Ohio State has added a much-needed center via the transfer portal.
Christoph Tilly, who averaged 12.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for Santa Clara last season, committed to the Buckeyes on Thursday.
NEWS: Santa Clara transfer Christoph Tilly has committed to Ohio State, his agent Milan Nikolic told ESPN. The skilled German 7-footer was named Second Team All-WCC after posting 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds in 23 minutes per game. pic.twitter.com/pFRGga8Or2
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 3, 2025
Tilly, a 7-foot, 240-pound center from Germany, has one remaining season of eligibility. He becomes the second player to transfer to Ohio State so far this season, joining former Indiana guard Gabe Cupps.
The Tilly File
- Class: Senior
- Size: 7-0/240
- Pos: Center
- Previous School: Santa Clara
- Stats: 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds per game in 2024-5
Tilly, who earned second-team All-WCC honors last season, projects as a likely starter for the Buckeyes at center, where Ohio State needs improved production on both ends of the floor next season. Tilly will likely share minutes at the five with Sean Stewart and Ivan Njegovan, who are both entering their second season with the Buckeyes, following the transfer departure of Aaron Bradshaw.
Tilly was ranked as the seventh-best center to enter the transfer portal this offseason by 247Sports. He picked up 8.8 rebounds per 40 minutes in 2025-26, which would have ranked third among Buckeyes who played at least 10 minutes per game last season. Sean Stewart (12.5) and Devin Royal (9.6) had higher rates.
An efficient scorer around the rim, Tilly shot 61.7% from 2-point range and went 17-of-54 (31.5%) from 3.
Ohio State is still expected to add at least one or two more transfers to its 2025-26 roster. Specifically, the Buckeyes are expected to add another wing, which could be necessary to round out their starting lineup alongside Tilly, Devin Royal, John Mobley Jr. and Bruce Thornton.
