The Ohio State basketball program has struggled to land high-level recruits since Thad Matta was fired. For about a decade, Matta was consistently landing four and five-star recruits. That allowed the Buckeyes to play for a national championship in 2007 and in two Final Fours.
Since then, truly elite recruits have been elusive for the Buckeyes. Jake Diebler understands how the Ohio State Buckeyes used to recruit. He is doing his best to get his program back to the glory days. He was able to land five-star recruit Anthony Thompson for the 2026 recruiting class.
Thompson is the first five-star recruit Ohio State has landed since D'Angelo Russell. Now, Thompson has also become the first Buckeye player since Russell to land a coveted high school award. Thompson was named a McDonald's All-American.
Ohio State basketball player Anthony Thompson named a McDonald's All-American
Thompson is a 6'8 forward from Hudson, Ohio. He is going to be an immediate impact player for the Buckeyes next season. He is someone who can shoot inside and out and play solid defense on the perimeter. There's a great chance he comes in and becomes Ohio State's best player right away.
Signing Thompson might be the only thing that keeps Deibler's job safe if the Buckeyes can't make the NCAA Tournament again this season. This would be the fourth straight year without playing in March Madness, if that's what happens. The Buckeyes have some opportunities for quality wins before that happens.
Thompson is someone Ohio State is hoping can help them get back to being a Big Ten power. He will have a heavy load to carry next season with Bruce Thornton playing his last year of collegiate ball this year. Thompson will have to be the primary scorer with Thornton gone.
If you want to watch Thompson in action during the McDonald's All-American game, that will take place on March 31st on ESPN at 9 pm ET.