Villanova’s frontcourt takes shape with the addition of Ohio State transfer Devin Royal
The Wildcats signed two experienced Big Ten forwards in the same day.
After visiting its campus on Monday, Ohio State transfer Devin Royal did not leave town before agreeing to a deal to play his senior season at Villanova.
Royal, who announced his transfer destination on social media, played his first three seasons for his hometown Buckeyes and was a key starter in each of the last two years. In 32 games in 2025-26, the 6-foot-6 forward averaged 13.7 points (an identical average from his sophomore season), 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 32.5 minutes.
He became the second addition to Villanova’s frontcourt from the Big Ten on Monday. Earlier in the day, Oregon transfer Kwame Evans Jr. announced he was signing with Villanova.
Kevin Willard and Co. knew the Wildcats needed to get bigger and more athletic up front, and their first two additions out of the transfer portal fit that bill. Evans is a 6-10 power forward who can stretch the floor a little offensively. And while Royal is 6-6, he is a solid 220 pounds and rebounds well. Both players provide a boost on the defensive end, too.
Royal is rated as the 53rd-ranked transfer, according to 247Sports. He improved his efficiency from three-point range this past season, climbing from 27.6% to 31.6% on 3.1 attempts per game. Royal’s free-throw percentage — an area in which Villanova struggled in 2025-26 — rose from 77.2% to 80.2%.
Villanova’s lineup and rotation are starting to take shape after losing multiple players to graduation or the portal. The small and power forward spots in particular seem to be filled, with Royal and Evans likely penciled in to start at the three and four, respectively. Matt Hodge, who started at power forward this past season, likely will play more small forward. It’s unclear if he’ll be available when the season begins after surgery in March to repair a torn ACL. But Hodge and Malachi Palmer should provide starter-level ability off the bench at the forward spots.
» READ MORE: 2026 men’s college basketball transfer portal tracker: Latest Big 5 moves, where Philly-area recruits are heading
The Wildcats still need a starting point guard to replace Acaden Lewis and play next to shooting guard Tyler Perkins. Arkansas transfer DJ Wagner, a Camden graduate, reportedly will visit Villanova’s campus this week. Chris Jeffrey, a rising sophomore, is expected to have an expanded role next season but could use some more seasoning behind a veteran guard like Wagner or another upperclassman. Incoming freshman Adam Oumiddoch likely will join Jeffrey as the top guard options off the bench.
Center remains a priority, since Evans is better suited as a power forward. The Wildcats were bullied inside at times this season in losses to UConn, St. John’s, and others. The first two portal additions have attempted to address that issue.
