The answer is clear, and it has a name: Bruce Thornton. While plenty of fans might glance at the football roster first, the basketball court offers the only logical choice for a fifth year. A federal court in Denver just ruled that high school class of 2022 athletes who used up their fourth season can return. This isn’t a minor tweak; it’s a massive shift for players who thought their college days were over. According to Land-Grant Holy Land, bringing back Thornton would be the smartest play the program could make right now.
The NBA Reality Check
Thornton wasn’t a late-round pick who got cut immediately. The second round’s first pick was his selection in June’s NBA Draft. The New York Knicks drafted him, then traded him straight to the Houston Rockets. That’s a huge landing spot, but it’s also a dangerous one for playing time. The Rockets already have stars like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun on the roster. They also have veterans like Marcus Smart and Fred Van Vleet waiting in the wings. Per Land-Grant Holy Land, Thornton might see very little floor time during his rookie season.
Imagine watching a talented guard sit on the bench for months. He played four seasons at Ohio State and barely made the NCAA Tournament as a senior. He deserves a chance to shine, not to ride the pine behind a stacked roster. If he stays in Houston, he risks getting lost in the shuffle. Returning to Columbus would let him dominate again. He’d be the main guy, not the fifth option.
A Perfect Fit for the Return
Some might argue he should fight for his spot in the pros. But the math doesn’t add up for a young player with his specific skill set. He’d be playing alongside former Buckeye Jae’Sean Tate in Houston. That connection matters, but it doesn’t guarantee minutes. The team has other guards like Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson who are also vying for the ball. According to the report, the depth chart in Houston is simply too crowded for Thornton to get the touches he needs to grow.
One more year in college lets him refine his game without the pressure of an NBA contract. He can lead a team again. He can build a legacy in the Big Ten. The rules are being made up on the fly right now, so why not use them? Land-Grant Holy Land suggests that even if a player was drafted in the first round, we should still want them back. Thornton fits that bill perfectly. He is the guy we need.
The Fan Verdict
Fans are already ready to rock and roll for the new season. Half of the respondents in a recent survey said they were pumped for the start of the 2026-27 season. The remaining half simply jonesed for the games to start. Preseason practice kicks off this Thursday. We have less than one month to wait. But the roster question is already here. Bringing back Thornton solves a major problem for the basketball program. It gives a star player a second chance at glory. The court in Columbus is waiting.
