2027 Top-25 recruit LJ Smith commits to Ohio State

LJ Smith, an elite four-star shooting guard in the 2027 class, has made an early commitment to Ohio State, he told Rivals.

Standing 6-foot-4, the Oak Hill Academy (VA) junior comes in at No. 25 nationally, per the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Smith, a Lincolnton, NC native, drew offers from North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Kansas, Virginia, LSU, Georgia, Mississippi State, Clemson and several others.

Last year as a sophomore at Lincolnton High (NC), Smith put up 33.1 points per game and set a North Carolina record with 960 points in a single season. This summer, playing up with Team Thad on Nike’s EYBL circuit, Smith averaged 14.1 points and knocked down 42.1 percent of his threes.

The high-scoring guard is Ohio State’s first pledge in the 2027 class. For now, he plans to stay in that class, though a jump to 2026 remains on the table.

Smith on his commitment to Ohio State

LJ Smith spoke with Rivals about why he chose the Buckeyes.

“I chose Ohio State because it feels like home and it’s a place where I can get better and succeed.”

What led to his trust in the coaching staff?

“I love the coaching staff. They really believe in me. They’re really great guys and that’s what really makes me trust them a lot. And the track record of players they have coached makes me look at where they could help me succeed my goals.”

In his own words, what type of player is Ohio State getting in LJ Smith?

“I would say I can shoot the ball really well and can create for myself and my teammates.”

He has a message for Buckeyes fans.

“To the fans, I hope y’all ready. Big things coming soon.”

Ohio State keeps its recruiting momentum rolling with the addition of LJ Smith. Earlier this week, the Buckeyes landed their highest-rated signee in nearly 15 years with five-star SF Anthony Thompson.

More on Smith

Rivals National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw has evaluated Smith on multiple occasions. Here’s what he had to say about the new Buckeye commit after watching him in August at the Phenom Hoops Summer Finale:

LJ Smith has a confident game. He has a smooth shooting stroke with good balance and a consistent release. Much of his offensive game is based on his shooting. I would like for him to put more pressure on the rim, but he has good size at 6-foot-4, and he can create offense in the half-court.

Jamie Shaw also evaluated him in June at the NBPA Top-100 Camp and wrote this:

LJ Smith showed his shooting touch on day two. A noted scorer, he played predominantly off ball and capitalized on the opportunities presented. He has a good frame and a smooth shooting touch. 

Smith played a compact game this week that led to production. He averaged 11.0 points and shot 37.5 percent from three. Continuing to develop his on ball reads will take his game to the next level, but Smith continues to prove to be an offensive weapon.