Anthony Thompson becomes the highest-ranked recruit in the Jake Diebler era, and the fourth-ranked recruit in Ohio State Basketball History

Anthony Thompson, the 8th-ranked player in the country and the first five-star to commit to Ohio State since D’Angelo Russell back in 2014. Jake Diebler made it his mission to keep Thompson home as he had to battle against the likes of Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan to keep the generational talent in the Buckeye state. 

Breaking: Five-star senior Anthony Thompson tells ESPN that he has committed to Ohio State.

“The staff made me a priority. I know I can rely on coach Jake Diebler to help me grow and reach the next level,” Thompson said.

High-level 6-8 shotmaker, ranked No. 13 in SC Next 100. pic.twitter.com/deiD5dR2zU

— Paul Biancardi (@PaulBiancardi) October 21, 2025

Thompson made his name known over the summer in the 3SSB league he played in as he averaged 22 points per game on 53% shooting, 39% from three, and 88% from the free-throw line. The Buckeyes have not seen a stateline like that be possible of putting up in a long time, with the last great forward athlete being Brice Sensabaugh, who left to be a first-round pick to the Utah Jazz his freshman season. 

The 6’8 forward is also only 17 years old and does not turn 18 until August, so he will be 17 when he steps on campus next fall for the Buckeyes, which means we do not know how much more he will grow into his own body because he has not stopped growing and developing yet. 

What does Anthony Thompsons commitment mean for the future? 

Jake Diebler was able to secure his first huge recruit in Thompson to go along with Marcus Johnson and Alex Smith, both of whom have been committed to the Buckeyes for quite some time now. The Western Reserve Forward is a shoe-in starter for next season and gives fans something to look forward to after this upcoming season. 

Getting Thompson means you put another athletic playmaker beside John Mobley and Devin Royal if they both choose to return after this season, as well as welcoming Marcus Johnson, who will also be a key playmaker beside Mobley. This gives you a big 4 who can definitely make a run in the Big Ten if the chemistry is found. 

Anthony Thompson is a big-time offensive talent. He’s one of the top shooters in 2026 with that lethal left-handed jumper & a really strong finisher + his length makes him impactful on both ends of the floor

Major upside here & a huge get for Diebler 🌰 pic.twitter.com/1WbUB3L0Yi

— Jacob Rhymer (@Rhymetime05) October 21, 2025

This pickup also seems to give Jake Diebler an extra two-year cushion; if he were to have another failed season like years past, possibly losing a huge recruit would not be a risk Ross Bjork would want to test by firing Diebler. Being able to land a top ten recruit over schools like Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky is a major win when it comes to convincing the fanbase to trust you as a coach and see the vision he is trying to build for the future of the Buckeyes team.

With Bruce Thornton graduating after this season, adding Thompson fills the void of that tough downhill finisher that Thornton is for the team right now. This move also leaves the door open to possibly other players being intrigued in possibly playing with this generational talent, and it has to be something that the staff takes advantage of come the transfer portal time.