Ohio State Men’s Basketball Lands Big Commitment from Younger Brother of Miami Heat Star in Major Recruiting Win

Ohio State men’s basketball just scored one of the most significant commitments of its 2025 recruiting cycle, and it’s not only because of the young man’s skillset. The Buckeyes have landed a pledge from the younger brother of a current NBA star—adding a jolt of national attention and a whole lot of potential to their future backcourt.

The recruit in question, a four-star combo guard ranked in the top 50 nationally, is the younger sibling of Miami Heat standout Tyler Herro. The younger Herro—whose first name, Trey, has already been making waves in prep circuits—is a 6-foot-5 sharpshooter who combines elite shooting ability with advanced ball-handling skills and court vision well beyond his years. And now, he’s a Buckeye.

For new Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler, who’s still establishing his identity as the full-time leader of the Buckeyes program, this is a defining early victory. Diebler, who took over after Chris Holtmann’s departure, has emphasized relationships, energy, and modern basketball IQ in his recruitment strategy. He’s found that and more in Trey Herro.

This commitment didn’t just come out of nowhere. Ohio State had been in hot pursuit for months, making Trey a clear priority. The coaching staff had built strong relationships with both Trey and his family—especially older brother Tyler, who has remained closely involved in his brother’s basketball development. Though other big-name programs like Kentucky, Michigan, and Alabama had made pushes, Herro’s connection with Diebler and the Ohio State community turned out to be the difference-maker.

Trey Herro’s high school career has been a steady climb. Playing for a powerhouse program in Wisconsin, he’s been on the radar of scouts since his sophomore year. While comparisons to Tyler were inevitable early on, Trey has gradually carved out his own reputation. Where Tyler dazzled with swagger and unshakeable confidence, Trey plays with a more measured demeanor—displaying patience and poise as a lead guard. His shot mechanics are nearly textbook, and his ability to hit shots off the dribble or catch is reminiscent of the elder Herro. But what separates Trey is his ability to see the game unfold as a point guard. He’s just as likely to set up a teammate for an open three as he is to take it himself.

At 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, Trey already has the frame and instincts of a college-ready player. His decision to commit to Ohio State signals his belief in what Diebler is building in Columbus—a program that’s recently shown a renewed emphasis on player development, freedom within offensive schemes, and defensive accountability.

Ohio State has had its share of talented guards come through in recent years—Duane Washington Jr., D’Angelo Russell, and Malaki Branham to name a few. But the Buckeyes haven’t always been able to keep elite talent from heading to bluebloods or jumping early to the NBA. Getting a player of Herro’s caliber, with his name recognition and on-court maturity, is both a branding victory and a basketball one.

The Herro family, familiar with the recruiting process and the path to the pros, took their time with this decision. Trey had taken visits to other schools and weighed the possibility of creating his own legacy at a program with fewer ties to his brother. But ultimately, the chance to play for a coach who made him feel prioritized and a program on the rise outweighed the rest.

And the timing of the commitment couldn’t be better. Ohio State has been working to build its 2025 class with high-character, high-upside players who can thrive in a fast-paced, ball-sharing system. Herro fits that mold. He can play both guard spots, stretch defenses with his shooting, and take on leadership responsibilities as early as his freshman year. He’s also been praised by scouts for his off-court demeanor—humble, driven, and unafraid of the spotlight that inevitably comes with his last name.

Recruiting analysts believe that Herro could be a foundational piece for the Buckeyes—someone who not only elevates the level of talent on the court but also attracts other high-profile players. There’s already talk that his commitment could spark a domino effect. One source close to the Buckeyes program said that multiple 2025 recruits have reached out to Herro privately since the announcement, expressing interest in teaming up in Columbus.

The announcement came via a coordinated social media post featuring Trey in a Buckeyes uniform, standing on the Value City Arena court, with the caption: “Home is where you’re believed in. Let’s get to work.” The post quickly went viral, with Tyler Herro reposting it and adding his own note of support: “Let’s go Buckeyes. Proud of you, little bro.”

Ohio State fans, naturally, are buzzing. Herro jerseys are already being photoshopped with Buckeye colors, and message boards lit up within minutes of the news. There’s something undeniably energizing about landing a commitment with such a recognizable name—and even more so when the talent backs it up.

While much of the national media coverage will focus on the Herro family connection, Jake Diebler and his staff are treating Trey’s commitment as a confirmation of their recruiting approach. Diebler has leaned into transparency, culture-building, and a relentless work ethic. By securing Herro, he’s shown that the Buckeyes can go toe-to-toe with national powers in battles for top-tier talent.

Now the focus shifts to the future. What can Buckeye fans expect from Trey Herro once he arrives on campus? For starters, he’s likely to compete for immediate playing time. Depending on who stays and who leaves from the current roster, Herro could slide into a combo guard role—sharing ball-handling duties, running pick-and-rolls, and spacing the floor with his deep shooting range. He’s shown no hesitation to take big shots in big moments, and with his pedigree, he won’t be overwhelmed by the college game’s intensity.

It’s also worth noting that Herro has become a gym rat, often working out with professional trainers during the offseason and scrimmaging against older players, including his brother and other NBA players. That experience has accelerated his development. He’s known for taking notes on everything—watching film late into the night, absorbing feedback from coaches, and constantly refining his footwork and handle. Those traits bode well for his transition to the Big Ten.

With the Buckeyes seeking to reassert themselves among the conference’s elite programs, the timing of Herro’s arrival could be ideal. The Big Ten is undergoing its own shifts, with traditional powers like Michigan and Indiana facing coaching transitions and roster turnover. If Diebler can pair Herro with a strong supporting cast, Ohio State could have the makings of a dark-horse contender by 2026.

Beyond his on-court ability, Trey Herro’s commitment brings a wave of national media attention to Ohio State—something the program has at times struggled to maintain outside of March. And while that spotlight can bring pressure, it also gives the Buckeyes a platform to show that their brand still resonates with top athletes and that the path from Columbus to the NBA is alive and well.

For Herro, it’s an opportunity to create something uniquely his own. He’ll always be linked to Tyler in some way, but in choosing Ohio State, he’s picking a path that gives him a chance to stand apart. A new number, a different jersey, a distinct college experience. If his play lives up to the potential he’s already flashed, there’s little doubt he’ll leave his own legacy behind.

Recruiting cycles often bring surprises, decommitments, and drama—but this commitment feels firm. The Herro family has been through this before, and by all accounts, they’ve found the right fit in Columbus. Trey’s story is just beginning, and Ohio State fans should be thrilled to be a part of it from the start.

As the Buckeyes continue to build toward the future, Trey Herro’s pledge is more than just another addition—it’s a statement. The Buckeyes aren’t just in the conversation for top recruits. They’re winning those conversations. And with a Herro now on board, the next chapter of Ohio State basketball just got a lot more intriguing.