Ohio State’s women’s basketball program is gearing up for the 2026‑27 campaign with a ten‑player roster that blends continuity and fresh talent. The squad will enter the season with eight returning players and two incoming freshmen, marking a deliberate shift away from the transfer portal and a commitment to internal development.
A Roster Built on Continuity
Unlike many programs that bolster their lineups through the portal, the Buckeyes have chosen a traditional path, relying on internal development and high‑school recruits to fill the gaps left by last year’s departures.
At the heart of the returning group are sisters Jaloni and Kennedy Cambridge; Jaloni topped the Big Ten in scoring last season with a 23.2‑point average, while Kennedy anchored the defense, setting a single‑season steals record with 130 takeaways.
The newcomers bring a mix of accolades and international experience. Sydney Mobley, the current Ohio Ms. Basketball, has re‑classified to the 2026 class after averaging 20.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals in her senior year. Adriana Diaz adds a global perspective after two professional seasons with Club Estudiantes de Baloncesto in Madrid, while Atlee Vanesko, a No. 77 ESPN recruit, arrives after three state championships at Westtown High School.
Other returners provide depth and versatility. Elsa Lemmila contributed 7.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, Ava Watson emerged as a 35.6 % three‑point shooter, and Kylee Kitts, a transfer from Florida, posted 7.4 points and 5.6 rebounds last season. Guard Dasha Biriuk, however, opted to move to Grand Canyon University after limited minutes as a freshman.
The roster also saw a notable exit: Chance Gray, the 24th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, is now with the Los Angeles Sparks, while Ella Hobbs, recovering from an ACL injury, logged just 122 minutes across 11 non‑conference games last year.
Coaching staff will see a new face as Todd Schaefer, formerly an assistant at Missouri, joins the Buckeyes after Carla Morrow’s departure, bringing a fresh tactical perspective.
With a blend of proven scorers, defensive stalwarts, and promising newcomers, Ohio State aims to build on a 27‑8 regular‑season record and contend for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.