Get to Know All 7 Ohio State Basketball Prospects in the Class of 2027

With Ohio State’s 2026-27 basketball season not starting until November 2 against BYU, head coach Jake Diebler is already focused on the future. The Buckeyes currently have no verbal commitments in the 2027 class after guard LJ Smith reclassified and will join this year’s roster as a freshman.

Ohio State could sign as many as four players in the 2027 class. Those prospects can begin signing during the early signing period that opens November 11. Diebler and his staff have already scheduled official visits with seven 2027 prospects. Here is a look at each of them.

Jaydn Jenkins – 6’10” Center from Pennsylvania

The 6’10” big man from Pennsylvania will visit Columbus on August 26. Jenkins is a strong post presence who takes command under the basket. He is comfortable backing down smaller defenders with controlled power or finishing quick rolls to the rim after setting screens.

Jenkins is also considering Michigan State, Xavier, Georgetown, and NC State.

Joshua Tyson – 6’2” Guard from Ohio

Two days later, 6’2” guard Joshua Tyson of West Chester, Ohio, will make his official visit. The short drive from home should help him feel comfortable in Columbus.

Tyson is a gifted playmaker who dictates the tempo of a game. He is a fearless competitor who offers a solid three-point shot and strong transition ability. He has said he wants a program with a winning, family-oriented culture. Cincinnati, Michigan State, Virginia Tech, and Xavier are also on his visit list.

Deng Ngor – 6’8” Wing from Ontario, Canada

Canadian wing Deng Ngor impressed while representing his country at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup in June. He led Canada to a 67-65 win over the United States in the final with 15 points and three steals, averaging 10.2 points and four rebounds overall.

The 6’8” Ngor is a smart, versatile defender who can guard three positions. He does not need plays run specifically for him and has the quick thinking to clean up broken possessions. He tends to put up solid numbers that become more impressive when reviewing the box score. Duke, Florida, and Washington are also recruiting him.

Antonio Pemberton – 6’1” Guard from Massachusetts

Efficient scorer and playmaker Antonio Pemberton is one of the more attractive guards on the board. The 6’1” Massachusetts product plans eight official visits, including Ohio State. Other schools on his list include Tennessee, UCLA, Michigan State, Creighton, Kansas, Marquette, and Boston College.

Pemberton stood out at the adidas ABCD Camp and 3SSB Camp, averaging 26.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds across 11 games for his Mass Rivals team. He continues to improve his three-point shooting, possesses a quick first step, and is nearly automatic on midrange pull-up jumpers.

Jason Gardner Jr. – 6’1” Guard from Indiana

Jason Gardner Jr. is scheduled to visit Ohio State on October 3. One of the quickest players in the country with the ball in his hands, the 6’1” Indiana guard attacks the rim at will. His elite control at high speed allows him to score at a high level.

Defensively, Gardner is comfortable applying heavy ball pressure. He uses quick feet and hands to disrupt passing lanes and fight through screens.

MJ Curry – 6’5” Guard from Georgia

MJ Curry, a 6’5” athletic guard from Georgia, will visit on October 10 during Ohio State’s football weekend against Maryland. Curry is a ready-made athlete who loves to attack and finish at the rim. He is a capable ball handler and takes pride in his versatility on the defensive end, where he can guard multiple positions. Stops often fuel his transition offense.

Georgia Tech and TCU are also on his visit schedule.

Geren Holmes – 6’4” Guard/Forward from North Carolina

Geren Holmes is a similar athletic wing who finishes strongly at the basket. The 6’4” prospect is comfortable playing as an undersized forward or guard. He has already visited Vanderbilt.

Holmes is a native of Ohio, which makes his planned visit to Columbus in the first week of November—during the football game against Oregon—particularly interesting. Fellow guard Brady Pettigrew is expected to join him on that visit.

Ohio State’s 2027 recruiting efforts are just getting started. These seven official visits will give Jake Diebler and his staff valuable time with some of the top available talent as they look to build the next strong Buckeyes roster.