EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWhen we last updated the recruiting class rankings in December, we made sure to note that the cycle was far from finished, despite a bevy of commitments coming out of the early signing period. And while there are still some five-star recruitments to sort out, the 2026 SC Next 100's class rankings are truly beginning to take shape.For a third straight season, Duke is now poised to land the nation's top-ranked recruiting class. The Blue Devils were knocking on the door when No. 2 overall recruit Cameron Williams committed in mid-November, but the addition of five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr. put them over the top. Jon Scheyer has now secured a trio of top-25 recruits.Once Duke's biggest rival on the recruiting trail, John Calipari is again inside the top three nationally in the class rankings. Arkansas finished No. 3 in 2025, and is currently one spot higher after beating out Duke for Jordan Smith, the best guard in the class. Smith is the Razorbacks' third top-25 commitment of the cycle.The other big riser of this edition -- from unranked into the top 10 -- is North Carolina, which landed top-10 guard Dylan Mingo. He will be an immediate-impact guard for Hubert Davis when he arrives on campus next fall.Alabama, Wake Forest and Indiana are the other new additions to the rankings, while LSU, Gonzaga, Tennessee and Texas A&M dropped out following player rankings updates.There's still plenty of room for movement, however, with five-stars Tyran Stokes (No. 1), Caleb Holt (No. 4), Christian Collins (No. 5), Bruce Branch III (No. 6), Jaxon Richardson (No. 17) and Brandon McCoy (No. 18) yet to commit. The final player rankings update will release in April.Note: Class rankings are determined by a mathematical formula weighting different factors related to the quality and quantity of players in the class.See more:5-star commit fits |2026 player rankings1. Duke Blue DevilsNo. 3 PF Cameron WilliamsNo. 13 PG Deron Rippey Jr.No. 23 SF Bryson HowardFour-star C Maxime MeyerWilliams single-handedly boosted the class into the top three nationally when he committed, choosing Duke over Arizona and Texas. He has some of the best long-term potential in the class and should make an immediate impact at both ends of the floor.What vaulted the Blue Devils to the top spot, however, was the addition of five-star point guard Rippey. He's an explosive player with the ball in his hands, capable of getting to the rim at will, and he can also key a team's defense with his on-ball aggressiveness.Howard was a key get for Scheyer as well, picking Duke over North Carolina and Kentucky. He was one of the biggest risers in the country during the spring and summer, bringing outstanding perimeter shooting.Meyer is more of a project, but he'll be a multiyear college player and will have time to develop in Durham.Biancardi's most important recruit: WilliamsDuke will have high-level rim protection next season along with 3-point ability from the 6-11 five-star. The mobile big man has as made a steady climb to the top of the rankings. He will acquire more strength, a better base and lower leverage once he steps on campus. His upside and tools make him a future draft lottery pick.2. Arkansas RazorbacksNo. 2 SG Jordan SmithNo. 12 SF JaShawn AndrewsNo. 22 SF Abdou ToureA ranked Calipari recruiting class shouldn't surprise anyone. He finished with the No. 3 class in 2025, his first full cycle at Arkansas, after consistently competing near the top at Kentucky and Memphis.Beating out Duke for Smith's commitment in February was the headline for the Razorbacks this cycle. Smith is the best guard in the 2026 class, and he can play either backcourt position. He's a winner and has proven that on the AAU, high school and international circuits.Calipari was also able to keep the best prospect in the state of Arkansas home, closing strong to beat out Missouri and LSU for Andrews. He has tremendous physical tools and showed improvement on his perimeter shot over the spring and summer.The Razorbacks also edged out Providence for Toure, a Connecticut native who is a terrific athlete and finisher, and difficult to stop when he gets going to the rim.Biancardi's most important recruit: SmithSmith is both physically and emotionally ready to take on the challenges of the SEC. He brings elite on-ball defense and transition ability, along with a scoring and playmaking rsum. He combines elements of Marcus Smart, Victor Oladipo and Eric Bledsoe in his game.3. Michigan State SpartansNo. 25 SG Jasiah JervisNo. 40 C Ethan TaylorNo. 47 PG Carlos Medlock Jr.No. 88 PF Julius AventAfter not landing a top-25 recruiting class in the last cycle, Tom Izzo bounced back in a strong way -- and the Spartans are poised for a top-5 2026 group. Jervis established himself early as a priority for the Spartans. The New York native is a terrific offensive player who had a strong summer and will bring an attack-minded skill set to East Lansing.Taylor runs the floor well and should be a plus-player defensively right off the bat.Medlock is an in-state product who now plays at Link Academy (Missouri) and is the son of former Eastern Michigan star guard Carlos Medlock. He's under 6-foot but is adept at beating defenders off the bounce and getting into playmaking positions.Avent is another Northeast recruit and should fit the Michigan State archetype in the frontcourt -- he's long and doesn't shy away from contact.Biancardi's most important recruit: JervisHe scores the ball with from anywhere with efficiency. He is not afraid of defense and will guard on the perimeter, work to get over screens and rebound down. He is one of the best two-way scoring guards in the class and brings to mind former Spartan turned Milwaukee Buck Gary Harris.4. Missouri TigersNo. 7 PG Jason CroweNo. 14 PF Toni BryantNo. 93 SF Aiden ChronisterAfter leading Missouri to one of the most impressive turnarounds in the country last season, Gates carried that momentum onto the recruiting trail. The Tigers hadn't landed a five-star prospect since the 2017 class; they have two in this one.Crowe led the Nike EYBL in scoring this past summer and is arguably the most explosive offensive player in the class. He's a left-handed guard who gets by his defender at will. He'll be joined in Columbia by fellow five-star Bryant, who was a priority early in the cycle for Gates -- he is tremendously athletic and excels in transition. Finally, Chronister is a prolific 3-point shooter who should get open looks courtesy of Crowe's drive-and-kick ability.Biancardi's most important recruit: CroweHe is not only the Tigers' most important recruit of this class, he is the second-highest ranked recruit ever to commit to Missouri, following No. 2 Michael Porter Jr. in 2017. Crowe brings immediate scoring prowess that is needed in tight SEC games. The bigger the stage, the bigger he plays.5. Kansas JayhawksNo. 19 PG Taylen KinneyNo. 62 PF Davion AdkinsNo. 86 SF Trent PerryFour-star SG Luke BarnettOne year after landing potential No. 1 NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson, Bill Self is building his 2026 class around an immediate-impact, elite point guard. Kinney has the size and playmaking ability to cause matchup problems against smaller backcourts, is a terrific scorer with a variety of finishing moves and is developing as a playmaker.Self secured a string of pledges in the wake of Kinney's commitment, starting with Perry three days later, then Adkins a week after that. The Jayhawks also landed a top-50 recruit for the class of 2027, Javon Bardwell, in-between Perry and Adkins. The latter's physical tools portend an incredibly high ceiling. The former, meanwhile, is long and should give help at both ends of the floor.Biancardi's most important recruit: KinneyHe will provide stability and high-end scoring as the lead guard following Peterson's expected departure for the NBA. Kinney plays the most important position on the floor with confidence and skill. He is the catalyst of this class.6. Michigan WolverinesNo. 28 C Quinn CostelloNo. 45 PF Lincoln CosbyNo. 92 SG Joseph HartmanThree-star SF Malachi BrownInternational C Marcus MollerGiven the way Dusty May has operated with multiple bigs in his lineups the past couple seasons, it's no surprise the Wolverines' 2026 class has plenty of size.Costello was one of the bigger breakouts last spring as a stretch big who can make shots from the perimeter, while 7-3 Danish center Moller has generated some buzz. Cosby reclassified from the 2027 class and likely won't make a huge impact given a recent ACL injury -- but he was a top-10 recruit as a junior, prior to the move up, and has a great deal of potential.Hartman, meanwhile, can really shoot from 3.Biancardi's most important recruit: CostelloAn excellent outside shooting big man with advanced footwork to match his shot, Costello's value is endless on the offensive end who instantly opens driving lines and plays with grit.7. North Carolina Tar HeelsNo. 9 PG Dylan MingoNo. 21 PF Maximo AdamsHubert Davis secured a top-15 recruit for the fourth straight recruiting class when Mingo picked the Tar Heels over Baylor, Penn State and Washington on ESPN's "First Take" in mid-February. He's a high-ceiling backcourt player with length, size and high-level playmaking ability. He was also the MVP of the NBA Top 100 Camp last summer.Adams' recruitment was something of a blue-blood battle, with Carolina edging out Michigan State, Kentucky and Texas. He was one of the biggest breakout starts of last spring and summer's grassroots season, putting up huge statistical performances.Biancardi's most important recruit: MingoSet to replace Seth Trimble next year, Mingo is excellent at navigating ball screens and pushing the pace in transition. He can create a bucket for himself with a low and tight handle combined with great finishing ability. A big guard with a 6-10 wingspan, Mingo should immediately have the ball in his hands and be a difference maker for North Carolina.8. Purdue BoilermakersNo. 46 PG Luke ErtelNo. 84 C Sinan HuanNo. 99 SF Jacob WebberThree-star C Rivers KnightWith one of the oldest teams in Division I and a starting lineup featuring four seniors this season -- as well as a propensity to build via the high school ranks instead of the transfer portal -- Matt Painter knew he had to get plenty of reinforcements on the recruiting trail in this class. The highest-ranked prospect in the Boilermakers' group, Ertel, has also been committed the longest, picking Purdue back in August 2024. He's tough, he can create for others and he's a very good 3-point shooter.Seven-footer Huan was the commitment that vaulted Purdue into the top 25; he's a left-handed big man with shot-blocking ability and developing face-up touch on the offensive end.Webber will make an impact in West Lafayette with his shooting -- he's one of the elite perimeter shotmakers in the class.Biancardi's most important recruit: ErtelErtel brings the ball-handling, toughness, IQ and court awareness of Braden Smith -- whom he will replace in the fall. He brings immediate shooting and passing ability. Defensively, he will pressure the ball and help his teammates.9. Maryland TerrapinsNo. 8 PF Babatunde OladotunNo. 56 SG Kaden HouseFour-star PF Austin BrownFour-star PF Adama TambedouThe Terps jumped into the rankings when House committed on Halloween and then skyrocketed into the top 10 thanks to Oladotun's commitment toward the end of the signing period. Oladotun was a statement recruit for Buzz Williams, who beat out Arkansas and Georgetown for him. He's an effective shotmaker at 6-10 and can guard multiple positions.The son of former NBA veteran Eddie House, Kaden House is a big-time scorer who loves to get into the teeth of the defense and finish in traffic. Williams will love House's intensity on the defensive end of the floor, too.Tambedou is a physical force on the interior who dominates the offensive glass and finishes with power.Biancardi's most import recruit: OladotunHe gives Maryland a major upgrade of talent and sends a statement that the Terrapins staff are serious about keeping the best local talent at home. Williams has a proven track record in player development and winning.10. Wake Forest Demon DeaconsNo. 30 SG Quentin ColemanNo. 83 PF Gallagher PlacideNo. 90 PF Gavin PlacideColeman's rise from unranked into the top-30 with a tremendous high school senior season now has Steve Forbes' incoming class in the top-10 nationally. He began his rise with a standout summer, showing off his shooting prowess and blossoming playmaking ability.The Demon Deacons also have the Placide twins on the roster. Gallagher is the better shooter of the two and spends more time on the perimeter, while Gavin is more aggressive on the offensive end and is relentless on the glass for second chances.Biancardi's most important recruit: ColemanColeman has exploded this season. He has produced at big events and against ranked opponents. His shooting range and touch are undeniable, as are his instincts on and off the ball. As his frame fills out, Wake Forest will have a starter and potential impact player.11. Texas LonghornsNo. 16 SG Austin GoosbyNo. 42 SF Bo OgdenNo. 100 SG Joe SterlingThree-star C Coleman ElkinsSean Miller didn't land any high school recruits in his first spring at the helm in Austin, but he transformed his future perimeter group with his 2026 group. Five-star guard Austin Goosby is the biggest name for next season, picking Texas over BYU. He was the top player in the state of Texas, and has shown two-way potential given his ability to play either guard spot and disrupt the game defensively.Ogden was a terrific first pickup in September. He was one of the best scorers on the Adidas 3SSB circuit and is a truly elite perimeter shooter, making nearly 53% of his 3-point attempts last spring and summer.Sterling is another excellent shooter, making better than 44% of his 3s on the Puma circuit last summer.Biancardi's most important recruit: GoosbyMiller and staff made up ground to secure his commitment. Goosby scores and playmakes as a combination guard with terrific positional size. On defense, he displays a knack to block shots with his wingspan. Under Miller's tutelage, he has a chance to get to the next level.12. Vanderbilt CommodoresNo. 77 PG Anthony Brown Jr.No. 94 SF Ethan MgbakoNo. 96 C Jackson SheffieldSG Mavrick HawkinsPG Baylor AllenSG Chase ByingtonThe Commodores hadn't landed a single recruit ranked in the SC Next 100 since the 2018 class, when they had three top-100 prospects. Fast-forward seven years, and coach Mark Byington and Vandy sit as one of just six programs with three top-100 recruits already in the fold.Brown is the highest ranked of the group. The point guard had a terrific summer on the Nike EYBL circuit and is a high-usage scorer and distributor with plenty of playmaking chops.Mgbako is the younger brother of former five-star prospect and current Texas A&M forward Mackenzie Mgbako, and is beginning to expand his offensive game on a similar trajectory.Sheffield does most of his work around the rim and is physically ready for the college game.Biancardi's most important recruit: BrownByington will need Brown to score against high-level defenses in SEC play. He already demonstrates the toughness required to succeed in the high-powered conference.13. USC TrojansNo. 15 C Adonis RatliffNo. 29 C Darius RatliffComing out of the early signing period, USC was one of the easiest classes to peg as a group poised to rise over the winter -- mostly because of the Ratliffs emerging as arguably the biggest stockrisers in the 2026 class in the fall, after battling injuries last summer.Adonis moved up nearly 80 spots in the SC Next 100, raising eyebrows after the 7-footer made nine 3s in a game in the fall. He's also a switchable defender who can block shots.Darius is the more physically ready of the twins, capable of making an impact defensively as a rim protector and on the glass.Biancardi's most important recruit: The Ratliff twinsNo one has seemed to separate them yet, so why try now? Both are now coming into their own and both have NBA draft potential. A strong senior season of intense, injury-free basketball will show what they are capable of next season at USC.14. Houston CougarsNo. 20 C Arafan DianeNo. 38 PG Ikenna AlozieHouston didn't have a single commitment entering the second week of the early signing period, but now has two top-35 recruits. And both fit Kelvin Sampson's system perfectly.Diane is arguably the best high school center -- and inarguably the most physically dominant center -- in the country. The 7-footer controls the paint and the backboards but is more skilled as a passer than you might think.Alozie has been on high-major radars since early in his high school career, and he's physically ready for the college game. He possesses tremendous athleticism and speed with the ball in his hands and is nearly impossible to keep out of the lane when he's able to get downhill. He's also an active defender, especially on the ball. Sampson will love his defensive motor.Biancardi's most important recruit: DianeDiane brings enormous size, girth and great hands with inside touch. Still new to the game and originally from Guinea, once he seals his defender in the paint he is hard to stop. Make no mistake, he will be an immediate inside presence on both ends of the court for Houston.15. Alabama Crimson TideNo. 24 SF Qayden SamuelsNo. 33 SF Tarris BouieAlabama was in our early class rankings when it had commitments from Bouie and Chris Washington Jr. But then Washington decommitted, dropping the Tide out of the rankings. With Samuels now in the fold, Nate Oats' program is back again and in the top 15. Samuels is one of the best pure scorers in the class, capable of scoring at all three levels.Bouie is at his best in the open court, but can score at all three levels and showed more consistency on his 3-point shot at the Nike Peach Jam in July. He's also likely to make an immediate impact as a defender.Biancardi's most important recruit: SamuelsSamuels brings the talent to have quick scoring outbursts from a variety of spots. He's equally effective putting points on the board in transition, driving the ball and shooting behind the arc. He fits right into Alabama's up-tempo system and could turn out to be a surprisingly effective defender.16. Oklahoma State CowboysNo. 34 PF Latrell AllmondNo. 55 SF Jalen MontonatiFour-star SG Parker RobinsonSteve Lutz leaned on the transfer portal for this season's roster, but is looking to establish a foundation in Stillwater with a 2026 group headlined by three top-100 prospects. Allmond is the top name of the group after a terrific summer on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. He can really make an impact around the rim, and is capable of playing with his back to the basket and dominating the backboards at both ends of the floor. He has also shown a developing face-up game out to the perimeter.Lutz made it a priority to keep Montonati in his home state as the top recruit in Oklahoma -- he is a shooter who moves really well without the ball. And Robinson, who plays for Overtime Elite, has been on the radar since early in his high school career and will bring a versatile offensive game.Biancardi's most important recruit: AllmondAllmond will add size, rebounding and physicality inside. His productivity level has increased with each season and there are nights when he can manufacture a double-double because of his relentlessness. His outside shot is starting to develop, too.17. Pitt PanthersNo. 37 PF Chase FosterNo. 63 SF Anthony FelesiFour-star SG Jermal JonesOctober was a massive month for Jeff Capel and the Panthers. They landed all three of their 2026 commitments in a three-week span, catapulting all the way to No. 4 in the early rankings. They have ultimately settled in as a surefire top-20 class.Jones was the first off the board. He can play either backcourt position and should make an impact at both ends of the floor with his athleticism and defensive versatility. His high school teammate, Foster, followed less than two weeks later. Foster is one of the highest-ranked commits of the Capel era, slotting in as one of the 10 best power forwards in the country. He's a high-ceiling prospect with tremendous upside due to his physical tools and developing offensive game.Rounding out the trio is Felesi, who picked the Panthers in late October. Pitt beat out several big-time schools for his pledge, and he's only getting better.Biancardi's most important recruit: FosterHe provides offense as an aggressive driver who can make an occasional 3-pointer with nice positional size to play the big wing or as a power forward. His frame is ready for ACC action -- he already makes athletic plays at and above the rim. He is a potential X factor defensively, with anticipatory skills for deflections and steals, along with shot-blocking instincts. Foster is one of Capel's highest-rated recruits at Pitt.18. Indiana HoosiersNo. 41 SF Vaughn KarvalaNo. 81 PF Trevor ManhertzFour-star SG Prince-Alexander MoodyDarian DeVries has his first top-25 recruiting class at Indiana. Karvala should be an immediate-impact addition because of his shooting ability, and the Hoosiers need him with the looming departures of Tucker DeVries and Lamar Wilkerson. He possesses a high ceiling and has room to add to his game alongside his 3-point threat.Manhertz's commitment -- and accompanying reclassification up from the 2027 class -- is what pushed Indiana group into the top 25. The lefty can really shoot from beyond the arc, and will likely make his biggest impact in Bloomington a couple years down the road.Moody can contribute at both ends of the floor and can play either backcourt position.Biancardi's most important recruit: KarvalaIndiana's offense under Darian DeVries has moved to a high-volume 3-point shooting system averaging over 10 made 3s a game. Most of Karvala's attempts come from behind the arc, and he is currently shooting 33%. Once he gains strength, he will blossom in Bloomington.19. UConn HuskiesNo. 31 SF Colben LandrewNo. 43 SG Junior CountyUConn had a top-five recruiting class in 2025, landing multiple top-25 recruits in the same class for the first time since the ESPN recruiting database launched in 2007. The Huskies might not end up far off that number when all is said and done with the 2026 class.Landrew has steadily risen up the rankings since the summer, now squarely inside the top-35 nationally. He combines toughness with a developing offensive game.County is a combo guard who can make plays as a scorer or distributor, and plays with a motor.Biancardi's most important recruit: LandrewLandrew is physically gifted. His 3-point shot is a weapon and when he drives, he attacks in straight lines with power and handles contact well. Because of his sturdy frame and shooting range, he could play and guard as a small forward or a small-ball power forward.20. West Virginia MountaineersNo. 27 PG Miles SadlerFour-star C Aliou DioumFour-star PG Kingston WhittyWest Virginia was one of the biggest movers during the signing period thanks to Sadler's commitment. Sadler chose the Mountaineers over a list that also included Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maryland, UCLA and USC. He's a terrific playmaker, capable of finishing himself or getting his teammates involved. He's difficult for defenders to stay in front of due to his speed and ability to read the game. His defense will also be an immediate asset.Coach Ross Hodge also landed a pair of four-stars in the class in Dioum and Whitty. Dioum came alive in July at the Nike Peach Jam, showing shot-blocking potential and improved efficiency around the rim.Biancardi's most important recruit: SadlerThe most important position in basketball is still the point guard. Sadler penetrates and touches the paint at will, and at times is a one-man press break. Hodge has his trusted PG on the way to Morgantown.21. Florida State SeminolesNo. 39 C Marcis PonderNo. 60 SG Martay BarnesFour-star PF Collin PaulFour-star PG Jasen LopezFour-star SG Brandon Bass Jr.Luke Loucks' first full recruiting class at Florida State is deep, with five four-star prospects. Ponder is the big name as a massive 6-11, 300-plus-pound center who fits the ethos Florida State established under Leonard Hamilton.Barnes committed to the Seminoles shortly after reclassifying from the 2027 class; Loucks' emphasis on playing with pace and shooting 3s will suit Barnes perfectly.Paul and Bass will help on the perimeter. Paul is a long wing playmaker, while the left-handed Bass is an excellent shooter from the perimeter. Finally, Lopez is a two-sport star who plays wide receiver in football.Biancardi's most important recruit: PonderIf Ponder continues to commit to his conditioning program, he could be one of the most talked about and recognized freshman in the ACC. He is physically imposing right now, and he is putting up big numbers.22. Mississippi State BulldogsNo. 67 C Tristan ReedNo. 75 SG Willie Burnett IIIFour-star SF Jalyn CollingwoodFour-star C Ladarius GivanSince Chris Jans took over in Starkville, he has guided Mississippi State to three straight NCAA tournaments -- and now he has back-to-back ranked recruiting classes. The Bulldogs finished the 2025 cycle with the No. 12 group in the country, and this one isn't far off.Burnett is a big-time offensive player who will help replace Josh Hubbard's scoring next season; he won't be afraid of stepping into a sizable role. And Reed is the younger brother of UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr., possessing similar physicality and length. His early impact will likely come on the defensive end.Four-star prospects Collingwood and Givan round out the quartet, with the Bulldogs dipping into the mid-Atlantic region for both players. Collingwood had a strong summer, while Givan committed in July 2024 to start the class.Biancardi's most important recruit: ReedHe gives Mississippi State a true center with legitimate size who can produce on both ends. At 6-9 with a 7-3 wingspan, Reed plays a power game. He is a shot blocker and rim protector on the defensive end of the floor with a post presence on the other, executing with his back to the basket by making and maintaining contact with his defender for paint points.23. Stanford CardinalNo. 68 SF Aziz OlajuwonFour-star PG Julius PriceFour-star SG Isaiah RogersFour-star SG Elias ObenyahKyle Smith landed his first SC Next 100 recruit in September when Olajuwon chose the Cardinal over Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Houston. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem, Olajuwon took a big jump over the summer, showing real development as a passer and perimeter shooter.Both Rogers and Obenyah are capable of making plays with the ball in their hands and will bring backcourt depth to Palo Alto, while Price is an excellent 3-point shooter who could prove to be a savvy addition for Smith.Biancardi's most important recruit: OlajuwonA big wing with scoring and shooting ability, he helps elevate the Cardinal roster with talent and name recognition. He produced and played very well on the Nike EYBL circuit this past summer. There is plenty of room for growth in his game and he has the potential to be the go-to guy for Stanford.24. Oregon DucksNo. 36 SF Tajh ArizaNo. 78 PF Kendre HarrisonOregon has an intriguing two-player class, with Ariza -- son of former NBA veteran Trevor Ariza -- the bigger priority. The Ducks beat out USC for his commitment after he missed the summer with an injury, but his ceiling is as high as any wing in the class. He has great passing ability for his size and possesses impressive physical tools.Harrison committed to Oregon last November for both football and basketball. He is more highly regarded on the gridiron despite his top-100 standing on the hoops side. He's a five-star football recruit and the No. 1 tight end in the 2026 class.Biancardi's most important recruit: ArizaHe brings a wealth of physical tools and skill to the court at 6-9 with a 7-plus-foot wingspan. His versatility stands out as his greatest strength -- he has demonstrated the ability to rebound on defense and push the ball in transition to either finish the play of facilitate to an open man.25. Ohio State BuckeyesNo. 11 SF Anthony ThompsonFour-star PF Alex SmithOhio State's potential ranking has fluctuated massively over the past few weeks. When Thompson committed in mid-October, it looked like the Buckeyes were poised for a top-10 class. A week later, though, top-30 prospect Marcus Johnson decommitted after being in the fold for more than 18 months. Jake Diebler still has a strong group, as Thompson is the program's highest-ranked men's basketball recruit in more than a decade.Bianacardi's most important recruit: ThompsonThe five-star forward has legitimate shot-making talent and excellent positional size to build around. With a wingspan close to 7-3, he could also be a significant factor on the defensive end. His shooting percentages have been consistently strong throughout his career.Dropped out: LSU Tigers (No. 20), Gonzaga Bulldogs (No. 22), Tennessee Volunteers (No. 23), Texas A&M Aggies (No. 25)
