Ohio State lands commitment from local 2026 prospect Alex Smith

Alex Smith, a 6-foot-8 power forward in the class of 2026 and Columbus native, has committed to Ohio State, he told On3.

The rising junior out of Upper Arlington (OH) makes an early pledge to the hometown Buckeyes over offers from programs such as Indiana, Xavier, Cincinnati, Nebraska, and more.

Smith, a versatile four-man with the ability stretch the floor and put the ball on the deck, is currently unranked nationally in the 2026 class, but is rated as a three-star recruit by On3.

Smith talks commitment to Buckeyes

Smith went in-depth on his decision to choose Ohio State.

“I decided to commit to Ohio State because me and Diebler have had a consistent relationship for a year,” he said. “The fact that he has specifically been the main one recruiting and once he got the head coaching job, he didn’t stop or slow down with the recruiting process. Someone on the Ohio State staff has been at almost every game that they could have, if not all of them.”

His trust in head coach Jake Diebler and the staff was important.

“Diebler and the whole staff kept it 100% real with me the whole time and that’s really hard to find in a program. I’ve also been around Ohio State basketball a ton. Diebler’s open to having me come watch a practice or take a visit.”

In his own words, what type of player is Ohio State getting in Alex Smith?

“Ohio State is getting a unselfish gritty player who’s going to leave it all on the court. Someone who stretches the floor with my ability to shoot the ball, and I use that to help me get to the rim or facilitate.”

He has a message for Ohio State fans.

“My message to Buckeye nation is that I’m going to do whatever it takes to get that Natty and to bring back the old OSU tradition!”

Put him on skates🛼 @ZachFleer270 @270Hoops @CoachDRamey613 pic.twitter.com/UkbUkZlfLR

— alex smith (@alexx_smith26) June 7, 2024