Ohio State Basketball Hosts Elite Recruits During Epic Season Opener!

Ohio State Basketball Hosts Elite Recruits During Epic Season Opener!

The excitement is palpable around Ohio State’s men’s basketball program as the team gears up to host several highly regarded recruits during the college football season opener against No. 1 Texas on August 30. With so much talent on display, fans can expect thrilling performances both on the gridiron and the hardwood.

Among the recruits visiting is Marcus Johnson, a standout guard from Garfield Heights, who has already verbally committed to the Buckeyes for the class of 2026. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 175 pounds, Johnson is ranked as the No. 3 player in Ohio and the No. 27 nationally by 247Sports. His junior season saw him average an impressive 29.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, earning him the title of Ohio Mr. Basketball.

Top Prospects on the Radar

Joining Johnson is Anthony Thompson, a power forward who also holds a verbal commitment to Ohio State. At 6’8″ and 205 pounds, Thompson is not only the top prospect from Ohio but ranked No. 10 nationally and No. 4 among small forwards. The buzz around him is significant as he is noted to be the highest-rated Ohio prospect playing in-state since Jared Sullinger back in 2010.

But it’s not just committed players that will be in attendance. Several highly sought-after recruits will also grace Ohio State’s campus. Among them are:

• Demarcus Henry (2027): A 6’6″ small forward from Compass Prep in Arizona, ranked No. 22 in his class and No. 9 among small forwards. He boasts family ties to Ohio State, as his older brother is committed to the football program.
• LJ Smith (2027): This combo guard from Oak Hill Academy, Virginia, stands 6’4″, weighing 180 pounds, and is ranked No. 26 in his class.
• Josh Tyson (2027): At 6’2″ and 170 pounds, Tyson is attending his second visit to Ohio State in just a month.
• Kam Mercer (2028): A notable five-star small forward currently with the Overtime Elite program, Mercer is ranked No. 5 in his class and No. 3 among small forwards according to ESPN.

With these stellar athletes in the mix, the future looks bright for Ohio State basketball. According to On3, who recently published their updated 2026 On3 150 rankings, Ohio State has solidified one of the top recruiting classes in the Big Ten for 2025 and is already securing commitments for the next cycle. Both Thompson and Johnson feature prominently in these rankings.

Commitments and Considerations

In particular, Anthony Thompson is making waves not only for his skills on the court but also for his recruitment process. He is still considering other powerhouses like Indiana and Kentucky, adding to the intrigue surrounding his potential college journey. Meanwhile, Johnson remains committed, aiming to further elevate his profile through his performances with the Indy Heat.

There’s also a buzz around a few other recruits that are on Ohio State’s radar, including Cole Cloer, Jonathan Sanderson, and Tristan Reed, all of whom are poised to make significant impacts if they join the Buckeyes. From power forwards to guards, the mix of talent is notable, reflecting a comprehensive strategy by Ohio State to trap the best players in the nation through both recruitment and development.

With this level of talent visiting and committing, Ohio State is not just a program to watch; it’s cementing itself as the go-to destination for aspiring collegiate basketball stars looking to make their mark. As they prepare to showcase their skills during the football season opener, there’s something to be said for the buzz around Columbus — it’s not just the gridiron that’s gearing up for greatness.