In a surprising decision, Cotie McMahon of Ohio State enters the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility.
Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon Enters Transfer Portal for Final Year of Eligibility in Surprise Move
The transfer portal has become a major factor in college athletics in recent years, reshaping the way teams and players approach their careers. While many athletes choose to enter the portal in search of new opportunities, some decisions come as a complete surprise to fans, coaches, and even teammates. Such is the case with Ohio State guard Cotie McMahon, who shocked the basketball world by entering the transfer portal for her final year of eligibility ahead of the 2025-2026 season.
McMahon, a standout player for the Buckeyes, has been a key contributor to the success of Ohio State’s women’s basketball team. Her decision to leave a program with such a strong tradition of success—after an impressive career—has raised eyebrows and prompted speculation on both the motivations behind her move and the potential destinations for her next chapter.
In this article, we will explore the details behind McMahon’s surprising decision, examine her career at Ohio State, analyze what her departure means for the Buckeyes, and take a look at what might be next for one of college basketball’s rising stars.
A Surprising Move: McMahon’s Decision to Enter the Transfer Portal
Cotie McMahon’s decision to enter the transfer portal for her final year of eligibility comes as a shock to many. Throughout her time at Ohio State, McMahon had become one of the top players on the team, often relied upon to deliver in clutch moments and provide leadership on the court. She made an immediate impact upon joining the program, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a central figure in the Buckeyes’ success over the past few seasons.
Her departure represents a significant shift for Ohio State’s women’s basketball team, which has consistently been ranked among the top programs in the country. McMahon’s skill set—her scoring ability, her toughness on defense, and her leadership qualities—was a key component of the team’s success under head coach Kevin McGuff. However, McMahon’s decision to leave was made after careful consideration, and it comes at a time when many players are reevaluating their options due to the evolving landscape of college basketball, especially in light of the growing influence of the transfer portal.
McMahon’s decision to enter the transfer portal for her final year of eligibility also has implications for her future career. As a player who has shown considerable promise at the collegiate level, McMahon could find herself in high demand by other top-tier programs. Her decision to leave Ohio State may be motivated by a desire to explore new opportunities and to play a role that might not be available to her at Ohio State for the upcoming season.
McMahon’s Career at Ohio State: A Key Contributor
To understand the significance of McMahon’s decision, it’s essential to look back at her career at Ohio State. Cotie McMahon came to Ohio State as a highly regarded recruit out of high school, having established herself as one of the most promising basketball players in the country. A versatile guard with a well-rounded game, McMahon’s arrival in Columbus generated excitement for a program that had aspirations of competing for championships.
From the start, McMahon proved that she was ready for the big stage. In her freshman season, McMahon averaged double figures in points per game, quickly establishing herself as a reliable scorer. Her ability to drive to the basket, score in transition, and knock down outside shots gave the Buckeyes a dynamic offensive weapon. McMahon’s skills were not just limited to scoring; she was also an elite defender, using her quickness and basketball IQ to make life difficult for opposing players.
During her sophomore and junior years, McMahon continued to elevate her game. She became a more consistent threat on both ends of the floor, refining her ability to create for her teammates and helping lead Ohio State to a number of high-profile victories. McMahon’s leadership on the court was particularly notable, as she often served as the emotional and vocal leader of the Buckeyes, guiding them through tough games in the Big Ten and beyond.
By the time McMahon entered her senior year at Ohio State, she was widely regarded as one of the top players in the conference. Her scoring remained strong, but it was her all-around contributions that truly set her apart. Whether it was making key defensive stops, grabbing crucial rebounds, or creating opportunities for her teammates, McMahon’s impact was felt in nearly every aspect of Ohio State’s game.
Despite her success, McMahon’s departure from Ohio State may stem from factors beyond her individual performance. The rise of the transfer portal, combined with the evolving nature of college basketball, may have played a role in her decision to seek out new opportunities.
The Transfer Portal: A Changing Landscape for College Athletes
The advent of the transfer portal has changed the way college athletes approach their careers. No longer are players bound to a single program for the duration of their college eligibility, and the ability to transfer has created both challenges and opportunities for players and programs alike. While the portal has been particularly prominent in football and men’s basketball, its impact on women’s basketball has also been significant.
For players like McMahon, the transfer portal offers a chance to evaluate new opportunities and pursue different paths that might not have been available when they first committed to a program. For McMahon, this could mean finding a new environment where she can take on a different role, be a focal point of a different system, or simply explore new coaching and team dynamics.
The transfer portal is particularly appealing to players who have proven themselves at the collegiate level but may be seeking greater exposure or a fresh challenge. McMahon, having achieved a great deal of success at Ohio State, could be looking for a program that aligns more closely with her personal goals, both on and off the court. Whether she’s seeking a larger role, more championship contention, or simply a change of scenery, the portal provides her with the flexibility to make that choice.
What McMahon’s Departure Means for Ohio State
McMahon’s decision to enter the transfer portal is a significant loss for the Ohio State women’s basketball program. Head coach Kevin McGuff has built a consistent contender at Ohio State, and McMahon has been one of the cornerstones of the program’s success in recent years. Losing her for her final year of eligibility will undoubtedly leave a void in the team’s lineup, both in terms of talent and leadership.
The Buckeyes will have to regroup and look to their returning players, as well as incoming recruits, to fill the gap left by McMahon. While Ohio State is always a top destination for basketball talent, and the program has a strong recruiting pipeline, McMahon’s departure will undoubtedly create a hole in the backcourt.
Ohio State will likely rely on other returning stars to step up and assume more prominent roles in the absence of McMahon. Players like guards and forwards who have shown flashes of potential will need to carry more of the load. Additionally, the Buckeyes will have to tap into their recruiting class to find a player capable of filling McMahon’s shoes and continuing the team’s success.
The loss of McMahon may also have implications for Ohio State’s overall team chemistry. McMahon’s leadership and experience were critical to the team’s success, and her absence will require others to step up in those areas. While Ohio State’s system is built on strong team play and a balanced approach, it will be a challenge to replace the dynamic qualities that McMahon brought to the table.
What’s Next for Cotie McMahon?
With her decision to enter the transfer portal, the next chapter of Cotie McMahon’s basketball career is yet to be written. The 2025-2026 season represents an important moment in her journey, as McMahon will look for a program that provides her with the best opportunity to achieve her goals.
McMahon will likely attract significant attention from top programs, as her combination of skills—scoring, defense, leadership, and versatility—makes her one of the top available players in the transfer portal. Her next destination could depend on a variety of factors, such as the role she desires, the level of competition, and the overall fit with a team’s system.
Potential suitors will also look at McMahon’s on-court contributions as well as her leadership qualities, which were a significant part of her time at Ohio State. Her ability to elevate the play of her teammates and make critical decisions under pressure will be key assets that coaches will seek in a transfer.
For McMahon, the decision will likely be influenced by her desire for a fresh challenge and a program that can help her further develop her game, with an eye toward professional basketball opportunities down the road.
