ESPN Five-Star Guard LJ Smith Commits to Ohio State for 2027

Overview

• Smith becomes the Buckeyes’ first pledge in the 2027 class, extending a recruiting surge that recently included five-star 2026 forward Anthony Thompson.
• Recruiting services diverge on his status, with ESPN/SC Next ranking him a top-10 five-star while 247Sports and Rivals place him in roughly the 25–35 range.
• The 6-foot-4 junior transferred to Oak Hill Academy after averaging 33.1 points and setting a North Carolina single-season record with 960 points at Lincolnton High.
• Playing up on Nike’s EYBL with Team Thad, Smith averaged around 14 points and shot 41.9% from three, showcasing one of the class’s top long-range strokes.
• He was offered by Ohio State on the first contact day for 2027s, visited in August, noted family ties in Cincinnati, and says he intends to stay in 2027 though a 2026 reclass remains possible.