BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Lands Commitment from 4-Star Big Man
In a move that solidifies the forward momentum of the Ohio State men’s basketball program under newly minted head coach Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes have landed a commitment from highly sought-after four-star big man A’Mare Bynum. A versatile 6-foot-8 power forward from Omaha, Nebraska, Bynum chose Ohio State over a formidable list of suitors including Creighton, Missouri, Iowa State, and Tennessee. The decision, announced via social media and confirmed by recruiting services, is a major win for Diebler and his staff as they continue to reshape the Buckeyes in the image of modern, positionless basketball.
Bynum, who plays for nationally ranked Link Academy in Missouri, is rated the No. 104 overall prospect in the 2025 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He’s also ranked as the 17th-best center prospect in the nation, but his game defies simple positional categorization. His combination of mobility, floor-spacing ability, passing vision, and defensive versatility makes him one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in the 2025 cycle. The Buckeyes made him a priority from early in Diebler’s tenure, and the relationship cultivated between Bynum and Ohio State’s coaching staff proved decisive in securing his commitment.
This recruiting win represents a number of firsts for Diebler. Bynum is the first out-of-state high school commitment secured under Diebler’s full-time leadership and the highest-rated big man to join the program since E.J. Liddell in 2019. He joins four-star guard Dorian Jones in Ohio State’s 2025 class, giving the Buckeyes two Top 150 players and laying the foundation for a class that could finish inside the Top 25 nationally if momentum continues.
For Bynum, the choice to head to Columbus was about more than basketball. In an interview with recruiting media, he praised the Ohio State staff’s honesty, vision for player development, and emphasis on family. “It felt different with Coach Diebler,” Bynum said. “It wasn’t just about what I could do for them, but how they could help me grow. They really believe in me, and I believe in what they’re building.”
Ohio State’s pursuit of Bynum wasn’t without competition. His recruitment was monitored closely by Big Ten rivals, regional powers, and SEC schools. Creighton, located just miles from his hometown, was long considered a potential favorite, while Iowa State and Missouri made aggressive late pushes. But Diebler and assistant coach Jamall Walker maintained a consistent presence throughout the process, hosting Bynum for an official visit in June that reportedly left a lasting impression. From tour of the facilities to in-depth film sessions and player meetings, the visit cemented Ohio State’s place atop his list.
Bynum’s commitment addresses one of Ohio State’s most pressing needs—adding skilled frontcourt depth to pair with its dynamic backcourt prospects. In recent seasons, the Buckeyes have had to rely on graduate transfers and smaller lineups to compete in the Big Ten, a conference known for its size and physicality. With Bynum, the Buckeyes get a forward who can guard multiple positions, stretch the floor with a developing jump shot, and facilitate from the high post. His game has drawn comparisons to players like Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kyle Young, but with even more upside as a face-up scorer.
As a junior at Link Academy, Bynum averaged 21.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while facing some of the toughest competition in the country. He led his team to a 29-2 record and earned MVP honors at multiple showcases, including the Grind Session World Championships. Coaches praised his maturity, unselfishness, and relentless motor, calling him the kind of player who elevates those around him.
For Diebler, this recruitment marks a key inflection point in his tenure. Since taking over as head coach following the departure of Chris Holtmann, Diebler has emphasized recruiting players who fit not just systemically, but culturally. Bynum, by all accounts, is the exact type of player he wants to build around—tough, smart, humble, and willing to buy into a team-first approach.
Ohio State’s 2025 class is far from finished. The Buckeyes remain in pursuit of several top-100 players, including wing scorer Trey McKinney and combo guard Mikey Lewis. With Bynum and Jones on board, Diebler can now recruit from a position of strength, showcasing a young, ascending roster with talent and depth at multiple positions.
There’s also the transfer portal, where Ohio State made waves earlier in the offseason by landing Baylor transfer Joshua Ojianwuna. A 6-foot-10 junior, Ojianwuna averaged 7.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season before missing the final stretch due to injury. When healthy, he’s a dominant rim protector and rebounder who will complement Bynum nicely in the Buckeyes’ frontcourt. Together, they represent a front line that should be among the most athletic and skilled in the Big Ten by the 2025-26 season.
Beyond the basketball implications, Bynum’s commitment has sparked excitement among Buckeye fans eager for a return to prominence. After a couple of disappointing seasons and the mid-year coaching change, the program appears to have found renewed energy. Diebler’s connection with players, reputation as a teacher, and deep Ohio roots have re-engaged the fanbase and reignited optimism. Bynum’s pledge is validation that top-tier talent sees Ohio State as a destination again.
Recruiting analysts across the country reacted positively to the news. 247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein called Bynum “one of the most productive big men in the country,” while Rivals.com listed Ohio State as one of the biggest winners of the recruiting cycle so far. ESPN’s Paul Biancardi noted that Bynum “plays with the type of effort and IQ that wins games in March.”
It’s also worth noting the broader Big Ten recruiting landscape. With USC and UCLA joining the conference, competition for talent has only intensified. Programs like Michigan State, Indiana, and Purdue continue to recruit at a high level, but Ohio State’s resurgence under Diebler may shift that balance. The Buckeyes are not only winning regional battles but also asserting themselves nationally with commitments like Bynum’s.
In a post-commitment interview, Bynum thanked his family, coaches, and mentors for guiding him through the recruiting process. “This has been a journey, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s helped me get here,” he said. “But now the real work begins. I’m coming to Columbus to compete, to get better, and to win.”
Bynum is expected to sign his national letter of intent in the early signing period this November and will join the Buckeyes for the 2025-26 season. He plans to spend his senior year at Link Academy continuing to develop his outside shot, adding strength, and preparing for the demands of Big Ten basketball.
Ohio State’s staff, meanwhile, will continue to build around this momentum, with several high-profile recruiting weekends scheduled for the fall. If Bynum’s decision is any indication, the Buckeyes are back in the conversation—and climbing fast.
For now, Ohio State fans can celebrate a major addition to the future of their program. A’Mare Bynum is a Buckeye. And the Diebler era just got its signature piece.
