“Southern Illinois guard Kennard Davis Jr. is considering Ohio State and DePaul among his potential transfer destinations.”
Jake Diebler is looking to add one final piece to his second Ohio State squad this spring, but he’s facing stiff competition for Southern Illinois transfer guard Kennard Davis Jr.
One of the top challengers? DePaul, led by Diebler’s former boss and mentor, Chris Holtmann. The two now find themselves on opposite sidelines, battling for Davis’ commitment—a matchup that’s likely to become a familiar one on the recruiting trail, especially with Holtmann’s deep ties to Ohio high school basketball.
Both coaches are hoping to land the 6-foot-6, 215-pound St. Louis native, who entered the transfer portal on March 13 after two seasons at Southern Illinois. Davis made a significant leap in his sophomore year, leading the Salukis in minutes (34.1) and assists (2.6) per game while averaging 16.3 points and 4.9 rebounds. He shot 45.5% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc, scoring 20 or more points nine times, including a career-high 26 against Murray State on February 19. His breakout season earned him All-Missouri Valley Conference Second Team honors.
Diebler is searching for a guard or small forward to round out his 2025–26 roster — ideally someone with size and a reliable outside shot. Davis checks those boxes. At 6-foot-6 and shooting nearly 38% from three last season, he brings the kind of perimeter presence the Buckeyes are looking for.
A former three-star prospect in the class of 2023, Davis was a four-time state champion at Vashon High School in Missouri. He visited Ohio State on April 12–13 after first connecting with the coaching staff over Zoom. But the Buckeyes aren’t alone in their pursuit.
According to Davis’ father, the rising junior plans to visit Ole Miss and DePaul as well, where he’d reunite with former Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann. Other programs like Texas, Vanderbilt, USC, and Miami have also reached out, signaling a competitive recruiting battle for one of the portal’s more intriguing two-way wings.
Diebler, Holtmann in Recruiting Battle for Southern Illinois Transfer Kennard Davis Jr
Jake Diebler is eyeing one final addition to his 2025–26 Ohio State roster, and Southern Illinois transfer Kennard Davis Jr. might just be the perfect fit. But landing him won’t be easy — especially with former Buckeye head coach Chris Holtmann also in the mix at DePaul.
Davis, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound guard from St. Louis, entered the transfer portal on March 13 after a breakout sophomore season with the Salukis. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 37.6% from three. Davis led Southern Illinois in both minutes (34.1 per game) and assists and was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Second Team.
After taking some high-upside swings in last year’s transfer cycle, Diebler has shifted focus this spring. So far, he’s landed two proven mid-major standouts in Christoph Tilly (Santa Clara) and Brandon Noel (Wright State), who combined for 31.5 points per game last season. He also added former Indiana guard and Ohio Mr. Basketball Gabe Cupps, who is returning home after an injury-limited sophomore season.
Still, one final piece remains — and Davis could be it. He visited Ohio State on April 12–13, following a Zoom call with the coaching staff. With his size, athleticism, and outside shooting, Davis fits exactly what the Buckeyes are looking for in a wing. But they’re not alone.
Davis is also planning visits to Ole Miss and DePaul, according to his father. Texas, Vanderbilt, USC, and Miami have also reached out. DePaul, in particular, offers an interesting subplot: the program is now led by Holtmann, Diebler’s former boss and longtime mentor. The two coaches are expected to cross paths frequently in recruiting battles, especially with Holtmann tapping into his strong Ohio ties.
Holtmann has already brought in three transfers to DePaul: RJ Smith (Colorado), Jeremy Lorenz (Wofford), and Kaleb Banks (Tulane). After a brutal 3-29 campaign the year prior, Holtmann guided the Blue Demons to a 14-20 season that included four Big East wins and a conference tournament victory. With three of their top four scorers returning, Davis could slot in right away with a prominent role.
That’s part of the decision Davis now faces. At DePaul, he’s likely to have a larger offensive role but lower odds of making the NCAA Tournament. At Ohio State, the path to March Madness is clearer — but playing time might be more limited, and a starting spot isn’t guaranteed.
One factor that could tip the scales? NIL. Per KSDK News in St. Louis, Davis has received offers from several schools ranging from $300,000 to $1 million — what he called “life-changing money.”
If Davis chooses the Buckeyes, he would be Diebler’s final addition to a roster he’s quietly reshaped this offseason. But for now, the battle continues — and this one feels personal.
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