Cotie McMahon enters transfer portal after 3 seasons with Ohio State

Cotie McMahon, Ohio State’s leading scorer, is entering the transfer portal, a source said.

On Wednesday, McMahon indicated on Instagram that she would be entering the portal. She reposted a video from user @mrgemsinthegym, which read: “One of my favorite people and players has entered the Transfer Portal. Ohio State do it all baller @cotiemcmahon32. A special player and person. Known her since her 7th grade year. She will be HIGHLY coveted! Good luck champ!”

McMahon, who averaged 16.5 points and 4.7 rebounds her junior season, enters the portal three days after the Buckeyes fell in the NCAA Tournament second round for the second year in a row. No. 4 Ohio State lost to No. 5 Tennessee 82-67 at Value City Arena as the higher seed.

Following the game, McMahon was visibly frustrated with the outcome and could be seen saying explicit words when shaking hands with Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell.

This the first season McMahon led the Buckeyes in scoring, playing just 29 games due to a lower-leg injury that sidelined McMahon for four games in November.

A six-foot forward out of Centerville, McMahon was the No. 23 recruit from the Class of 2023, according to ESPN.

In spring 2023, McMahon joined the Buckeyes’ program after graduating high school early and made her debut against Tennessee in November, recording 10 points and two steals.

McMahon started all 36 games her freshman season, and helped the Buckeyes make a historic run to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight, the furthest the program has gone since 1993. Against UConn in the Sweet Sixteen, McMahon recorded a team-high 23 points.

Ohio State is down to eight players on the roster, with four players finishing their eligibility and Faith Carson announcing her transfer on Monday.

Point guard Jaloni Cambridge will likely be expected to lead the program next season without McMahon.

In her freshman year, Cambridge averaged 15.4 points and over two steals as a starter, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors.

bmackay@dispatch.com

@brimackay15