COLUMBUS — A six-player recruiting class, dubbed by some analysts as the best in the nation, has signed with No. 16 Ohio State.

The centerpiece is 6-foot-9 power forward Jared Sullinger from Columbus’ Northland High School. The brother of former Ohio State player J.J. Sullinger is joined by his high school teammate, 6-6 small forward J.D. Weatherspoon.

Deshaun Thomas, a 6-7 native of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and Lenzelle Smith, Jr., a 6-4 guard from Zion, Ill.; also became Buckeyes on the first day for the signing of Division I national letters of intent.

Rounding out the class are guards Aaron Craft from Findlay Liberty-Benton and 6-4 Jordan Sibert of Cincinnati.

Coach Thad Matta said all six are versatile players who come from winning programs that have won or played for state championships.