LJ Smith, a 6‑4 combo guard from Lincolnton, North Carolina, has announced his move from the 2027 recruiting class to the 2026 cycle, securing a spot on Ohio State’s men’s basketball roster for the upcoming season.
His high school career at Oak Hill Academy was marked by a state‑record 935 points as a sophomore and MaxPreps Sophomore All‑American second‑team honors, underscoring his scoring prowess.
A Recruiting Coup for Ohio State
Ranked No. 28 overall and the top player in Virginia for the 2027 class, Smith chose the Buckeyes over a lengthy list of suitors that included Georgia, Indiana, Kansas and others, citing the program’s trajectory under Coach Jake Diebler.
His arrival will fortify a backcourt that already boasts John Mobley Jr., Justin Pippen, Curtis Givens III, Jimmie Williams and Anthony Thompson, creating a deep and versatile unit.
Smith will be joined by fellow freshmen Alex Smith, Vuk Lazarevic and Anthony Thompson, forming a cohort of national top‑30 talents that could reshape the team’s dynamics.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Jake Diebler, believes Smith’s scoring ability and defensive instincts will complement the existing roster and accelerate the program’s push for conference contention.