Deng Ngor Has Committed to Ohio State Buckeyes
The four-star forward announced his commitment to the university following a campus visit.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Basketball
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Four-star forward Deng Ngor has officially committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 18-year-old talent plans to join the Class of 2027 and is expected to suit up for the program in the 2026-27 season.
Why it matters
Securing a top-ranked recruit like Ngor provides the Buckeyes with a significant boost in talent as they build out their roster for future seasons. His arrival helps solidify the team's depth and competitive prospects in the Big Ten.
Ngor stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 200 pounds, bringing measurable size to the forward position. He previously recorded 10.2 points per game during the 2026 FIBA U18 AmeriCup and 5.6 points per game in the BWB Americas 2025 Men event.
The players
Deng Ngor
He is a four-star forward who is ranked 55th in the nation overall and 10th among power forwards.
Ohio State Buckeyes
This is the collegiate basketball program based in Columbus that competes in the Big Ten Conference.
The details
The program established an early connection with Ngor, which eventually led to his commitment following an official visit to the Columbus campus. As a 6-foot-8 power forward, Ngor is set to join the Ohio State Class of 2027.
Timeline
Ngor competed in the BWB Americas 2025 Men event throughout 2025.
Ngor celebrated his 18th birthday in February 2026.
The recruit announced his commitment to Ohio State on September 17, 2026.
The Buckeyes are scheduled to open their season against BYU on November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The acquisition of a top-60 national recruit signals a strong outlook for the program's long-term competitive balance within the conference. This signing bolsters the roster construction for the Class of 2027 while preparing the team for upcoming seasons.
Ngor's commitment provides the Buckeyes with a high-ceiling prospect who is expected to contribute to the rotation starting in the 2026-27 season. Fans can look for his statistical production to mirror his performance in the 2026 FIBA U18 AmeriCup where he averaged 10.2 points.
The takeaway
Adding a versatile 6-foot-8 forward gives the coaching staff more flexibility in their defensive schemes and offensive sets. Developing high-ranking talent remains a cornerstone strategy for maintaining a consistent presence in the national tournament conversation.
What happens next
The Buckeyes are slated to open their season against BYU on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Columbus Basketball section.
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