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Ohio State, Arkansas, Georgia Tech Bolster Rosters with Top Recruits

6/16/2026

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ohio State secured reclassed combo guard LJ Smith and No. 7 prospect Anthony Thompson, giving the Buckeyes two top-30 freshmen for 2026-27.
Arkansas nears a deal for Russian center Ilia Frolov while Rutgers offered 6-foot-5 guard Drew Cabana after his BCAM showing in Michigan.
Georgia Tech added point guard Colby Garland (20.3 points, 4.6 assists) and 6-foot-7 wing Victor Valdes via the transfer portal.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA launched the transfer portal on Oct 15, 2018 to make athletes’ transfer intentions public. A 2021 rule allowed one-time moves in D-I football, basketball, ice-hockey and baseball without a sit-out year, and a 2024 decision gave athletes unlimited transfers. Those changes now power high-profile moves such as Ohio State’s LJ Smith and Michigan’s LJ Smith, reshaping roster building.

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Story summary

Ohio State secured reclassed combo guard LJ Smith and No. 7 prospect Anthony Thompson, giving the Buckeyes two top-30 freshmen for 2026-27.
Arkansas nears a deal for Russian center Ilia Frolov while Rutgers offered 6-foot-5 guard Drew Cabana after his BCAM showing in Michigan.
Georgia Tech added point guard Colby Garland (20.3 points, 4.6 assists) and 6-foot-7 wing Victor Valdes via the transfer portal.

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