When Collin Murray-Boyles stepped to the podium at a packed high school gymnasium in Columbia, South Carolina, he had the attention of the nation. A five-star prospect, the top-ranked player in the Palmetto State, and one of the top power forwards in the country, Murray-Boyles had his pick of the blue bloods. Duke. UConn. Kentucky. Even a push to stay home and revive the South Carolina Gamecocks.
But in a decision that sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, the 6-foot-8 phenom revealed a scarlet and gray hat and declared, “I’m taking my talents to Columbus, Ohio. I’m a Buckeye.”
Now, Buckeye Nation is buzzing with one big question: Could Collin Murray-Boyles be the next legendary name in Ohio State basketball history?
From Columbia to Columbus: A Star is Born
Collin Murray-Boyles didn’t take the easy road to stardom. While some elite prospects are groomed in national academies or basketball prep factories, Murray-Boyles stayed close to home, grinding on local courts and leading his Ridge View High School team to a state title in his junior season. By the time his senior year wrapped up, he had averaged 24.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, all while showcasing the kind of two-way versatility that made him a matchup nightmare.
Scouts rave about his polished footwork, explosive second jump, and a motor that rarely quits. Murray-Boyles is often described as a “positionless forward,” capable of defending guards on the perimeter and battling bigs in the paint. His basketball IQ, leadership, and quiet confidence caught the attention of every blue-blood recruiter from the SEC to the Big East.
So how did Ohio State edge out perennial heavyweights like Duke and reigning national champion UConn?
The Recruiting Battle: Duke, UConn, and the Buckeye Breakthrough
The recruitment of Collin Murray-Boyles quickly turned into a national spectacle. Duke head coach Jon Scheyer made him a priority target after losing key frontcourt players to the NBA. UConn, under Dan Hurley, saw Murray-Boyles as the heir to their physical style of play and a bridge to extend their championship pedigree.
“They all showed love,” Murray-Boyles admitted in an exclusive interview. “Coach Scheyer flew down twice in the fall. Coach Hurley came to my state championship game. I felt the respect. But with Ohio State… it just felt different.”
That “different” came largely from head coach Jake Diebler and his aggressive recruiting strategy. Diebler, who took over the Buckeyes program full-time in 2024, has emphasized building relationships over flash and fame.
“Coach Diebler didn’t just recruit me—he recruited my family, my community,” Murray-Boyles said. “He asked me who I wanted to become, not just as a player, but as a man.”
The turning point came during his official visit to Columbus. Murray-Boyles met with former Buckeye greats like Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger, toured the Schottenstein Center, and sat in on a team film session. But what sealed the deal was a private dinner with Diebler and Buckeye boosters, where they shared the program’s long-term vision.
“They didn’t promise me 30 shots a game or ‘one-and-done’ hype,” Murray-Boyles explained. “They promised me a legacy.”
Why Not Duke or UConn?
The decision to turn down Duke, the historic powerhouse synonymous with NBA success, was not easy. “That was tough,” Murray-Boyles admitted. “I’ve watched Duke my whole life. But I didn’t want to be just another player in a long list. I wanted to carve out my own path.”
As for UConn, the reigning champs made a strong push, selling their defensive identity and player development pipeline. “UConn’s culture is strong,” he acknowledged. “But I didn’t feel like I’d be able to grow my game the way I wanted.”
Some speculated that NIL deals played a role in his decision. However, sources close to Murray-Boyles insist that while Ohio State did present a competitive NIL package, the decision was “about fit, trust, and vision.”
What Collin Brings to Ohio State
With the 2025–26 season on the horizon, Ohio State is expected to be a Top-25 team, and Murray-Boyles is set to play a pivotal role. Diebler’s system thrives on versatility, and the Columbia native is a tailor-made fit.
“Collin is a culture-changer,” Diebler told local media following the commitment. “He has elite talent, but more importantly, he plays the game the right way. He defends, he communicates, and he wants to win.”
Projected to start as a freshman, Murray-Boyles will likely slide into a combo forward role, providing Ohio State with a new dimension on both ends of the floor. Analysts compare his game to a young Draymond Green—disruptive, dynamic, and emotionally commanding.
“He’s got that it factor,” said ESPN’s Paul Biancardi. “Ohio State just landed a top-five impact player, not just in terms of stats, but in presence.”
Family Ties, South Carolina Roots, and the Drive to Inspire
Despite choosing to leave his home state, Murray-Boyles remains deeply connected to South Carolina.
“I’ll always rep Columbia,” he said. “Everything I’ve learned—grit, humility, work ethic—comes from here.”
He has already spoken about launching a youth basketball camp in the offseason to mentor underserved kids in the Midlands area. “I want the next kid like me to know you can make it without leaving your roots,” he shared.
Murray-Boyles’ parents played a significant role in the decision. His mother, a high school educator, emphasized academics, and Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business gave her peace of mind. His father, a former JUCO player, helped guide the basketball side of the journey.
“They didn’t pick for me,” Collin said. “They just helped me listen to my heart.”
The Buckeye Blueprint: Building Toward Greatness
With Collin Murray-Boyles committed, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class jumps into the Top 10 nationally. He joins fellow Top-50 guard Treyvon Harris and sharpshooter Riley Kessler, giving Diebler one of the most balanced classes in recent Buckeye memory.
The program’s resurgence has been building since Diebler took over, with increased emphasis on player development, culture, and Midwest pride. With a new practice facility under construction and alumni like D’Angelo Russell and Malaki Branham engaged in mentoring roles, the Buckeyes are clearly on the rise.
“Ohio State is hungry,” said former NBA All-Star and Buckeye legend Michael Redd. “We’ve had greats before, but I think Collin has the chance to be one of the greatest.”
What Lies Ahead
The road to greatness won’t be easy. The Big Ten is expected to be brutally competitive in 2025–26, with powerhouses like Michigan State, Illinois, and Purdue reloading. But with Murray-Boyles anchoring the frontcourt, the Buckeyes have legitimate Final Four aspirations.
The young forward isn’t shying away from the pressure.
“I didn’t come to Ohio State to blend in,” he said with conviction. “I came here to make history.”
Whether it’s through dominant play, leadership in the locker room, or establishing a legacy beyond the court, Collin Murray-Boyles has already made his mark.
The rest of the story? That will be written in Columbus—one bucket, one rebound, one victory at a time.
Final Thoughts
Ohio State hasn’t had a freshman come in with this much anticipation since Greg Oden or D’Angelo Russell. Yet Collin Murray-Boyles isn’t here to emulate anyone else’s journey—he’s here to carve out his own legend.
In an era of one-and-done stars and constant transfers, Murray-Boyles offers something refreshingly steady: loyalty to a vision, belief in development, and the heart of a competitor.
