The Ohio State men’s basketball program is making a statement on the international recruiting trail once again. On Friday, the Buckeyes landed a commitment from 7-foot-1 Serbian center Vuk Lazarevic for the 2026 class, adding significant size and a European flair to their future frontcourt.

Lazarevic, who turns 19 in November, brings a unique blend of height and skill. He spent his senior season at Wasatch Academy in Utah—the same school that produced current Buckeye guard John Mobley Jr. and former standout Roddy Gayle Jr. During his time at Wasatch, Lazarevic averaged 8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 67% from the field and 75% from the free-throw line. His efficiency was on full display in a February 6 matchup against Long Island Lutheran High School, where he poured in a team-high 16 points on a perfect 7-for-7 shooting to lead his team to a 64-52 victory.

Before his move to the United States, Lazarevic honed his skills overseas with KK Crvena Zvezda 19U in the Adriatic Basketball League, where he averaged six points per game on 75% shooting in limited minutes. That international experience, combined with his time at Wasatch, has prepared him well for the next level.

Lazarevic becomes the third member of Ohio State’s 2026 recruiting class, joining three-star forward Alex Smith and five-star forward and McDonald’s All-American Anthony Thompson. He also adds to what is shaping up to be a towering roster for the 2026-27 season. With Lazarevic in the fold, the Buckeyes will have four players standing 6-foot-10 or taller, including Ivan Njegovan (7-foot-2), Andrija Jelavic (6-foot-11), and Josh Ojianwuna (6-foot-10).

The competition for minutes at center will be fierce, with Lazarevic battling fellow Europeans Njegovan and Jelavic for playing time. But for a team that values versatility and international talent, this commitment signals that Ohio State is building for the future—one towering recruit at a time.