LJ Smith, the No. 28 overall recruit in the 2027 class, has committed to The Ohio State Buckeyes, he told 247Sports.
The 6-foot-4 combo guard out of Mouth of Wilson (Va.) Oak Hill Academy picked Ohio State over offers that included Indiana, Kansas, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas.
"I chose Ohio State because it really feels like home to me and it's a place where I can succeed and reach my goals," Smith said.
Smith is a native of Lincolnton (N.C.) and moved to Oak Hill Academy for his junior season. He plays for Team Thad on the Nike EYBL Circuit in the spring and summer.
The four-star guard is a talented and instinctive scorer who tallied 13.8 points and 3.6 rebounds a game playing up on the U17 Circuit on the prestigious EYBL Circuit.
Ohio State assistant Joel Justus, who previously coached at NC State and Davidson Day in North Carolina, took early notice of Smith, given his North Carolina roots. Then, Ohio State and head coach Jake Diebler made Smith an early priority. It has quickly paid off.
"What stood out to me about the staff is how much they believe in me and the constant effort and communication really meant a lot to me," Smith explained. "Also, the coaching staff is really great, some really great guys. Their track record of players they have coached really made me look at where they can help me reach my goals and succeed."
It's not uncommon for Ohio State to go out and land some early talent in the high school ranks. Smith is a strong first addition for the Buckeyes in the 2027 class.
While Smith is currently committed to come in head of the 2027-28 season, there has been some talk that he could reclassify and join the 2026 class. However, Smith told 247Sports that his plan is to remain in the class of 2027.
Smith will provide an offensive punch with upside for the Buckeyes to tap into in the years ahead. "I will bring good energy, a positive mindset and hard work to the program," Smith concluded.
Smith is the seventh player in the Top 150 in the class of 2027 to make an early commitment.