full seasons ahead, there's real potential for him to become a contributor who helps this team compete in a loaded Big Ten.

Looking Ahead for Ohio State Basketball

The portal moves have been interesting for the Buckeyes this cycle. Diebler and his staff attempt to construct their team from multiple transfers while they keep their existing players. Givens joins a group that includes Scottie Pippen's son and some other intriguing names, which should make for an athletic and versatile backcourt.

Of course, it's still early. The upcoming spring workouts and summer training and fall practice sessions will provide us with better information about how the new elements function together. The Buckeye Nation fans of the team now have another reason to believe that their program is heading toward a positive future.

If you enjoy watching traditional basketball defense combined with current offensive strategies Givens becomes a player who deserves your attention. Welcome to Columbus, CG3.

Related Reading: Official Ohio State Athletics Announcement

More from Brutus Report: Curtis Givens III Is Heading to Columbus – And the Timing Could Not Be Better for Ohio State

Ohio State's Five First-Round Gems: Buckeyes Headed to Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft

The special nature of spring in Columbus becomes evident through the red carpet invitation which five Ohio State Buckeyes receive for the NFL Draft. The five players which include Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, and Kayden McDonald will all compete in the first round of the draft when they appear at the Pittsburgh event which starts on April 23. My experience watching this program has developed my ability to recognize talent, and the current group of players appears to be a once-in-a-generation recruitment which demonstrates why Ohio State produces NFL players at such a high rate.

The Historic Pipeline That's Turning Heads

If all five of these guys go in the first round — and the mocks say it's very likely — Ohio State ties its own school record for first-round picks in a single draft. Four of them (Downs, Reese, Styles, and Tate) are sitting in the top-15 conversation, with serious buzz about three or even all four cracking the top 10. That's not just good. That's legendary territory. The last time a school had four top-10 picks in one year? You have to go back decades. This is the kind of night that Buckeye fans will be talking about for years.

Defensive Dominance: The Heart of This Class

Start with the defense, because that's where the Buckeyes have been stacked lately. Caleb Downs, who transferred to the team and played safety, became the vital force driving secondary performance in his new role. He displays complete defensive range combined with exceptional ball-handling abilities and natural intuition, which enables him to compete as a top-five player in most mock drafts. The linebackers feature two players who stand at least 6 feet 4 inches tall and who recorded 4.46 seconds in their 40-yard dash during the Combine. With his 6.5 sacks from last season, Reese possesses edge-rushing abilities, while Styles functions as a versatile middle linebacker who excels at both run defense and pass protection. The defensive tackle does not receive as much media attention but he operated as the fundamental player who enabled all others to pursue tackles. NFL teams will be attracted to his combination of strength and relentless work ethic.

Carnell Tate: The Offensive Game-Changer

On the other side of the ball, Carnell Tate is the wide receiver prospect who currently attracts all the attention from NFL scouts. His speed does not make him the fastest player on the field but his exceptional skills in catching the ball and controlling his body and winning battles for the ball make him an elite athlete. He has been projected to become a top-10 draft pick who will immediately become the team's primary wide receiver. The highlights of his performance will accumulate on Sundays when he plays with an effective quarterback.

What This Means for Ryan Day and Buckeye Nation

Beyond the individual talent, this draft class is proof of the culture Ryan Day has built in Columbus. These aren't just five random dudes — they're the product of elite recruiting, development, and competition that pushes everyone to be great. For fans, it's exciting to see the next wave of Buckeyes going pro. For the program, it's fuel to keep the pipeline flowing. You can check out the full official draft details and order right here on NFL.com.

And if you're the type who likes to geek out on film (like I do), head over to this page on efilmroom.com for the in-depth breakdowns that show exactly why these five are headed for the first round.

Watch the Hype: Breakdown of the Top Buckeye Prospects

This breakdown video has been making the rounds — it's got the tape, the Pro Day reactions, and exactly why these guys are must-watch prospects. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and hit play.

The main point is that Ohio State fans will enjoy April 23. The NFL draft selection will announce five players who the entire league considers draft prospects. Buckeye Nation, get ready to celebrate.