Ohio State men's basketball is on the cusp of something special, and it's all centered around a name you'll want to remember: Anthony Thompson. As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2026-27 season, fans are buzzing about a five-star prospect who brings a level of excitement not seen in Columbus in over 15 years.
Thompson, a top-10 talent in the 2026 class, is ranked No. 9 nationally by the 247 Sports Composite. He's not just a standout in Ohio—he's the state's top player and the No. 3 small forward in the country, trailing only Tyran Stokes (headed to Kansas) and Bruce Branch III (headed to BYU). Both of those programs are on Ohio State's 2026 schedule, setting the stage for some thrilling matchups.
What makes Thompson truly remarkable is his place in Buckeye history. He's the fourth-highest-ranked prospect in 247 Sports history for Ohio State, joining legendary names like Greg Oden, BJ Mullins, and Jared Sullinger. Think about that: he's ranked above stars like D'Angelo Russell, Malaki Branham, and Deshaun Thomas. That's elite company.
The 6-foot-8 lefty shooter has been turning heads since his breakout sophomore season at Lebanon High School, where he averaged 15.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, earning first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-state honors. After transferring to Western Reserve Academy for his junior year, he elevated his game even further, averaging 22 points per contest. On the Adidas 3SSB circuit in 2025, he was a force, putting up 22.8 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 59% from the field, finishing fourth in the league in scoring.
Thompson chose Ohio State over Indiana, but his recruitment was a national affair, with a top seven that included Michigan, Kentucky, Purdue, North Carolina, and Texas. According to Adam Finkelstein, Director of Scouting for 247 Sports, Thompson's game is built on versatility. "He's a skilled lefty forward and natural scorer with extreme length," Finkelstein says. "He creates matchup issues on both ends of the floor."
As the Buckeyes prepare for a new era without veteran leader Bruce Thornton, Thompson represents a bright future. For fans who love the game—and the gear that goes with it—this is a player worth watching. His journey from Lebanon to Western Reserve to Columbus is a story of growth, grit, and potential that could define Ohio State basketball for years to come.