VILLANOVA, Pa. – Devin Royal, a 6-6 forward who averaged 13 points per game in each of the last two seasons while starting 59 games at Ohio State, has signed an aid agreement to attend Villanova in 2026-27, it was announced today. As a junior in 2025-26, the native of Pickerington, Ohio averaged 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest for a Buckeyes unit that played in the NCAA Tournament.
 
"From the moment I watched tape in preparing to play against Devin earlier in his career, I just had great respect for the way he plays," said Villanova head coach Kevin Willard, who faced Ohio State during his time as a Big Ten coach from 2022-25. "Devin is a proven winner who brings skill and physicality with him every time he takes the court. We can't wait to start working with him at Villanova."
 
Royal led Pickerington High School to consecutive appearances in a state title game as a junior and senior. In 2023 he was tabbed Ohio's "Mr. Basketball" before enrolling at Ohio State.
 
As a freshman, he averaged 4.7 points and 2.4 points per game for the Buckeyes, appearing in 33 of 36 contests. He moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore, averaging 13.7 points and a team-high 6.9 rebounds per outing.
 
Royal becomes the third Villanova transfer addition to its 2026-27 front court following the early announcements of the arrival of Kwame Evans (Oregon) and Jake Fiegen (Cornell).