Sean Stewart, a 5-star for the Ohio State Buckeyes, commits to the Oregon Ducks via the transfer portal.

In a seismic shift on the college basketball landscape, former five-star recruit Sean Stewart has announced his commitment to the Oregon Ducks after a brief but headline-grabbing stint with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Stewart, a high-profile forward known for his explosive athleticism and versatile defensive presence, entered the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month and quickly became one of the most coveted names available. Now, with his commitment to head coach Dana Altman’s program, the Ducks have added a potential cornerstone piece as they prepare for a new era in Big Ten basketball.

Stewart’s transfer represents more than just a roster shakeup—it’s emblematic of a modern NCAA era defined by immediate eligibility, player mobility, and high-stakes recruitment that continues even after athletes enroll at their first school. For Oregon, it’s a massive recruiting coup. For Ohio State, it’s a stinging loss. And for Stewart, it’s a chance to reset, reignite his career, and embrace a fresh opportunity on the West Coast.

To understand the significance of Stewart’s move to Oregon, one must first grasp the winding road that brought him to this point.

A consensus five-star recruit in the 2023 class out of Montverde Academy (FL), Stewart initially committed to the Duke Blue Devils under then-head coach Jon Scheyer. Hailed as a rim-running, high-IQ forward with elite shot-blocking instincts, Stewart had NBA scouts salivating by the time he stepped on campus in Durham. However, minutes were sparse during his freshman season at Duke. Behind a crowded frontcourt rotation, Stewart averaged just 2.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game across 26 appearances.

Wanting a larger role, Stewart entered the portal following the 2023-24 season and committed to Ohio State in April, a move that was seen as a massive win for newly appointed head coach Jake Diebler. Buckeyes fans envisioned Stewart as a centerpiece of a reloaded frontcourt, particularly following the departure of Zed Key and Felix Okpara’s uncertainty.

However, the fit proved less than ideal. With a slew of other forwards entering the program and Diebler’s system still being implemented, Stewart’s role for the 2024-25 season became unclear. According to sources close to the program, Stewart sought assurances about his position and playing time that never materialized. With the clock ticking on his path to the NBA and another season of limited exposure looming, Stewart again entered the portal—this time for good.

Oregon wasted little time pouncing.

Dana Altman has built a reputation as a master of the transfer portal. Whether it was bringing in stars like Dillon Brooks and Chris Boucher years ago or revamping rosters with plug-and-play talent in recent seasons, Altman knows how to create cohesion from chaos.

Landing Stewart adds a rare breed of athlete to Oregon’s frontcourt—a pogo-stick defender who can guard multiple positions, run the floor in transition, and alter the trajectory of a game without needing the ball in his hands.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sean to the program,” Altman said in a brief statement. “His work ethic, defensive motor, and versatility make him an ideal fit for our system. We think he has the tools to not only elevate our program, but to take the next step in his own career.”

For the Ducks, who will officially begin play in the Big Ten next season, Stewart represents more than just a talent infusion. He brings a level of national recognition and raw potential that could help Oregon contend immediately in a brutally competitive conference. Alongside incoming freshman Mookie Cook, rising sophomore Kwame Evans Jr., and USC transfer guard Boogie Ellis, Stewart helps form one of the most dynamic and intriguing lineups on the West Coast.

What makes Stewart such a prized addition? Start with the defense.

Standing 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, Stewart can switch onto guards, protect the rim, and serve as a backline communicator. His defensive instincts were evident even in limited minutes at Duke, where he regularly disrupted passing lanes and provided weakside help blocks.

Offensively, Stewart remains raw but tantalizing. He thrives as a rim-runner and lob threat in transition. His touch around the basket continues to improve, and he’s worked diligently to expand his shooting range. Oregon’s fast-paced, movement-heavy offense should allow him to excel as a finisher and cutter without having to create off the dribble—a current limitation in his game.

Perhaps more importantly, Oregon’s developmental staff has a strong track record of refining big men. Stewart’s NBA upside remains intact, and the Ducks are betting they can unlock it.

“He’s still scratching the surface,” one Pac-12 (soon-to-be Big Ten) scout told The Athletic. “If he plays 25-30 minutes per game and shows what he can do on both ends, we’re talking about a possible first-round pick.”

For the Buckeyes, Stewart’s departure stings—especially considering the fanfare that surrounded his commitment just weeks ago.

Jake Diebler, promoted to permanent head coach after a strong interim stint, had made Stewart a foundational piece of his first full offseason. Losing him not only creates a gap in the frontcourt but also raises questions about internal alignment. While Diebler has already brought in other transfers, including former Baylor forward Josh Ojianwuna, Stewart’s exit underscores the unpredictable nature of roster construction in the transfer portal era.

Still, all is not lost for Ohio State. The program retains a strong core in guards Bruce Thornton and Roddy Gayle Jr., and incoming freshman John Mobley Jr. could become a breakout star. But the loss of Stewart—especially to a future Big Ten rival—hurts.

“We wish Sean the best in his next chapter,” Diebler said in a brief release. “He’s a tremendous talent, and we’re grateful for the time we spent with him.”

Stewart’s situation exemplifies the new norm in college basketball: a fluid, high-risk, high-reward transfer cycle where former five-star recruits and bench players alike constantly evaluate fit, opportunity, and exposure.

For players, the stakes are enormous. A poor decision—or one more year of limited playing time—can mean falling off NBA draft boards. For coaches, the balance between roster retention and aggressive portal recruitment becomes a year-round challenge.

According to On3 Sports, over 1,800 players entered the transfer portal during the 2024 offseason alone, many of them looking for greener pastures and immediate roles. Stewart’s transfer might be among the highest-profile examples, but it is far from rare.

And yet, amidst the noise, certain programs continue to thrive. Oregon is one of them.

Dana Altman has now landed three top-tier portal additions in the past 18 months. Stewart’s commitment, while somewhat unexpected, speaks volumes about Altman’s ability to build trust quickly and sell a vision for growth. That vision includes making Oregon not just a Pac-12 power, but a major threat in the incoming Big Ten alignment.

With Stewart now officially committed, all eyes turn to what’s next.

Can he carve out a starting role from day one? Early indications suggest yes. His primary competition in the frontcourt will be Kwame Evans Jr. and freshman KJ Evans, but Stewart’s length and defensive versatility may give him an early edge. At the very least, he will be a critical piece of the rotation.

For Oregon, expectations are rising. With the addition of Stewart, the Ducks project as a top-25 team nationally and a potential Big Ten dark horse. Their mix of veterans and young talent creates a high ceiling—one they haven’t consistently reached since their 2017 Final Four run.

For Stewart, the pressure will be high, but so is the opportunity. After two transfers in two years, this is likely his final collegiate stop before testing NBA waters. Oregon is betting that with structure, opportunity, and coaching, Stewart can blossom into the player so many projected him to be out of high school.

If all goes according to plan, both player and program will benefit. If not, Stewart’s journey may serve as another cautionary tale in the wild west of college basketball.

Sean Stewart’s decision to leave Ohio State and join Oregon marks another chapter in his basketball evolution—and a pivotal moment for the Ducks as they position themselves for Big Ten success. Amidst the uncertainty and movement that defines today’s game, Stewart’s talent and Oregon’s vision make for a compelling match.

Only time will tell if the union lives up to its potential, but one thing is certain: when a player of Stewart’s caliber changes jerseys, the entire college basketball world takes notice.