GAMECHANGER: LJ Smith Joins Ohio State Early, BOOSTS Buckeyes Into Big Ten Contender Status

Locked On College Basketball · Jun 17, 2026 · 28m

Ohio State Buckeyes get a major offseason boost as five-star combo guard L.J. Smith reclassifies and joins Jake Diebler’s squad early. How does Smith’s arrival—alongside top returner John Mobley and Cal transfer Justin Pippen—reshape Ohio State’s Big Ten outlook and national ranking potential?

Isaac Schade spotlights the newly electrified Buckeyes backcourt, examines key additions like Anthony Thompson and Andrej Jelavic, and evaluates their chances to break into the Top 25. The episode also celebrates college basketball’s resurgence in the NBA Draft, with nearly the entire first round…