Ohio State added a major piece to its 2026 recruiting class on Friday. Five-star center Sydney Mobley out of Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, Ohio, committed to the Buckeyes over programs such as Illinois and Virginia.
She also received offers from Maryland, Notre Dame, South Carolina and Vanderbilt, among many other high-major programs.
Mobley was originally a part of the 2027 recruiting class, but reclassified to join the Buckeyes for the 2026-27 season.
As a 2027 prospect, Mobley was ranked as the No. 18 overall player in the country, the No. 3 center and the No. 1 player from Ohio. She averaged 20.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season.
“I chose Ohio State because of the connections I had with the team and coaching staff,” Mobley told 247Sports. “They see me as a physical player who will bring some physicality around the rim.”
Mobley is a 6-2 center and is the cousin of men’s basketball player John Mobley Jr., who is returning to Columbus for his third season with the program.
She will join other freshmen on the 2026-27 roster, such as four-star guard Atlee Vanesko and 6-1 center Adriana Diaz.
