Jake Diebler, Ohio State Buckeyes are in the mix to land an elite 5-star player who could help level up the program
The Buckeyes are in the mix for a very good player.
The Ohio State Buckeyes went 17-15 last season and missed the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year. After returning their top players — Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal, and John Mobley Jr. — the Buckeyes are expected to take a step forward during the 2025–26 season. Ohio State is also recruiting at a solid level for the class of 2026, with two current commitments and the No. 19 overall class, according to 247Sports. Now, the Buckeyes are in the mix for a player who could elevate things in a major way.
Ohio State is a finalist for 2026 five-star SF Anthony Thompson
An elite in-state prospect, Thompson is set to announce his college decision on Oct. 21, and the Buckeyes are one of eight schools still in contention. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Thompson is the No. 8 overall player and the No. 2 small forward in the 2026 class. The 6-foot-8 left-handed playmaker holds over 30 scholarship offers and has drawn interest from several major programs.
Joining Ohio State among his finalists are Kentucky, Michigan, Texas, Indiana, and North Carolina. Thompson took an official visit to Columbus on Aug. 29 and was on campus for the Texas Longhorns vs. Ohio State football game. Thompson has taken several official visits, with his most recent trip being to Kentucky on Sept. 24. Thompson plays at Western Reserve Academy (OH) and is very familiar with the Buckeyes’ program and coaching staff.
“I’ve been on a lot of visits there, and I’ve been able to connect with the staff for a long time,” Thompson said recently via Rivals. “So, I have a really good feel for the coaching staff. My visit was just kind of deeper talks. I was able to see their team in person and see how I’d fit in there with the players they have now. That was new for me.”
Ohio State’s 2026 class is already off to a strong start, led by four-star point guard Marcus Johnson, the No. 36 overall player in the country. The Buckeyes also hold a commitment from four-star power forward Alex Smith, who now plays at Prolific Prep (FL) but hails from Upper Arlington, Ohio. The Buckeyes haven’t often been finalists for five-star basketball players in recent years due to the program’s struggles, but being in serious contention for Thompson is a positive step forward for the program’s momentum.
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