The Buckeyes are loading up for the future, and the final 247Sports.com recruiting rankings for the 2026 class confirm that Ohio State has landed a true star. Five-star forward Anthony Thompson headlines the class, finishing as the highest-rated Big Ten signee in the nation.

Standing 6-foot-8 and 205 pounds, Thompson is the No. 7 overall prospect in his class, the top player from Ohio, and the No. 3 small forward nationally. His five-star status marks the highest-rated Buckeyes signee since Jared Sullinger claimed the No. 3 spot in the 2010 class, according to the 247Sports composite. A Lebanon, Ohio native, Thompson spent his final two prep seasons at Hudson Western Reserve Academy and is already turning heads—he's the first McDonald's All-American to commit to Ohio State since D'Angelo Russell in 2014. He'll also represent Team USA at an U18 camp in late May.

Thompson is the centerpiece of a three-man freshman class that also includes forward Alex Smith, a 6-9, 195-pound four-star prospect from Upper Arlington. Smith, who finished his senior year at Prolific Prep in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks No. 153 overall, No. 25 among small forwards, and No. 26 in the talent-rich Florida class. Both Smith and Thompson signed during the early period.

The Buckeyes later added 7-1 center Vuk Lazarevic in early May. The unranked big man comes from Wasatch Academy in Utah, bringing length and potential to the frontcourt.

Overall, Ohio State's 2026 class checks in at No. 40 nationally and 10th in the Big Ten. For context, former Buckeyes commit Marcus Johnson—a guard from Garfield Heights, Ohio—signed with South Carolina and ranks No. 56 nationally, No. 3 in Ohio, and No. 6 among point guards.

With four transfer portal additions joining these three freshmen, Ohio State is building a roster that blends star power with depth. For Buckeyes fans, Thompson's arrival signals a bright future—and a reminder that elite talent is once again calling Columbus home.