BIG NEWS: Nation’s No. 3 Flips Commitment To Ohio State Basketball Over Michigan State
Columbus, OH – January 6, 2026 – In a blockbuster move that has reshaped the 2026 college basketball recruiting landscape, Jordan Smith, the consensus No. 3 prospect in the Class of 2026, has flipped his commitment from the Michigan State Spartans to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia, revealed his decision in a heartfelt video posted to social media this morning, delighting Buckeye Nation and stunning the Spartans faithful.
Smith, an explosive scorer with elite shot-making ability, had been pledged to Michigan State since early November 2025 after a fierce battle among top programs. “Ohio State is home now,” Smith said in his announcement, surrounded by family. “Coach Diebler and the staff showed me a plan where I can be the go-to guy, develop in a pro-style system, and compete for championships right away. The tradition, the fans, and the vision – it all clicked. Go Bucks!”
The flip represents a monumental victory for Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler, who has aggressively rebuilt the Buckeyes’ recruiting momentum in his second full cycle. With Smith onboard, Ohio State’s 2026 class surges to No. 3 nationally per 247Sports Composite rankings, behind only Duke and Arkansas. Michigan State, which had built its class around Smith as the cornerstone, slips to No. 6, opening the door for other Big Ten powers to challenge in the conference.
Rise of a Scoring Machine
Jordan Smith’s ascent to elite status has been nothing short of spectacular. Growing up in the competitive DMV region, he burst onto the scene as a sophomore at Paul VI, averaging 25 points per game and leading his team to a conference title. His junior year was even more dominant: 29.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, earning him Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Virginia.
Playing on the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Takeover, Smith torched defenses with his unlimited range, quick release, and ability to create off the dribble. At 6-3 with a 6-8 wingspan, he combines guard skills with forward size, making him a matchup nightmare. Scouts praise his scoring versatility – pull-up threes, mid-range floaters, and thunderous dunks in transition.
“Jordan is one of the best pure scorers I’ve seen in years,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “He has that ‘bucket-getter’ mentality, like a Devin Booker or CJ McCollum. His handle is tight, his jumper is unguardable, and he competes on both ends.” Smith’s viral highlights, including a 50-point playoff game and multiple 40+ point outings, have garnered over 3 million followers across platforms.
Accolades include McDonald’s All-American selection, gold medal with USA U17 team (where he led in scoring), and projected top-10 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
The Recruiting Drama: From East Lansing to Columbus
Smith’s recruitment drew interest from nearly every blue-blood program. He narrowed his list to Michigan State, Ohio State, Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky last summer. Official visits followed, with lavish pitches including NIL projections in the mid-seven figures.
Michigan State appeared to win out when Smith committed on November 8, 2025, citing Coach Tom Izzo’s track record of developing guards like Cassius Winston and fostering a gritty, winning culture. “Sparty felt like family,” he said then.
But Ohio State’s persistent pursuit paid off. Diebler, assisted by a revamped staff, emphasized Smith’s fit in their up-tempo offense, potential as a featured scorer, and the Buckeyes’ NBA pipeline. A decisive unofficial visit to Value City Arena during Ohio State’s upset win over Purdue on December 20, 2025, changed everything. The roaring crowd and post-game conversation with Diebler tipped the scales.
“Coach Diebler is a players’ coach who gets it,” Smith explained. “He showed me how I’d thrive here.”
The de-commitment sparked immediate backlash from some MSU fans, but Izzo released a gracious statement: “We respect Jordan’s decision and wish him success. We’ll keep building.” Privately, Spartan recruiters are pivoting to other top guards like Brandon McCoy Jr.
Massive Boost for Diebler and Ohio State
For Ohio State, landing Smith is a statement win. Already holding commitments from in-state talents like five-star wing Anthony Thompson and four-star forward Alex Smith, the Buckeyes now boast a class with three top-50 prospects. Analysts project it as a potential Final Four contender by 2027-28.
“This puts OSU back in the elite recruiting conversation,” said Rivals’ Eric Bossi. “Diebler’s showing he can close on the biggest fish.” In the Big Ten, it escalates tensions with rivals like Michigan State and Purdue.
Jake Diebler Named Ohio State Head Coach | Ohio State
NIL factors were significant. Smith’s marketability aligns with Ohio State’s robust collective, offering deals from major brands and local partnerships.
Wider Implications for College Basketball
This flip exemplifies the chaos of the NIL/portal era – commitments are fluid, and late pushes can sway decisions. Michigan State may target remaining five-stars like Caleb Holt or Christian Collins to rebound.
Experts are excited about Smith’s potential in scarlet and gray: paired with incoming playmakers, he could form a dynamic backcourt. Comparisons to D’Angelo Russell abound for his scoring flair.
As the dust settles in Columbus, Jordan Smith’s switch to Ohio State stands as the recruiting steal of the cycle. The Buckeyes are rising, and the Big Ten just got tougher.
Leave a Reply