Ohio State Secures Commitment from Five-Star Recruit Anthony Thompson

On October 21, 2025, five-star forward Anthony Thompson announced his commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes, marking a significant milestone for the program. Thompson, a 6-foot-8, 205-pound player from Hudson, Ohio, is ranked as the No. 7 overall prospect and the No. 2 small forward in the 2026 recruiting class according to 247Sports. His decision to join Ohio State ends a 16-year drought for the Buckeyes in securing a five-star recruit, the last being Jared Sullinger in 2010.

Five-Star Small Forward Anthony Thompson Commits To Ohio State – Buckeye Sports BulletinBOOM! Five-star forward Anthony Thompson commits to Ohio State men’s basketball247SportsColumbus DispatchColumbus DispatchBleacher Report247Sports

Thompson's recruitment involved a competitive field, with Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Michigan, and North Carolina also in contention. He expressed that his relationship with Ohio State's coaching staff, particularly head coach Jake Diebler, played a crucial role in his decision. "I picked Ohio State because I felt most confident in the staff being able to help me improve and be able to thrive the best," Thompson stated. His commitment is seen as a major victory for Diebler, who is working to rebuild the Buckeyes into a competitive NCAA program after a challenging season.

247Sports

Thompson's performance on the court has been impressive. During the Adidas 3SSB circuit, he averaged 22.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility. He demonstrated efficiency with shooting percentages of nearly 59% from the field and 40% from three-point range. His skill set includes the ability to shoot from various distances, handle the ball, and defend multiple positions, making him a valuable asset for Ohio State.

ESPN

With Thompson's commitment, Ohio State's 2026 recruiting class now ranks third nationally, joining fellow Ohio natives Marcus Johnson and Alex Smith. This class is notable not only for its talent but also for its local roots, as all three players hail from Ohio. The Buckeyes have not had a class composed entirely of Ohio players since 2021, further emphasizing the significance of Thompson's decision to stay in-state.

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While Thompson's commitment is celebrated, some analysts suggest that the Buckeyes must continue to build on this momentum to attract more elite talent. Ohio State has previously been in contention for other five-star recruits but faced challenges in securing commitments. The success of Thompson's recruitment could signal a shift in the program's ability to compete with top-tier schools.

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• “I picked Ohio State because I felt most confident in the staff being able to help me improve and be able to thrive the best,” — Anthony Thompson

247Sports

• “Their plan is to help me become the best player I can be and prepare me for the NBA.” — Anthony Thompson

ESPN

Thompson's commitment not only enhances Ohio State's roster but also sets a promising foundation for the future of the program under Jake Diebler's leadership.

247Sports