Five-star recruit L.J. Smith reclassifies to Ohio State for 2026 class
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 2:12 AM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
L.J. Smith, a five-star basketball prospect, has reclassified from the 2027 to the 2026 recruiting class and will join Ohio State for the 2026-27 season. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 180 pounds, Smith committed to Ohio State in November while playing at Mouth of Wilson (Virginia) Oak Hill Academy. Previously, he had offers from several prominent programs, including Kansas and North Carolina. Smith averaged 33.1 points during his sophomore season and expressed his excitement for joining the Buckeyes, highlighting his connection to the school's coaching staff. His addition marks the sixth player in a growing 2026 recruiting class for Ohio State.
- •L.J. Smith reclassifies to join Ohio State a year early.
- •He was a verbal commitment to the 2027 recruiting class.
- •Smith averaged 33.1 points per game as a sophomore.
- •Ohio State will have 14 players for the 2026-27 season.
- •Smith joins fellow five-star Anthony Thompson as a teammate.
- 10:31 AMYahoo Sports — Bucketheads Podcast: Five-star combo guard LJ Smith reclassifies to 2026 class
- 2:12 AMYahoo Sports — Five-star recruit will reclassify and join Ohio State in 2026
- 10:37 PMESPN NCAAM — 5-star Ohio St. commit Smith reclassifies to '26
- 4:04 PMYahoo Sports — Five-star Ohio State commit L.J. Smith reclassifying to 2026 class
"Five-star prospect L.J. Smith announced Monday he plans to reclassify into the 2026 class and join the Buckeyes for the upcoming season.
"Ohio State will get combo guard L.J. Smith earlier than expected as he will reclassify and join the Buckeyes this fall.
"Ohio State commit L.J. Smith is joining the Buckeyes for the 2026-27 season after reclassifying.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 10:31 AMBucketheads Podcast: Five-star combo guard LJ Smith reclassifies to 2026 class
Smith will join the team for the 2026 season and Ohio State will host Vanderbilt
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 2:12 AMFive-star recruit will reclassify and join Ohio State in 2026
Ohio State will get combo guard L.J. Smith earlier than expected as he will reclassify and join the Buckeyes this fall.
- ESPN NCAAMJun 15, 2026, 10:37 PM5-star Ohio St. commit Smith reclassifies to '26
Five-star prospect L.J. Smith announced Monday he plans to reclassify into the 2026 class and join the Buckeyes for the upcoming season.
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 4:04 PMFive-star Ohio State commit L.J. Smith reclassifying to 2026 class
Ohio State commit L.J. Smith is joining the Buckeyes for the 2026-27 season after reclassifying.
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