NCAA Basketball: Top 25 impact freshmen classes for 2023-24 season

12. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes have a good history with freshmen players, with Malachi Branham and Brice Sensabaugh being the most recent examples. But who will be that guy from the 2023 class, which includes a trio of top-60 prospects?

Taison Chatman is the highest-ranked of the bunch, a 6’4 combo guard with great size and all-around ability. He’s a quality shooter as well, making him a great option to play alongside sophomore guard Bruce Thornton. Although young, it could end up being one of the top backcourts in the conference early on.

The two forwards in the group are Scotty Middleton and Devin Royal. Although he’s a bit undersized at 6’7 to be a true power forward, Royal can rebound at a high level and can stretch the floor, and has a game ready to play on Day 1. Meanwhile, Middleton is a natural 6’6 wing that has high two-way potential. He’ll play behind Minnesota transfer Jamison Battle for a year but should take over as the new premier wing for the Buckeyes.

Four-star big man Austin Parks round out the class, providing frontcourt depth behind Zed Key. He’s 6’9 and 240 pounds and gives Ohio State another big body when it comes to Big Ten play and is an underrated offensive threat as well.