It's either the NBA or back to Ohio State for the Buckeyes' sharpshooter and second-leading scorer in 2026-27.
John Mobley Jr. announced that he will test the NBA draft waters on Tuesday, but if he stays in college, it will be at Ohio State.
Statement from John Mobley Jr pic.twitter.com/laY0JNvtPa
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 31, 2026
Mobley emerged as Ohio State's No. 2 scorer in 2025-26, the second half of one of the Big Ten's best starting backcourt tandems alongside four-time captain and Ohio State scoring record holder Bruce Thornton. Mobley picked up 15.7 points per game and shot 41.1% from 3-point range, good for fifth in the Big Ten among qualified shooters. He added 2.8 assists per game en route to honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
A top-50 prospect out of high school, Mobley was thrust into a starting role 11 games into his freshman season in 2024-25 after starting guard Meechie Johnson Jr. sat out the final 22 games of Ohio State's season for mental health issues. Mobley shot 38.5% from three but just 38.9% overall from the field, a number that jumped to 43.2% this past season. He averaged 13 points and 2.2 assists per game in his freshman year, all told.
While Mobley's shooting and solid court vision make him an intriguing NBA prospect, there is still room for him to grow in the latter area, especially on the defensive end of the floor. CBS Sports did not project him to be selected in its first-round mock draft.
With rising sophomore forward Amare Bynum announcing his return to Ohio State on Monday, should Mobley come back, the Buckeyes would retain the two most important pieces from their 2025-26 roster for 2026-27. Thornton is out of eligibility, and starting small forward Devin Royal will enter the transfer portal for his senior year, but the latter probably would not have had a starting spot with Bynum back at power forward and five-star prospect Anthony Thompson likely to start at small forward.
A priority for Ohio State's backcourt right now is securing a veteran point guard to pair with Mobley in the starting lineup. Should he leave, the Buckeyes will likely need two starting guards. A scoring weapon for depth off the bench would also be welcome, though redshirt junior Taison Chatman could provide something in that regard if he both stays in Columbus and takes another step next year. Redshirt junior Gabe Cupps will also have a portal decision to make after filling in as the Buckeyes' No. 4 guard in 2026-27.
