Top-10 junior L.J. Smith made his decision on Thursday, choosing Ohio State and becoming the highest-ranked 2027 recruit to commit so far. He’s also the first five-star in his class to lock things in this early.

Smith is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Lincolnton, North Carolina, now hooping at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia after an August transfer. He’s ranked No. 10 in the SC Next 60 for 2027. His commitment gives Jake Diebler five-star signings in back-to-back classes, something Ohio State hasn’t pulled off since D’Angelo Russell committed in 2014.

With Smith joining the Buckeyes, he becomes their highest-rated addition since Jared Sullinger arrived as the No. 2 recruit in 2010. Smith picked Ohio State over several powerhouse programs, saying he’s built a strong connection with head coa

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