Ohio State’s men’s basketball program announced that guard John Mobley Jr. and forward Amare Bynum will return for the 2026‑27 season, preserving a core that helped the Buckeyes finish strong last year.
Rankings that Turn Heads
Both players appeared on The Field of 68’s list of the top 50 returning college basketball athletes, with Mobley positioned at No. 31 and Bynum at No. 44. The rankings reflect a consensus that each possesses the talent to influence games at the highest level of the sport.
Mobley’s trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. As a sophomore he raised his scoring average from 13 points per game to 15.7, highlighted by a 28‑point outburst against Penn State that underscored his growing offensive arsenal.
Bynum, a true freshman, quickly validated his four‑star 247Sports rating by contributing 9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He scored in double figures in five of the final six contests, demonstrating poise in high‑pressure moments.
Opportunity in Transition
The departure of point guard Bruce Thornton creates a vacuum in the backcourt, but it also opens pathways for Mobley and Bynum to assume larger leadership responsibilities. Their combined experience and upward trajectory position them to guide the Buckeyes through the upcoming season.
Coaches and analysts alike anticipate that the duo’s expanded roles will not only fill the void left by Thornton but also elevate the team’s overall competitiveness. With both players already ranked among the nation’s elite returning talents, the expectations for Ohio State’s performance are markedly higher than in recent years.