Since the NCAA passed a new name, image and likeness policy in 2021, a bylaw that allowed college athletes to receive compensation for their personal brand, many things have changed in college sports.
The most drastic change NIL brought was a new incentive for athletes to transfer. Now, athletes who perform at a high skill level in smaller-town environments are inclined to transfer into an environment where they can be more recognized and make some money off their image.
The transfer portal in all sports, especially college basketball, has run rampant since the 2021 decision by the NCAA. Following the 2024 season, thousands of men's college basketball players entered the transfer portal.
With the new challenges NIL has brought, small-town schools like Ohio have been forced to adapt. Although the portal has decimated some programs, Ohio’s men’s and women's basketball teams have found success through the portal despite having a much lesser opportunity for NIL.
Following the 2024 season, when almost every team in the country lost a player via the portal, Ohio’s men’s basketball team was able to retain every non-graduate player who received minutes during the season.
Not only was Ohio able to retain its own players, but it also brought in two high-value transfers that have had an immediate impact on the team in 2025.
Transfer guard Jackson Paveletzke was the headliner in Ohio’s 2024 class, a Wisconsin native who transferred out of the Big 12’s Iowa State to come to Athens and play for Jeff Boals. Since putting on an Ohio uniform, Paveletzke has started in every game while leading the team in assists.
Ashland transfer Vic Searls was brought in to help Ohio down low where it has lacked size in the past. When star forward AJ Clayton went down with a minor injury, Searls stepped up and filled the void for Ohio’s starting lineup.
On the women’s side, two of Ohio’s most significant contributors in 2025 have come via the portal.
Graduate student Anyssa Jones came to Ohio after spending her first handful of years with Dayton and Ohio State. Jones has contributed 7.3 points per game for Ohio while being an occasional starter.
Graduate student Aliah McWhorter has also been quick to make an impact after transferring in from Wake Forest prior to the season. McWhorter consistently provides more than 20 minutes a game, facilitating the Ohio offense from the guard position.
To succeed in the portal as a mid-major program you have to have an established culture that athletes want to play for. Ohio’s athletic department has set a precedent for success, making it an attractive landing spot for players looking for a new home.
As college sports continue to change, Ohio will continue to adapt while maintaining the historical presence of success within the program.
