A big day for Ohio State’s basketball program on Thursday, Jake Diebler and the Buckeyes picked up their first commitment in the 2027 class by way of four-star Deng Ngor. Taking to his social media to share the good news, Ohio State beats out the likes of Duke and Florida for a player they prioritized and desperately wanted in this class.
A 6-foot-8, 200 pound power forward, Ngor is the No. 95 player nationally and the 18th best at his position per the 247Sports Composite. Well over 20 offers to his name,
seeing Ohio State win out for the Canadian is a major boost for this coaching staff who has made the cut for several top prospects, but needed to see the end result.
Offering Deng back in May, Ohio State was able to host him for an official visit in early September, and clearly the visit went well enough that he is now calling Columbus his future home for his college career. The caliber of player that will attract other top talents, the Buckeyes couldn’t be more thrilled to add him to the fold and now it’s on to the next one for Diebler and crew.
The Buckeyes could soon have their running back in the 2027 class
Without completely beating a dead horse, it’s known Ohio State’s original recruiting plans for running back in the 2027 class didn’t go their way.
Having said that, this program doesn’t sulk and give up, but gets back to the drawing board looking for who can take that spot. Late in the cycle it’s hard, but in-state prospect Jordan Hall quickly surfaced thanks to a strong start to his senior campaign and momentum is building.
The Cincinnati Princeton product was originally committed to Miami Ohio, but multiple schools including Ohio State took a closer look starting with the first game of his season and the bigger offers began to come in. Re-opening his recruitment just two weeks ago, Hall was on site for Ohio State’s home opener and now looks to be returning this weekend for an official visit.
Predictions coming in on Thursday for him to pick the Buckeyes when all is said and done, that verbal commitment could likely come this weekend and now it wouldn’t be as much of a surprise. The No. 847 player nationally and the 60th best running back in the class per the 247Sports Composite, the three-star may not be the highest ranking fans are used to, but this staff believes he has what it takes.
Simply put, as soon as tomorrow the Buckeyes could have their running back of the current cycle committed.
Quick Hits
One tight end already committed in the 2028 class thanks to Luke Sohyda, the Buckeyes look to have a second at the position picked out as the top remaining priority. Fellow 2028 athlete Theo Schott the target, Keenan Bailey is going after the Indiana native and looks to be in solid position thus far.
A 6-foot-4, 210 pound tight end, Schott is the No. 248 player nationally and 11th best at his position per the 247Sports Composite grades. With 30-plus offers to his name, Ohio State will have their work cut out for them, but making it known he’s their remaining top priority at the spot should help.
