One of the biggest names in high school basketball has just turned up the heat on the recruiting trail. Five-star small forward Anthony Thompson, a top-tier talent from New Hudson, Ohio, released his list of top 15 schools on Friday, sending shockwaves throughout the college basketball world.
With powerhouse programs like Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, and Michigan State all in the mix, the battle to land Thompson is officially on.
Top Programs Scramble for Anthony Thompson’s Commitment
Thompson is currently ranked as the No. 1 player in Ohio and the No. 3 small forward in the 2026 class. The 6-foot-8 standout with a remarkable 7-foot-2 wingspan is also listed as the No. 9 overall player nationally. His elite size, length, and skill set make him a dream addition for any program looking to add star power to their future lineup.
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Anthony Thompson, On3’s No. 5 overall recruit in the 2026 class, is down to 15 schools, per his Instagram page.
The 6-8 small forward received roughly 30 offers. https://t.co/dGbu00fPdt pic.twitter.com/lBKVkcdVsa
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 25, 2025
Thompson’s final 15 includes an impressive mix of blue-bloods and rising contenders: Michigan State, North Carolina, BYU, Michigan, Ohio State, Purdue, Notre Dame, Auburn, Indiana, Georgetown, Kansas, Texas, Kentucky, Xavier, and Louisville.
Each program has a compelling pitch, but the competition is fierce. Thompson’s recruitment has already attracted attention from top coaching staffs, with schools putting boots on the ground to make their case.
Kentucky, in particular, appears to be pushing hard. Thompson has taken multiple visits to Lexington since the fall, and new head coach Mark Pope, alongside assistant Cody Fueger, visited him earlier this week. The Wildcats are hoping their early and consistent attention pays off in the long run. Meanwhile, Michigan State has quietly become a dark horse, with Tom Izzo’s track record of developing elite wings serving as a strong selling point.
Ohio Star Draws National Spotlight
Playing for Western Reserve Academy in Lebanon, OH, Thompson has become one of the most talked-about prospects in the nation, not just for his on-court dominance, but for his versatility and ceiling as a future pro. With over 30 Division I offers and just 15 finalists remaining, every move he makes is under a microscope.
What separates Thompson from other players in his class is his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor with his jump shot, and finish above the rim in transition. His defensive instincts and length are already drawing comparisons to elite NBA forwards, and his offensive game continues to evolve.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
With a decision not expected until after the next AAU season, the Anthony Thompson sweepstakes will only continue to intensify. For now, fans of the 15 finalist schools can dream big, but only one will land the rising star who could change the trajectory of their program. One thing’s for sure: the recruiting war for Anthony Thompson is just heating up.
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