Eric Boggs
Ohio State men’s basketball has reached a meaningful recruiting milestone, as signee Anthony Thompson was named a McDonald’s All-American, marking the program’s first selection in the prestigious game in 12 years. Thompson, who signed with the Buckeyes in November, becomes the first Ohio State player chosen for the boys’ game since D’Angelo Russell earned the honor in 2014, placing him in rare company among modern Buckeye greats.
A 6-foot-8, 205-pound forward from Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, Thompson is widely regarded as one of the elite prospects in the 2026 class. He is ranked as high as No. 7 overall nationally and sits comfortably inside the top 10 across the major recruiting services, including a No. 9 ranking in the 247Sports composite. In the modern recruiting era, only Greg Oden, B.J. Mullens and Jared Sullinger have signed with Ohio State as higher-rated prospects. Thompson’s selection further reinforces that status and underscores the national attention surrounding his game.
Thompson, a Lebanon, Ohio native, has continued to build an impressive résumé during his senior season, averaging 24 points per game in the Elite Prep League. After beginning his high school career at Lebanon High School, he has spent the past two seasons at Western Reserve Academy, where his blend of size, athleticism and skill has made him one of the most versatile forwards in the country. That all-around impact is exactly what drew Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler to him early in the recruiting process.
“Anthony is a special player,” Diebler said after Thompson signed. “His combination of size, skill and athleticism gives him unique versatility. Who he is aligns with what our program is all about, and the basketball IQ he has will help him be really impactful right away. Being from Ohio and coming to Ohio State means something to him.”
The McDonald’s All-American Game will be played on March 31 in Glendale, Arizona, with tipoff set for 9 p.m. on ESPN. When Thompson takes the floor, he will join a list of former Buckeyes that includes Russell, Sullinger, Deshaun Thomas, Mike Conley and Oden. For Ohio State, Thompson’s selection is more than an individual honor—it is a clear signal that the Buckeyes are again attracting the type of elite talent capable of shaping the program’s future on a national stage.
