Brandon Noel’s Big Move to Ohio State Basketball

Buckeye fans are buzzing, and for good reason—Brandon Noel, the Wright State star who’s been lighting up the Horizon League, is reportedly transferring to Ohio State for the 2025-26 basketball season. It’s the kind of news that gets you daydreaming about packed arenas, clutch shots, and maybe even a deep March run. For Noel, a 6-foot-8 forward from small-town Lucasville, Ohio, this move feels like a homecoming with a twist—a chance to play big-time ball just a couple hours from where he grew up.

A Star at Wright State

Let’s talk about Brandon for a sec. This guy’s been a beast at Wright State. Picture this: 19 points a game, hitting over 55% of his shots, and even knocking down threes at a decent clip (35.8%). He’s not just a scorer, though—he’s grabbing boards (7.7 a game), dishing passes, and swiping steals like it’s no big deal. Back in 2022-23, he was the Horizon League Freshman of the Year, and this season, he was third in the conference in scoring. Oh, and he’s doing all this while working on a Master’s in Chemistry. Yeah, the dude’s a baller and a brain.

Leaving Wright State wasn’t easy for him. “It was a really hard decision,” he said in a statement that ran in the Wright State Guardian. “I loved my time here—I’d do it all over again.” You can feel the tug in his words. He’s been there since 2020, redshirting his first two years before breaking out. But with one year of eligibility left, he’s chasing something new. And honestly, who can blame him? Ohio State’s a whole different stage.

Brandon Noel during his time at Wright State. (Photo courtesy of Wright State University Athletics)

A Perfect Fit for the Buckeyes

For the Buckeyes, Brandon’s like the missing piece to a puzzle Coach Jake Diebler’s been piecing together. This offseason’s been a whirlwind—guys like Aaron Bradshaw and Meechie Johnson Jr. are gone, but Diebler’s already snagged Santa Clara’s Christoph Tilly (a 7-foot center with game) and Indiana’s Gabe Cupps. Now add Noel? That’s a frontcourt with some serious punch. Imagine him banging in the paint or stepping out to hit a three while Tilly clogs the lane. It’s the kind of combo that could give Big Ten defenses nightmares.

I’ve been scrolling X, and the hype’s real. Fans are posting stuff like, “Noel to OSU? Diebler’s cooking!” and “Welcome home, Brandon!” One guy called it a “slam dunk grab.” It’s not a done deal yet—transfers aren’t official ‘til they’re official—but the vibe’s strong that Columbus is where he’s landing.

A Journey of Grit and Growth

Brandon’s story is pretty cool when you dig into it. He didn’t just show up and dominate. He redshirted, waited his turn, then exploded as a freshman. Every year, he’s gotten better—more points, more boards, more confidence. At Wright State, he was the guy, but the team couldn’t quite get over the hump (15-18 this year, out in the Horizon League quarters). Now, at 24, with a beefy 240-pound frame and a smooth jumper, he’s ready for the Big Ten spotlight.

Ohio State fans are already dreaming about what he’ll bring. “He’s got that dog in him,” one Buckeye diehard told me at a coffee shop last week. “We need someone who can score and fight down low.” And it’s not just the stats—Brandon’s got that quiet grit you love to see. Plus, he’s an Ohio kid. There’s something special about watching one of your own come home to ball out.

A Bittersweet Goodbye and a Bright Future

Wright State’s losing more than just Brandon—teammates Alex Huibregtse and Keaton Norris are portal-bound too. It’s a tough blow for their new coach, Clint Sargent. But for Noel, this is about chasing a dream. “I’m sad to see him go,” a Wright State fan named Ovid Wilson told the Guardian, “but I can’t wait to see what he does next.” Same, Ovid. Same.

If this all pans out, picture Brandon running out of the tunnel at the Schottenstein Center, scarlet and gray on his back, crowd roaring. He’s got one shot to make it count—his last college season. With Diebler rebuilding and guys like Tilly and Royal in the mix, Ohio State might just have something cooking. For Brandon Noel, it’s not just a transfer—it’s a chance to leave a mark, right here in Ohio. Buckeye Nation’s ready to see it happen.

Ohio State Basketball: Texas in the Season Opener and More

 Hey, Buckeyes fans!

It must be a pretty big week for Ohio State sports, and the OSU basketball team is firmly in the middle of it. We will get into the latest news herein, starting with probably the most awaited season opener against Texas, then touch some football highlights, as well.

 

Ohio State vs Texas: Season Opener

The Ohio State men's basketball team tips off the season against No. 20 Texas on November 4th in Las Vegas. And though there have been some minor dings and dents from a slew of spirited practices under first-year head coach Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes should be ready for the national showing of their skills. The anxious fans await how the team takes to the new head coach.

Key Players to Watch

One to watch is 7-1 Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw, who returns after not playing in the exhibition game against Cincinnati because of an elbow injury. His presence should add depth to the Ohio State front-court. Junior guard Bruce Thornton is a candidate for the Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year watch-list. With that consistent performance and leadership, Thornton will be crucial as the Buckeyes go up against Texas.

Jake Diebler's New Beginnings

This marks the first season with Jake Diebler as the head coach of Ohio State men's basketball. He has been exerting more effort to define roles and build chemistry in his players, most of whom are new in the program. The team is determined to play tough and to play hard as they want a good start for this season.
Health and Preparation

Diebler sounded confident about the health of the team as he stated that the team was "close to full strength" for the season opener. The Buckeyes have been engaged in some warm-up games and in-house scrimmages to better prepare them for the oncoming challenges. With most players getting back from minor injuries, the team is free and raring to go against Texas.

Football Highlights

Ohio State-Penn State Showdown

Where the men's basketball team is going to start its first game of this season this week, the football team is getting ready to play a big game against Penn State Nittany Lions this weekend. Moreover, this game is very crucial with respect to the Big Ten competition and the College Football Playoff. Ohio State is trying to avoid its second loss inside the conference. Ohio State is trying to avoid its second conference loss. On the other hand, Penn State seeks to stay undefeated.

Will Howard's Quest for Vindication

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has a personal score to settle. A suburban Philadelphia product, he dreamed of playing at Penn State, but the Nittany Lions never offered a scholarship. Now, as a transfer from Kansas State, he is determined to prove himself against his childhood team.

Drew Allar's Injury Unacknowledged

Star quarterback Drew Allar, it is reported, is a game-time decision due to an injury in his left knee. If he is not good to go, then backup Beau Pribula will take over the duties again, just like he did in last week's victory over Wisconsin.

How It Will End

This will be a closely contested, hard-nosed affair. The recent trends may be in favor of Ohio State, but it should be considered that Penn State had an outstanding season and home-field advantage, which may make the difference. Penn State would be in a far better position to win if Allar starts, but if he is out, Ohio State pulls away.

Now is a perfect time to be a Buckeyes fan. The basketball team will face a ranked Texas team, and the football team must win against Penn State to maintain its playoff chances. The question is: do you think Ohio State will start out strong against Texas in the start of the basketball season and keep their football playoff hopes alive against Penn State?