Cal G Justin Pippen returns to Big Ten with transfer to Ohio State

Field Level Media|published: 04/10/2026, 3:28pm EDT

Mar 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; California Golden Bears guard Justin Pippen (10) drives the ball towards the basket against Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Lamar Washington (1) during the first half at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Justin Pippen, the son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, is transferring to Ohio State after a breakout season at Cal.

The guard announced the news on his Instagram account Friday. It's a return to the Big Ten on the opposite end of a rivalry for the rising junior, who signed with Michigan as a freshman and averaged 1.6 points over 6.7 minutes across 28 games with the Wolverines in 2024-25 before transferring to Cal.

Pippen tied for second on the Cal roster last season in points per game (14.2) and led the Golden Bears in assists (4.6). He also averaged 3.9 rebounds and his 1.9 steals per game were third-most in the ACC.

The Buckeyes made the NCAA Tournament this past season for the first time since 2021-22, exiting in the first round as a No. 8 seed with a loss to No. 9 TCU.

--Field Level Media