Ohio State men’s basketball received a significant boost for the upcoming season as guard L.J. Smith announced he is reclassifying from the 2027 recruiting class to 2026.
Smith committed to Ohio State in November and was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2027 cycle, ranked No. 11 overall, before deciding to reclassify.
The 6-foot-4 guard from Oak Hill Academy had been the lone commitment in Ohio State’s 2027 class. Now, instead of waiting another year, he’ll be ready alongside a talented group of newcomers and returning players this season.
Smith is a five-star prospect ranked among the nation’s top guards and is considered one of the premier scorers in his class.
He averaged 13.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game last season and has a NIL valuation of $597K, according to On3.
“I love Ohio State,” Smith told the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch. “It’s a place that feels like home, and the coaching staff is a bunch of really great guys who believe in me. I really think they can help me succeed and reach my goals.”
Jake Diebler’s Roster Gets Stronger
The addition of L.J. Smith further strengthens a Buckeyes roster that already features one of the program’s most talented recruiting classes in years.
Smith joins five-star forward Anthony Thompson, creating Ohio State’s first recruiting class with two five-star prospects since 2008. The Buckeyes have also added transfer guards Curtis Givens III, Jimmie Williams and Justin Pippen.
Returning standouts such as John Mobley Jr. and Amare Bynum add even more depth to the roster.
“I think this is the deepest team we’ve had, and I don’t know that it’s even close, so I’m excited about that,” Ohio State coach Jake Diebler said.
For Ohio State, the timing could not be better. The Buckeyes made it to the 2026 March Madness but were eliminated in the first round.
So, this year, the program is looking to build a stronger lineup and make a deep run in the 2027 NCAA Tournament. Adding a player like Smith immediately raises the ceiling of the roster and provides another future NBA-caliber talent for the program.
While his reclassification leaves Ohio State without a current commitment in the 2027 class, the immediate payoff is clear. Instead of waiting another year, Buckeye fans will get their first look at one of the nation’s most talented young guards this season.
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