LJ Smith Commits to Ohio State: A Significant Addition for the 2027 Class

LJ Smith, a highly regarded four-star guard from Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, has officially committed to The Ohio State Buckeyes for the 2027 basketball recruiting class. Smith, who stands at 6-foot-4, is ranked as the No. 28 overall prospect and the top player in Virginia according to 247Sports. He chose Ohio State over a competitive field that included offers from prestigious programs such as Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Class of 2027 Four-Star Guard LJ Smith Commits to Ohio State247SportsBOOM! Four-star guard LJ Smith commits to Ohio State247SportsMen’s Basketball: Four-Star 2027 Guard LJ Smith Commits To Ohio State – Buckeye Sports Bulletin2027 Top-25 recruit LJ Smith commits to Ohio StateLJ Smith: Top-25 shooting guard commits to Ohio State2027 5-star L.J. Smith commits to Ohio State

Originally from Lincolnton, North Carolina, Smith gained national attention during his sophomore season at Lincolnton High School, where he averaged 33.1 points per game and set a North Carolina record with 960 points in a single season. He transferred to Oak Hill Academy to further his development and compete against elite talent. This summer, he played for Team Thad on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he averaged 14.1 points and showcased his shooting ability, hitting 42% from three-point range.

Men’s Basketball: Four-Star 2027 Guard LJ Smith Commits To Ohio State – Buckeye Sports Bulletin

Ohio State's head coach Jake Diebler and assistant coach Joel Justus played pivotal roles in securing Smith's commitment. Justus, who has connections to North Carolina, recognized Smith's potential early on, leading to a strong relationship between Smith and the coaching staff. Smith expressed confidence in Diebler's ability to help him achieve his goals, stating, "My connection with Coach Diebler is great; he's a great guy who believes in me a lot."

247Sports

Smith cited a sense of belonging and the supportive environment as key factors in his decision. He stated, "I chose Ohio State because it really feels like home to me and it's a place where I can succeed and reach my goals." His commitment marks a significant milestone for Ohio State, as he is the first five-star recruit to commit to the program since D'Angelo Russell in 2014.

2027 5-star L.J. Smith commits to Ohio State

Smith's commitment is a boost for Ohio State's recruiting momentum, especially following the recent addition of five-star forward Anthony Thompson for the 2026 class. With Smith on board, the Buckeyes aim to build a strong recruiting class around him, potentially pairing him with other top prospects like four-star guards Demarcus Henry and Joshua Tyson.

Class of 2027 Four-Star Guard LJ Smith Commits to Ohio State

While Smith's commitment is celebrated, there are discussions about his potential to reclassify to the 2026 class, which could impact his immediate availability for the Buckeyes. Smith has stated his intention to remain in the 2027 class, but the speculation continues to linger among analysts and fans.

Class of 2027 Four-Star Guard LJ Smith Commits to Ohio State

• “I chose Ohio State because it really feels like home to me and it's a place where I can succeed and reach my goals,” — LJ Smith

247Sports

• “What stood out to me about the staff is how much they believe in me, and the constant effort and communication really meant a lot to me,” — LJ Smith

2027 5-star L.J. Smith commits to Ohio State

LJ Smith's commitment to Ohio State represents a significant step in the program's efforts to secure top-tier talent and build a competitive future in college basketball.

2027 Top-25 recruit LJ Smith commits to Ohio State