Anthony Thompson Is Turning Heads - and Buckeyes Fans Should Be Watching Closely
Anthony Thompson isn’t just having a strong senior season - he’s putting together the kind of campaign that demands national attention. The Ohio State signee is doing it all for Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, averaging around 24 points and 10 rebounds per game.
That’s not just production - that’s dominance. And when you pair those numbers with his No. 7 national ranking in the 2026 class (per 247Sports), it’s no surprise that Thompson is firmly in the conversation for McDonald’s All-American honors.
If he earns that nod, he’ll be the first high school McDonald’s All-American to sign with Ohio State since D’Angelo Russell back in 2014 - not counting transfers like Aaron Bradshaw and Sean Stewart, who arrived with similar pedigree but took different paths to Columbus. That’s a big deal. Thompson’s trajectory suggests he could be a foundational piece for the Buckeyes - but how he fits into the current roster is where things get interesting.
“He’s playing great,” one source close to the program said. “He’s rebounding the ball at a high level and averaging a double-double. He’s really asserting himself on drives and making smart decisions in the paint.”
That physicality and awareness are what make Thompson such an intriguing prospect. At 6-foot-9, he’s got the size to bang inside but also the skill to create off the dribble - a rare blend at the high school level. But with Ohio State’s roster shaping up the way it is, head coach Jake Diebler will have some decisions to make.
If both Devin Royal and Amare Bynum return next season, the wing and power forward spots could already be spoken for. That creates a bit of a logjam - at least on paper.
“I’m not sure what Coach Diebler has in mind for how they’d all play together,” the source added. “Maybe the three of them split minutes between the three and four spots. Bynum could even slide to the five in certain lineups.”
There’s also the idea of shifting John Mobley Jr. to the point guard spot and playing Thompson at the two - but at 6-9, that could create some defensive mismatches against smaller, quicker guards. It’s a creative option, but not without its risks.
What seems clear is that the Buckeyes may need to dip into the transfer portal for at least one - maybe two - guards to round out the backcourt rotation. That would give Diebler more flexibility and allow Thompson to play to his strengths without being forced into a role that doesn’t suit his frame or skill set.
However it all shakes out, Ohio State fans should be excited. Thompson isn’t just another top recruit - he’s a potential game-changer. And while the coaching staff will have to figure out how to piece the puzzle together, having too much talent is a problem every program wants to have.