LJ Smith, a 6‑4 guard from Lincolnton, North Carolina, has announced that he will reclassify from the high school class of 2027 to the 2026 cohort, clearing the path to join the Ohio State Buckeyes a year earlier than originally planned.
The move comes after a standout prep career in which Smith led his high school to two consecutive scoring titles, amassed a state‑record 935 points as a sophomore and earned MaxPreps Sophomore All‑American second‑team honors. He averaged 16.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game in Nike EYBL competition, numbers that helped him rise into the national top‑30 prospects.
A New Duo in Columbus
In November 2025, Smith committed to Ohio State, edging out a host of elite programs. His decision to accelerate his timeline reflects both his confidence in his readiness and the Buckeyes’ vision of integrating him into a roster that already boasts a strong freshman core.
Joining Smith will be fellow freshman Anthony Thompson, another highly touted recruit who together could reshape the Buckeyes’ frontcourt dynamics. The pairing promises a blend of perimeter skill and inside presence that Ohio State hopes will translate into a deep NCAA tournament run.
Smith says he is focused on adapting to the speed and physicality of college basketball while contributing to a team culture that emphasizes defense and rebounding. ‘My goal is to help Ohio State make a deep NCAA run,’ he said, underscoring the ambition that accompanied his reclassification.