Skip to main content

Ohio State adds four-star infielder Ella Smith to 2027 class

Screenshot 2024-07-31 at 7.46.34 PMby: Brady Vernon8 hours agoBradyVernon
Screenshot 2025-09-09 at 8.12.28 PM
Ella Smith at an Ohio State softball camp

Kirin Kumar has landed her biggest recruit as Ohio State head coach. Ella Smith, Softball America’s 113th-ranked prospect in the 2027 class, announced her commitment to the Buckeyes on Tuesday.

“Ohio State was an easy choice for me,” Smith said. “The coaching staff instantly made me feel at home. They are building a culture that I had to be a part of.”

Smith plays for Liberty High School in O’Fallon, Missouri, where she ranks as the fourth-highest recruit from Missouri and the 28th-ranked middle infielder. The four-star infielder can also play third base at a high level, meaning you’ll likley see her on the left side of the infield in Columbus.

Smith has made a name for herself with the talented Top Gun travel organization, which has plenty of star recruits in the 2027 class.

“Ella is one of the most athletic middle infielders in the country,” said Bob Turner, Top Gun National Program Director. “She can make all the throws, makes difficult plays look routine, and can swing it gap to gap for average. Tremendously talented, but also a hard worker at her craft, the Buckeyes landed a difference maker in the Class of 2027. We couldn’t be more excited to have her playing for the great coaching staff at Ohio State.”

Smith is known to lead by example with energy at the plate and verbal command in the infield. She has a powerful stick, which makes her an easy fit under Kumar and the slugging Buckeyes.

Ohio State also picked up a pledge from in-state catcher Jayden ‘JJ’ Davis. Davis, who comes from the Beverly Bandits system, is a lanky catcher – who also plays volleyball – with a powerful swing from the right side. Clearly, Kumar is attracting top-end power hitters after the Buckeyes showed their strength during the 2025 slate.

More from Softball America:

2027 Recruiting Rankings
2027 Discussion Board
2025 Transfer Class Rankings

You may also like