Former Michigan guard Justin Pippen is crossing into enemy territory to continue his college basketball career.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the former Wolverine — and now former player for Cal — has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes out of the transfer portal, adding an interesting wrinkle to an already heated rivalry.
Pippen originally signed with Michigan as part of Dusty May’s first recruiting class but never found a consistent role. He appeared in 28 games off the bench during the 2024-25 season, averaging 1.6 points in 6.7 minutes per game. He also had 16 assists, six steals and one block that season.
He took on a much larger role at Cal and delivered, averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while leading the team in assists and finishing near the top in scoring. Pippen earned All-ACC honorable mention honors and helped guide the Golden Bears to the second round of the NIT.
Now, he lands at Ohio State, where he’ll likely factor into a backcourt that needed additional depth.
Of course, this isn’t the first time this has happened — Michigan got former Buckeye Roddy Gayle Jr. out of the portal a couple seasons ago. Additionally, former Wolverine Andrew Dakich finished his career in Columbus after transferring to Ohio State back in 2017.
