Jake Diebler looks to be the driving force for Ohio State basketball being in the mix to land an elite guard
Ohio State is battling some tough college basketball programs to land an elite guard recruit, and Jake Diebler is making a difference for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball has its eyes on the 2027 recruiting class after point guard LJ Smith reclassified to 2026, leaving the Buckeyes without a single commitment for the following cycle. A name to watch closely is 4-star combo guard Joshua Tyson out of La Porte, Indiana, who ranks as the No. 55 player and No. 9 combo guard nationally per the 247Sports composite rankings. Tyson is also the No. 4 player in the state of Indiana, and Ohio State is among his final six schools.
Joshua Tyson’s recruitment and Ohio State’s connection
Tyson’s final list includes Ohio State, Michigan State, Clemson, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech, and Xavier. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound guard holds 15 total offers, with programs like Arizona, Penn State, and West Virginia also in the mix.
A key detail working in Ohio State’s favor is the relationship between Tyson and Buckeyes coach Jake Diebler. Per Rivals’ Joe Tipton, Tyson revealed that Diebler has been in contact with him longer than any other coach recruiting him. That matters.
“Coach (Jake) Diebler has been in contact for the longest time and has been with me for many steps of the way,” Tyson stated via Rivals.
Relationships remain one of the most important factors in landing a commitment, and Diebler’s head start in building that connection gives Ohio State a potential edge.
Tyson is scheduled to take an official visit to Ohio State on Aug. 28, which will be a significant step in determining where the Buckeyes stand in this recruitment.
Tyson is a potential big get if the Buckeyes can make it happen
Tyson put together a strong summer on the Adidas AAU circuit, averaging 14.5 points, 4.4 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game for Phenom United. Those numbers paint the picture of a guard who can score, facilitate, and create havoc on the defensive end.
With Smith now set to join Ohio State as a freshman this coming season, the Buckeyes addressed their immediate point guard need. Landing a player like Tyson for 2027 would give Ohio State continued stability at the position and keep the pipeline flowing at a spot that remains critical to the program’s success.
There’s a chance this recruitment picks up steam heading into late August. The official visit will be telling, and the Buckeyes are in a solid position given Diebler’s longstanding relationship with Tyson. If Ohio State can close, Tyson would be a meaningful addition to the 2027 class.