Eric Boggs
Ohio State basketball has secured a major commitment from local standout Alex Smith, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Upper Arlington High School. Smith, a member of the class of 2026, chose the Buckeyes over offers from Indiana, Xavier, Cincinnati, and Nebraska. For Smith, this commitment fulfills a lifelong dream.
“Ever since I could walk and talk, I’ve always been a Buckeye fan,” Smith shared with On3. “It’s my dream to go to OSU. To commit now feels surreal, like all the hard work has paid off.”
Smith has seen a rapid rise in his recruitment, thanks in part to a growth spurt and his relentless dedication to improving his game. Once under the radar, Smith caught the attention of major programs and picked up five Power Five offers in just a few months. His standout performance at Ohio State’s recruiting camps in June earned him an offer from the Buckeyes.
While currently unranked in national recruiting services, Smith’s potential is evident. Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler has been instrumental in Smith’s recruitment, maintaining a consistent relationship over the past year.
“I committed to Ohio State because Coach Diebler has been recruiting me consistently for a year,” Smith explained. “He’s kept it 100% real with me the whole time, and that’s hard to find in a program.”
Smith describes himself as a versatile and unselfish player who stretches the floor with his shooting ability. His commitment to the Buckeyes is about more than just fulfilling a personal dream; he’s focused on bringing success back to Ohio State.
“My message to Buckeye Nation is that I’m going to do whatever it takes to get that Natty and bring back the old OSU tradition!” Smith declared.
In terms of his role with the Buckeyes, Smith’s combination of size and skill makes him a valuable asset. Coach Diebler envisions Smith as a stretch 4, a power forward with a strong shooting threat.
“(Diebler) sees me as a stretch 4, someone who can step outside and knock the three-ball down,” Smith said. “Of course, I need to add some muscle and weight to be able to play the 4 coming in my freshman year, so that’s something Jake and I will start working on now.”
Smith’s recent visit to Columbus, where he connected with five-star point guard Marcus Johnson, Ohio State’s other commitment in the 2026 class, solidified his decision.
“Marcus reached out a couple weeks ago, and we started building a relationship,” Smith said. “The longer of a relationship we have, the more trust we’re gonna have in each other at Ohio State.”
As the Buckeyes continue to build their 2026 recruiting class, they plan to add one more prospect to complement Smith and Johnson. With his commitment, Smith brings a combination of grit, versatility, and a deep love for the program, promising an exciting future for Ohio State basketball.
