Justin Pippen Chooses Ohio State: Cal Guard Returns to Big Ten for Next Chapter

Justin Pippen, the talented sophomore guard from Cal and former Michigan Wolverine, is set to return to the Big Ten after officially committing to Ohio State. Pippen’s decision was confirmed by his representatives at WME Basketball, signaling a significant addition to the Buckeyes' roster for the upcoming season.

Pippen’s college journey has already seen him traverse two major conferences. He began his collegiate career at Michigan, gaining valuable experience as a freshman. After one year in Ann Arbor, he made the move to Berkeley, joining the Cal Golden Bears for his sophomore season. Now, he heads back to the Midwest, bringing his skills and versatility to an Ohio State program eager to bolster its backcourt.

• Freshman year: Michigan (Big Ten)
• Sophomore year: Cal (Pac-12)
• Next stop: Ohio State (Big Ten)

The transfer is notable not only for Pippen’s pedigree—he is the son of NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen—but also for the impact he is expected to have in Columbus. His agents at WME Basketball told ESPN that after weighing his options, Pippen saw Ohio State as the right fit for the next stage of his collegiate career. The move comes as Ohio State looks to rebound in the Big Ten and strengthen its guard rotation with proven talent.

Pippen’s time at Cal showcased his growth as a playmaker and scorer, attributes that should translate well in the Buckeyes’ system. His return to the Big Ten reunites him with familiar conference foes and positions him to contribute immediately for Ohio State, which has been active in the transfer portal in search of experience and skill on the perimeter.