Kylee Kitts’ decision to transfer to Ohio State marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her basketball journey
While her name brought buzz due to her family connection, her skills and potential have already set her apart. The Buckeyes gain not only a high-upside player but someone hungry to prove herself.
Whether she becomes a star in Columbus or follows a longer developmental arc, Kitts will be one to watch in the years ahead.
And as college basketball fans know, sometimes the best stories begin when players choose to walk a different path—even if it’s not the one everyone expected.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are in a state of transition—but transition doesn’t mean regression. With an influx of top-tier young talent and the emergence of Kylee Kitts as a versatile, high-upside forward, the program is laying a new foundation.
Kitts won’t just be filling a void; she’ll be establishing a new identity for Ohio State basketball. If she can translate her high school dominance into college production, expect her to become a central figure in the Buckeyes’ return to national prominence.
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Kylee Kitts Commits to Ohio State
A Rising Star Finds Her Fit
In a major development for the Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball program, redshirt freshman Kylee Kitts has officially committed to join the team, as reported by On3’s Talia Goodman.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation surrounding her future after she entered the transfer portal from the University of Florida with a rare “Do Not Contact” tag.
Kitts’ decision marks a significant acquisition for the Buckeyes, who continue to build a competitive roster for the coming seasons.
A Family with Basketball in Their Blood
Kylee Kitts isn’t just another name in the transfer portal—she’s the younger sister of Chloe Kitts, a rising star for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Chloe has been making waves in the NCAA, earning recognition for her versatile skills and high basketball IQ. With her sister’s success at one of the nation’s top programs, many fans and analysts naturally speculated that Kylee would follow suit.
The sisters share more than just genetics. Both were standout recruits and made significant impressions in high school. Kylee reclassified from the class of 2025 to 2024, a strategic move that accelerated her college career.
Although she didn’t suit up for the Gators last season due to injuries, she retained four years of eligibility by taking a redshirt year.
Entering the Portal with a ‘Do Not Contact’ Tag
When Kylee entered the transfer portal three weeks ago, she included a “Do Not Contact” designation—an uncommon move in women’s college basketball.
This tag signaled that she already had specific programs in mind or had potentially begun discussions through informal channels.
The designation eliminated the flood of inquiries that most high-profile transfers typically receive and suggested that her next destination was already on her radar.
As soon as she became available, speculation heated up. Programs across the country were linked to the 6-foot-3 forward, with fans and analysts closely watching her next steps.
Despite initial beliefs that Kylee might land with the Gamecocks, her recruitment journey took her to multiple campuses. Among those she reportedly visited were the NC State Wolfpack and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Each visit gave her a closer look at the coaching staff, facilities, player development programs, and campus environment.
A Major Addition for the Buckeyes
- Kylee Kitts is more than just a notable last name. According to On3’s recruiting rankings, she was the No. 25-ranked player in the country when she committed to Florida.
- Despite being sidelined due to injury, her reputation as a versatile forward with strong upside remains intact.
- Ohio State gains a frontcourt player with length, agility, and a developing skillset. While she hasn’t yet played a college game, her potential makes her one of the more intriguing players in the 2024 transfer class.
- Goodman summed it up well: “Kitts was one of the best available transfers left. Great get for the Buckeyes.”
- Transferring to Ohio State provides Kitts with a fresh start in a program known for developing talent.
- Head coach Kevin McGuff has built a strong foundation and has helped numerous players reach their full potential during his tenure in Columbus.
- Kitts enters an environment that may allow her to contribute early, especially considering her redshirt status and extra time to recover physically. With four years of eligibility remaining, she has a wide runway to grow and thrive in the Big Ten.
Kylee Kitts: Injury and Recovery
A Redshirt Season with Benefits
Although Kylee did not take the court for the Gators last season, her redshirt status allowed her to adjust to college life, recover from injuries, and begin training at the next level.
Injuries can derail careers, but they can also provide perspective and resilience—two qualities that often help players succeed in the long run.
Now with a year of college experience off the court, she joins Ohio State more prepared both mentally and physically.
With a clean slate and a new medical staff guiding her recovery, the Buckeyes are betting on her upside and long-term contribution.
The ‘Do Not Contact’ Message: What It Really Means
The “Do Not Contact” tag created intrigue. While often misunderstood, this designation can mean a player wants to control their recruitment process without being overwhelmed by interest from schools. In Kylee’s case, it was a calculated move.
This may have allowed her and her camp to evaluate options privately, away from the chaos and pressure that often comes with open recruitment.
It also supports the idea that she already had a shortlist, potentially influenced by early relationships with coaching staffs or family considerations.
South Carolina Speculation: The Gamecock Connection
The chatter about a potential move to South Carolina never truly died down. Many believed that the bond between Kylee and Chloe would ultimately draw the younger sister to Columbia. Fans took to social media in the wake of her portal entry, expressing both excitement and disappointment.
One user tweeted, “She’ll go to SC once she gets herself established.” Another added, “Well I did want baby Kitts with South Carolina, but maybe she just not ready yet.” A third fan was more succinct: “Neat. Was so confident she was a Gamecock.”
These reactions reflected both the strength of Chloe’s reputation and the tight-knit nature of college basketball fanbases. But Kylee’s decision to carve out her own identity at a different program speaks volumes about her independence and vision for her career.
Kylee Kitts: Fan Reactions Reflect Broader Trends
The mixed responses to Kylee’s decision highlight a broader trend in college basketball: player movement is the new norm.
Between the transfer portal, reclassifications, and NIL considerations, today’s athletes have more control over their careers than ever before.
Some fans were disappointed she didn’t join her sister. Others were excited to see her take a new path. But most agreed that Ohio State had landed a promising young player with serious potential.
For Ohio State, Kitts is another building block in what is becoming a formidable program.
Adding a former top-30 recruit, especially one with four years of eligibility and a redshirt year under her belt, provides a significant advantage. She could develop into a cornerstone of their frontcourt in the seasons to come.
Thank you! pic.twitter.com/WJTJ5TsbRH
— Kylee Kitts (@KyleeKitts) April 8, 2025
What This Means for Ohio State’s Future?
Her presence also enhances competition within the team, pushing returners and newcomers alike. The Buckeyes continue to build with intent, and Kitts fits their long-term vision well.
While comparisons to her sister Chloe are inevitable, Kylee Kitts is determined to write her own story. Her choice to attend Ohio State is a testament to her desire to forge a unique path.
It’s also a reminder that top recruits make decisions based on fit, opportunity, and personal growth—not just family ties.
As she prepares to suit up in Columbus, all eyes will be on how she adjusts to the college game, how her body responds after recovery, and how she grows under Ohio State’s coaching staff.
If her high school career and recruiting rankings are any indication, Buckeyes fans have a lot to look forward to.
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Kylee Kitts Will Bolster Depleted Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team is entering a new era—one marked by uncertainty, youth, and the potential for explosive growth.
With the departure of several key players, including top scorer Cotie McMahon, head coach Kevin McGuff will be looking to a new group of talent to carry the program forward.
One name stands out among the newcomers: Kylee Kitts. A four-star forward from Florida, Kitts may be the linchpin in the Buckeyes’ rebuilding campaign.
A Roster in Flux: The Buckeyes’ Offseason Exodus
This offseason has been tumultuous for Ohio State. The program lost five players from last season’s squad—three to graduation and two to the increasingly active NCAA transfer portal.
The most devastating blow was the departure of Cotie McMahon, the team’s leading scorer who transferred to Ole Miss. Her 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game will be hard to replace, particularly since McMahon was not only a statistical leader but also an emotional one.
With such key absences, the Buckeyes are facing an uphill battle in the ultra-competitive Big Ten Conference.
However, the openings left in the wake of these departures also present opportunity—particularly for young and hungry players like Kylee Kitts.
The Arrival of Kylee Kitts: A High School Standout
Kylee Kitts arrives in Columbus with a pedigree that hints at a bright collegiate future. Hailing from Hagerty High School in Florida, Kitts was a dominant force at the prep level.
In her senior season, she averaged 24.2 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, showcasing her ability to control both ends of the court.
Perhaps most impressively, she performed on the biggest stage. During her team’s FHSSA State Championship run, Kitts maintained a double-double average, tallying 10.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game—a testament to her poise and consistency in high-pressure situations.
Her mix of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ made her a coveted recruit. She was ranked as a four-star prospect and received multiple Division I offers before choosing Ohio State.
Kylee Kitts: Transfer Help Arrives
To balance out the youth, Ohio State also dipped into the transfer portal to land T’yana Todd, a dynamic guard from Boston College.
Todd brings collegiate experience and proven scoring ability, averaging 9.3 points per game last season in the ACC.
Her addition provides stability and veteran leadership to the backcourt. With Todd’s ability to create offense and knock down shots, Kitts will have a teammate who can draw defenders away from the post, giving her more room to work down low or in the midrange.
This combination of youth and experience could make for a more balanced and unpredictable offensive attack.
What sets Kitts apart isn’t just her scoring—it’s her dominance on the glass and on defense. At 6-foot-2, she has excellent length and timing, which allowed her to average over 14 rebounds and 3 blocks per game as a senior in high school.
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The Rebounding and Shot-Blocking Anchor
This skill set is particularly important for a team that’s likely to struggle early as the younger players find their footing.
Kitts’ ability to clean up missed shots and deter opponents at the rim will provide a safety net for a developing defense.
If she can transition these strengths to the college level, she could quickly become one of the top interior defenders in the Big Ten.
Although she is primarily known for her rebounding and defense, Kitts also has an offensive ceiling that makes her even more intriguing. She can finish around the rim with both hands, hit midrange jumpers, and even step out to knock down the occasional three-pointer.
Her ability to space the floor is vital in the modern game. If she can consistently knock down open looks and run the floor in transition, she will become a difficult matchup for opposing forwards. Kitts could evolve into a true two-way threat—something that every coach covets.
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