Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler revealed on Thursday that the program has secured a commitment from LJ Smith, a five‑star guard who will join the 2026‑27 freshman class.
Smith, a native of Lincolnton, North Carolina, reclassified after three years of prep school and transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, where he has been showcasing elite shooting ability.
During his sophomore season at Oak Hill, Smith posted averages of 33.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.6 steals per game, earning MaxPreps All‑America honors and ranking among the top scorers in North Carolina history.
A Five‑Star Addition
The Buckeyes will welcome four freshmen next season, including Smith alongside Anthony Thompson, Alex Smith and Vuk Lazarevic, a group that analysts expect to reshape the roster.
Diebler emphasized that Smith’s proven three‑point accuracy — nearly 40 percent from deep at Oak Hill and 42 percent with Team Thad on the Nike EYBL circuit — adds a new dimension to Ohio State’s offensive scheme.
Beyond the numbers, coaches praise his work ethic and clutch performances, noting that his 940 points in a single North Carolina season rank fourth all‑time in the state’s history.
The commitment marks a significant recruiting win for Ohio State as it continues to build a competitive squad for the upcoming campaign.