In a plot twist that’s got Buckeye Nation buzzing, four-star shooting guard Dorian Jones, one of Ohio’s brightest basketball stars, has requested his release from Ohio State University and is reopening his recruitment. The news, first reported by On3’s Joe Tipton on June 4, 2025, has sent ripples through the college basketball world, leaving fans and analysts wondering what’s next for both Jones and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

A Promising Commitment Cut Short

A 6-foot-3, 160-pound sharpshooter from Richmond Heights High School in Cleveland, Dorian Jones was a huge coup for Ohio State when he committed on July 1, 2024. After choosing the Buckeyes over Michigan, Rutgers, and Missouri, he entered into a financial aid agreement in November 2024 to join four-star power forward A’mare Bynum, creating a tight but talented two-man recruiting class for 2025. Ranked as the No. 1 player in Ohio, the No. 19 shooting guard, and No. 114 overall prospect in the 2025 class (per 247Sports composite), Jones was set to become the bedrock for head coach Jake Diebler’s vision: building a powerhouse with homegrown talent.

But, as life often does, it threw a curveball. Academic eligibility issues kept Jones from enrolling at Ohio State for the 2025-26 season, which led him to take a step back and reconsider his path.

A Tough Call to Step Away

On May 30, 2025, Jones shared a heartfelt but since-deleted Instagram post, explaining that he wouldn’t be suiting up for the Buckeyes this fall. Instead, he planned to spend a year at a junior college or prep school to sharpen his skills and address his academic hurdles. “This next year is a chance for me to grow before I hit the college stage,” he wrote, hinting at a possible future with Ohio State. But just a few days later, he made the tough call to request a full release, officially reopening his recruitment and closing the door on his Buckeye commitment.

It’s a bummer for Ohio State fans who were excited to see Jones light up the court in Columbus. His decision to explore other options suggests he’s ready to find a new home that aligns with his goals, both on and off the court.

A High School Star with Big Potential

Jones’ high school career at Richmond Heights was the stuff of local legend. He powered the Spartans to three consecutive Ohio Division IV state championships from 2022 through 2024, receiving first-team All-Ohio honors as a junior after averaging 14.1 points per game. Jones, with his 6-foot-10 wingspan, was a difficult matchup for opponents, best known for his lockdown defense in Richmond Heights’ full-court press and his smooth shooting stroke. College scouts loved his versatility, athleticism, and affinity for big moments.

There were some bumps in the road as a senior: he suffered from bouts of pneumonia that kept him out for stretches, and his staggered performance resulted in a national ranking slide from No. 72 to No. 114. His talent and potential, however, remain unquestioned; he has the tools to become a difference-maker at the next level.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

For the Buckeyes, losing Jones stings, but it’s not a knockout blow. Coach Diebler still has A’mare Bynum locked in as a 2025 freshman, plus recent additions like German guard Mathieu Grujicic and a trio of transfers—Brandon Noel, Christoph Tilly, and Joshua Ojianwuna—alongside returning guard Gabe Cupps. The open roster spot gives Diebler’s staff a chance to pivot, whether by chasing another high school prospect or dipping into the transfer portal.

Some chatter on X suggests the Ohio State staff isn’t sweating the loss too much. One post put it bluntly: “Dorian Jones was never going to play for Ohio State. Jake Diebler and the coaches aren’t losing sleep over this.” Whether that’s true or just fan bravado, it’s clear the Buckeyes are moving forward with confidence.

Dorian’s Next Chapter

So, where does Dorian Jones go from here? The kid’s got options. Before committing to Ohio State, he had offers from heavyweights like Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Miami, Missouri, and Texas A&M. As he preps for a year at a junior college or prep school to polish his game and clear academic hurdles, you can bet college coaches will be circling. His defensive grit, long-range shooting, and that crazy wingspan make him a hot commodity for any program looking to snag a high-major talent in 2026.

Jones’ journey is a reminder that the road to college hoops stardom isn’t always a straight line. Academic challenges can trip up even the most talented players, but Jones seems determined to put in the work and come out stronger. Wherever he lands, he’s got the heart and hustle to make a mark.

A Story Still Unfolding

Dorian Jones’ departure from Ohio State is a tough pill for Buckeye fans to swallow; however, the split also allows for a reset in pursuit of their respective goals. Ohio State must now look for the next piece to keep the program moving, while Jones takes his future into his own hands, grinding through challenges and finding the right fit to display his talents. Basketball fans across Ohio and beyond will keenly watch as this gifted young guard plots the next chapter in his story.