​Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye. When we say it, we should believe it, and in today’s transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness era, that belief carries extra weight. Players come and go, and it’s easy to get frustrated when a member of the program departs. Yet the wiser approach is to wish them well, especially when a player has dedicated multiple years to the Ohio State program and invested effort into building something meaningful.
Enter Devin Royal. A Central Ohio product who earned Mr. Basketball in Ohio, Royal chose the Buckeyes and remained committed for three solid years, demonstrating perseverance and hard work. He eventually decided to transfer to Villanova for his senior season, a move that deserves well wishes as he embarks on a new chapter.
Royal recently introduced himself to Villanova fans, and while he won’t be bringing the entirety of his identity and contributions to the Schottenstein Center as a Buckeye, it’s still meaningful to hear how he speaks about himself, why he chose Villanova, and how he views the Wildcats’ program. We extend our best wishes to Royal and hope the fit in Philadelphia proves fruitful. Still, we won’t root too hard if the Buckeyes and Wildcats cross paths in the postseason.
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