Jake Diebler, Ohio State Make Statement on Recruiting Trail With Commitment of Five-Star Small Forward Anthony Thompson

Jake Diebler and Ohio State made a statement on Tuesday.

The Buckeyes beat out a slew of blue bloods to keep five-star small forward Anthony Thompson at home on the recruiting trail. Thompson, the No. 8 overall prospect in the recruiting class of 2026, brings an incredible athletic skill set to the table with shooting and ballhandling skill to go with a 7-foot-3 wingspan.

But even more than the fantastic talent Thompson brings on the court, it's a statement from Jake Diebler and the resources backing Ohio State's program that the Buckeyes can win marquee five-star recruitments going forward. That much is amplified by a disappointing end to the 2025 recruiting class, which saw four-star guard…