Exciting news for Ohio State basketball fans! Five-star small forward Anthony Thompson has committed to the Buckeyes. With an impressive .9974 rating from 247Sports composite, he is now one of the highest-ranked recruits since 2000. Only Greg Oden, B.J. Mullens, and Jared Sullinger had higher ratings.
Hailing from Lebanon, Ohio, and currently a senior at Western Reserve Academy, Thompson ranks as the No. 2 small forward and No. 8 overall player for the 2026 class. He’s the top recruit from Ohio, following Devin Royal, who was the highest prospect in 2023.
Thompson stands at 6’8” and weighs 205 pounds. His left-handed shooting is a standout feature, allowing him to score efficiently from all areas on the court. According to Adam Finkelstein, 247Sports’ scouting director, Thompson possesses a unique shooting style that is hard to block. This reminds some fans of Deshaun Thomas, a former Ohio State star who reached the 2012 Final Four.
What sets Thompson apart is his impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan. This gives him versatility to guard both perimeter and inside scorers. Although he’s not quite as heavy as Thomas was in high school, Thompson is still young for his class, turning 18 in August 2026. This leaves him plenty of potential to build muscle and improve his game.
This past summer, Thompson showcased his talent on the Adidas 3Stripes Select circuit, averaging 22 points per game with a shooting percentage of 53%. He also contributed defensively, with averages of 1.9 blocks and 1.6 steals each game.
The excitement around Thompson’s recruitment reflects a broader trend in college basketball. More top recruits are staying closer to home, making decisions that resonate with local fanbases. In a recent survey by NCAA, 62% of high school athletes reported considering factors like location and family support when choosing a college. This local commitment adds community pride and expectations for success in programs like Ohio State’s.
As Thompson prepares to join Ohio State, his journey will be closely watched. Fans are eager to see if he can follow in the footsteps of past greats and help elevate the Buckeyes in upcoming seasons.
