Ohio State Men’s Basketball Offers 2027 Four-Star Guard Jason Gardner Jr., Coached by Former Buckeye
In a significant move that could shape the future of Ohio State basketball, head coach Jake Diebler and his staff extended a scholarship offer to class of 2027 four-star guard Jason Gardner Jr. this past weekend. The offer came at the conclusion of an impactful unofficial visit to the Columbus campus, where Gardner toured the facilities, met with the coaching staff, and absorbed the energy of a program in resurgence under Diebler’s leadership.
Gardner, currently ranked among the top 50 prospects nationally for the 2027 class, has quickly built a reputation as a fierce competitor and versatile backcourt presence. Standing 6-foot-3 with a smooth handle and sharp shooting touch, Gardner has been turning heads on the summer circuit with his combination of athleticism, IQ, and floor leadership. His command of the game belies his age, and scouts across the Midwest have taken notice of his steady rise.
What makes this recruitment particularly compelling is Gardner’s connection to the Buckeye brotherhood. He is coached by none other than former Ohio State standout Ron Lewis, whose legendary three-pointer against Xavier in the 2007 NCAA Tournament remains etched in Buckeye lore. Lewis, now a head coach at a respected prep program in Indiana, has taken Gardner under his wing, instilling in him not only the fundamentals of high-level basketball but also the pride and discipline that comes with wearing scarlet and gray.
“Jason’s got that Buckeye DNA,” Lewis said during a recent interview. “He plays hard, he competes on both ends, and he thrives under pressure. That’s the kind of mentality Coach Diebler wants in his locker room.”
Gardner’s visit to Ohio State included a personal walkthrough of the Schottenstein Center, a film session breaking down his high school highlights with assistant coach Brandon Bailey, and a sit-down with Diebler in his office. According to sources close to the recruitment, Gardner was particularly struck by the program’s culture, its recent focus on player development, and the transparent communication style of the coaching staff.
“The way they laid out the plan for my growth—on and off the court—it just felt real,” Gardner said afterward. “Coach Diebler is building something special, and I can see myself being part of it.”
While it’s still early in Gardner’s recruiting process, Ohio State’s offer puts them squarely in the mix with other national powers who have begun to express serious interest. Programs like Michigan State, Indiana, and Louisville have been monitoring Gardner closely, and more offers are expected in the coming months.
But the Buckeyes may have an edge. With Lewis guiding his development and Ohio State showing early and genuine interest, Gardner’s connection to Columbus could grow even stronger over time.
“He felt at home there,” Lewis added. “Sometimes, it’s not just about basketball. It’s about where you’re going to be molded into a man.”
If Gardner ultimately commits, he would become a foundational piece in what is shaping up to be a potentially elite 2027 recruiting class—one that Diebler and his staff hope will propel Ohio State back to national prominence.
