Ohio State Buckeyes are in the mix to land elite basketball recruit who models his game after Evan Mobley and Cooper Flagg

The Buckeyes have been recruiting him harder than any other program.

Brandon Little Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Ohio State basketball head coach Jake Diebler speaks to media prior to an offseason practice at the Schottenstein Center on June 18, 2025 Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ohio State Buckeyes currently hold the No. 3-ranked 2026 basketball recruiting class, led by high four-star point guard Marcus Johnson. Johnson is joined by four-star forward Alex Smith as the two early commitments in head coach Jake Diebler’s 2026 haul.

While the Buckeyes don’t yet have a commitment for the class of 2027, the staff is making strong progress with several top targets. One of the most intriguing prospects on their radar happens to compare his game to a pair of elite talents: Evan Mobley and Cooper Flagg.

“I think I’m like a type of Evan Mobley mixed with—you know, I watch Cooper Flagg a lot,” four-star 2027 power forward Griffin Starks told Rivals. “That’s my favorite player. I love watching him, and I try to make my game like his.”

Ohio State Buckeyes Standing Out to 2027 Four-Star PF Griffin Starks

Ohio State is among the schools recruiting the 6-foot-7 forward from Southeastern Prep in Orlando, Florida the hardest, and they appear to be in strong early position.

“Right now, I have offers from Cincinnati, Ohio State, Penn State, West Virginia, Ohio University, and Florida State,” Starks said via Rivals. “I’m probably hearing the most from Ohio State.”

Size and athleticism are two traits the Buckeyes have needed to pair more consistently in their frontcourt, and Starks checks both boxes. With two years of high school remaining, it’s possible the forward still adds another couple of inches to his frame.

Ohio State appears to have already identified Starks as a priority target in the class of 2027. While it’s still early in the process, the Buckeyes look to be in a strong position with the talented and versatile big man.