OFFICIAL: Nation’s No. 1 Denzel Aberdeen Flips to Ohio State Men’s Basketball in Blockbuster Commitment From Kentucky

OFFICIAL: Nation’s No. 1 Denzel Aberdeen Flips to Ohio State Men’s Basketball in Blockbuster Commitment From Kentucky

June 14, 2025 – Columbus, OH

In a seismic shift that is sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, Denzel Aberdeen, the nation’s No. 1 high school basketball prospect, has officially flipped his commitment from the Kentucky Wildcats to the Ohio State Buckeyes in what is being described as one of the most stunning recruiting twists in recent memory.

The 18-year-old Aberdeen, a 6-foot-5 dynamic point guard out of Montverde Academy (FL), made the announcement Friday morning via a live broadcast on ESPN, donning the iconic scarlet and gray hat to the thunderous applause of Buckeyes fans tuning in across the country.

> “This decision wasn’t easy, but after careful thought and countless conversations with my family, I’ve decided to continue my journey in Columbus,” Aberdeen said. “Ohio State felt like home. I believe in Coach Diebler’s vision, and I want to be a part of something special.”

From Blue Blood to Buckeye: A Stunning Flip

Aberdeen originally committed to Kentucky last August under former head coach John Calipari, who has since left Lexington for Arkansas. New Wildcats head coach Mark Pope had expressed confidence in keeping Aberdeen locked in, but the guard’s recruitment reopened in recent weeks following intensified efforts from multiple Power Five programs, especially Ohio State.

Head coach Jake Diebler, entering his first full season at the helm of the Buckeyes after taking over in March, made Aberdeen a top priority. With a vision centered on high-tempo offense, NBA-level development, and strong NIL opportunities, Diebler and his staff launched a full-court press to lure Aberdeen to Columbus.

Insiders report that Ohio State’s revamped facilities, strong returning core, and the opportunity to run the offense as a freshman played critical roles in the decision.

> “Denzel is a program-changing player,” Diebler said in a statement. “He’s a leader, a fierce competitor, and a young man of high character. We’re honored to welcome him to the Buckeye family.”

What Aberdeen Brings to the Buckeyes

Aberdeen averaged 24.7 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game during his senior season at Montverde, leading the team to a national championship and earning Gatorade National Player of the Year honors. A gifted floor general with elite court vision, explosiveness, and defensive grit, Aberdeen is already being touted as a potential top-5 NBA Draft pick in 2026.

With his commitment, Ohio State secures its highest-rated recruit in program history and jumps to the No. 3-ranked 2025 recruiting class in the nation, according to 247Sports.

Analysts believe Aberdeen’s arrival could instantly transform Ohio State into a Big Ten title contender and a legitimate Final Four threat.

> “This is monumental for Ohio State,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “Aberdeen is a game-changer. He has that rare ability to impact every possession, and his presence alone could attract even more top-tier talent to Columbus.”

Fallout in Lexington

For Kentucky, Aberdeen’s departure is a bitter pill to swallow. The Wildcats had built their recruiting class around him, and his flip leaves a significant void. While Coach Pope has secured other promising players, losing the No. 1 overall prospect is a major blow to a program looking to rebuild its national standing.

Wildcats fans took to social media to express shock and disappointment, though many wished Aberdeen well in his future.

> “I love Big Blue Nation and I’ll always respect what Kentucky represents,” Aberdeen said. “But this was about what felt right for me and where I can thrive most.”

A New Era in Columbus

For Ohio State, the commitment marks a bold new chapter. After a tumultuous end to the Chris Holtmann era and a program reset under Diebler, the Buckeyes are showing they intend to compete not just in the Big Ten, but nationally.

The momentum Aberdeen brings—on and off the court—could revitalize fan enthusiasm and signal a resurgence in Buckeye basketball similar to the Thad Matta glory years.

Fans have already begun flooding social media with excitement, with hashtags like #AberdeenEra and #BuckeyeBounceBack trending across platforms.

> “We haven’t had this kind of hype since Greg Oden and Mike Conley,” said longtime Ohio State supporter Marcus Fields. “Aberdeen is the kind of player who can take us all the way.”

Looking Ahead

Denzel Aberdeen is expected to enroll at Ohio State later this summer and join team workouts ahead of the 2025–26 season. Barring any injuries, he is anticipated to start as the team’s lead guard from day one.

As the dust settles, one thing is certain: Ohio State just landed the kind of superstar that can redefine a program’s trajectory.

And for Denzel Aberdeen, the journey is just beginning.