Diebler Declares ‘Winning Over Everything’ As Ohio State Unveils Marquee Transfers at Summer Practice

A fresh era of Ohio State basketball is taking shape under newly appointed head coach Jake Diebler, who made one thing absolutely clear during the team’s summer practice session on Thursday: winning will define everything. With the Buckeyes unveiling several high-impact transfers for the first time in scarlet and gray, Diebler’s tone was commanding, focused, and rooted in accountability.

Diebler’s firm declaration came as the Buckeyes showed off their revamped roster, which includes a trio of headline-making transfers expected to make an immediate impact in the 2025–26 season. Among the most anticipated arrivals: All-MAC standout point guard Jayden Santiago from Toledo, high-scoring wing Malik Trenton out of Arizona State, and dominant interior presence Jacob Egan from Utah.

These additions signal a definitive shift for Ohio State, a program eager to reclaim its status as a Big Ten powerhouse after a string of underwhelming seasons and the mid-season departure of Chris Holtmann last year. Diebler, who served as interim head coach during the final stretch of the 2024–25 campaign, was officially handed the reins in March and has since worked tirelessly to reshape the team’s identity.

The early summer sessions have emphasized defensive cohesion, off-ball communication, and relentless physical conditioning. One assistant coach described the practices as the hardest we’ve run in years. For Diebler, that’s the point.

Malik Trenton, a former Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, brings elite athleticism and perimeter scoring to the Buckeyes. He said the vibe in Columbus is unlike any other stop in his career.

That zero-tolerance policy toward complacency has ignited the competitive fire across the roster. Returners like Bruce Thornton and Felix Okpara are being pushed hard by the newcomers. Even walk-ons are reportedly being held to the same demanding standards.

While fans and media outlets have started to buzz about Ohio State’s transfer haul and potential top-25 return, Diebler made it clear that expectations won’t translate to results without discipline and sacrifice.

With summer workouts intensifying and chemistry building, the Buckeyes are quietly shaping into a deeper, tougher unit. The real test will come in November when Ohio State opens its non-conference slate, which includes a neutral-site clash with Kentucky and a road date at Baylor.