A Historic Commitment Revives Ohio State’s Basketball Hopes
For more than two decades the Ohio State Buckeyes have lingered outside the national elite, a stretch that began after their 2009 Sweet 16 run and has persisted through a series of coaching changes and recruiting missteps.
On Monday, the program announced the verbal commitments of LJ Smith and Anthony Thompson, two five‑star prospects who will arrive on campus for the 2026 class, marking the first time in nearly 20 years that the university has secured two top‑rated recruits in the same cycle.
Smith, a sharpshooter who shot 40 percent from three‑point range in high school, is ranked No. 11 on the ESPN top‑100 list for the 2027 recruiting class, while Thompson, a 6‑8 forward from Northeast Ohio, is celebrated for his all‑around skill set and versatility.
Their arrivals come alongside four additional transfers, a wave of talent that could reshape the Buckeyes’ on‑court dynamics and inject fresh energy into a roster that has not seen such a surge of elite talent since the 2008 class featuring BJ Mullens and William Buford.
What This Means for the Program
The commitments signal a shift in recruiting momentum that could attract further top talent and bolster the team’s depth.
Fans hope the infusion of fresh talent will translate into more competitive performances in the upcoming season and perhaps a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.