Four-Star Shooting Guard Bryn Martin Announces His Commitment to Ohio State Buckeyes, Boosting 2025 Basketball Recruiting Class

The Ohio State Buckeyes added a significant piece to their 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of four-star shooting guard Bryn Martin. One of the most electric backcourt players in the nation, Martin made his announcement public on Sunday, choosing the Buckeyes over a host of national suitors including Indiana, Michigan State, Baylor, and Alabama. His decision to head to Columbus is a massive win for head coach Jake Diebler, who continues to build momentum in his first full recruiting cycle as Ohio State’s head coach.

Martin, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound shooting guard out of Mater Dei High School in California, is ranked among the top 50 prospects in the country according to multiple recruiting services. Known for his high basketball IQ, smooth shooting stroke, and elite athleticism, Martin is expected to bring an immediate scoring punch to the Buckeyes once he arrives on campus. His versatility as a combo guard — capable of handling the ball in stretches while also excelling as a catch-and-shoot threat — makes him one of the most coveted backcourt prospects in the 2025 class.

For Diebler and the Buckeyes, this commitment signals more than just the addition of a talented player — it is an affirmation of the program’s national appeal under new leadership. Martin had no shortage of options. He took official visits to several top-tier programs and had received scholarship offers from some of the biggest names in college basketball. But in the end, it was Ohio State that stood out.

In his commitment video, Martin credited the Buckeye coaching staff’s vision for his development, the school’s rich basketball tradition, and the atmosphere around the program for tipping the scales. “From the moment I got to campus, it just felt like home,” Martin said. “Coach Diebler has a plan for me, not just as a player but as a person, and that really stuck with me. I want to be part of building something special.”

Martin’s ability to stretch the floor will be a major asset for Ohio State. He shot better than 41% from three-point range during his junior season and was often the focal point of opposing defenses. Despite that attention, he still managed to average over 20 points per game, along with five rebounds and nearly four assists. Those numbers, combined with his poise and competitive fire, have drawn comparisons to recent college stars like Johnny Davis and Quentin Grimes.

Recruiting analysts have been effusive in their praise of Martin’s game. “What stands out most about Bryn is his polish,” one national scout said. “He plays with a maturity that you don’t often see in high school kids. He doesn’t rush, he doesn’t force, and he always seems to make the right play. He’s a three-level scorer who defends at a high level. Ohio State is getting a future star.”

What also sets Martin apart is his commitment to defense. While many top scorers at the high school level focus primarily on the offensive end, Martin prides himself on being a two-way player. His 6-foot-10 wingspan allows him to guard multiple positions, and he often takes on the challenge of defending the opponent’s best perimeter player. That mindset will serve him well in the Big Ten, a conference known for its physical play and grind-it-out style.

Martin joins a recruiting class that is shaping up to be one of Ohio State’s best in recent memory. With his pledge, the Buckeyes now have commitments from two top-100 prospects, and there is strong momentum to land additional elite talent in the coming months. The synergy between Martin and fellow commit Elijah Reynolds — a five-star point guard from Chicago — is already generating buzz. The duo is expected to form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country when they take the floor together in 2025.

Coach Diebler has emphasized recruiting players who not only possess talent but also fit the culture and identity he’s trying to build in Columbus. Martin fits that mold perfectly. Known for his tireless work ethic and leadership qualities, he has been described by coaches and teammates alike as someone who “sets the tone” both in practice and during games. “Bryn’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better,” said his high school coach. “He raises the standard. He holds himself accountable, and he holds his teammates to that same level.”

Martin’s decision also represents a significant geographic recruiting win for Ohio State. While the Buckeyes have traditionally recruited well in the Midwest, landing a top-tier player from California — and doing so in a battle with programs like UCLA and Arizona — is a statement of the program’s expanding footprint. It reflects the national reach Diebler and his staff are developing, especially when it comes to elite guard play.

The timing of Martin’s commitment couldn’t be better for Ohio State, which is in the midst of building a strong foundation for sustained success. After a few up-and-down seasons and the departure of longtime head coach Chris Holtmann, there’s renewed energy around the Buckeyes. Diebler’s approach — which emphasizes player development, pace-and-space offense, and defensive intensity — is beginning to resonate with recruits and fans alike.

Martin’s presence on campus will not only bring immediate impact on the court but also help in recruiting future classes. His profile and leadership will be attractive to other top players considering Ohio State, and his commitment may trigger a domino effect among other uncommitted stars. Already, several recruits have reacted to the news on social media, hinting at the possibility of forming a “super class” in Columbus.

Off the court, Martin is just as impressive. He maintains a 3.8 GPA and is active in community service projects around his hometown of Santa Ana. He’s known for his maturity, professionalism, and humility — qualities that are becoming increasingly important in the modern landscape of college athletics. With NIL opportunities and media attention playing a larger role than ever, Martin appears well-equipped to handle the spotlight.

From a basketball standpoint, his game seems tailor-made for Ohio State’s system. The Buckeyes have long thrived with guards who can play on or off the ball, and Martin’s ability to slide seamlessly between both roles will give Diebler plenty of flexibility. Whether paired alongside a traditional point guard or functioning as a lead ball-handler himself, Martin is capable of dictating tempo, creating his own shot, and facilitating offense for teammates.

In transition, Martin is a blur — able to get out on the break, finish through contact, or pull up from deep. In the halfcourt, he’s surgical with his footwork and decision-making, using screens effectively and showing a willingness to make the extra pass. His basketball IQ has been noted as one of his biggest strengths, and his film study habits suggest that he will transition quickly to the college game.

The Big Ten has traditionally been one of the toughest leagues in college basketball, but Martin’s skillset appears well-suited for its demands. His physicality, competitive drive, and shooting ability give him a chance to be a high-level contributor from day one. While he may face the typical freshman learning curve, most believe he has the mental and physical tools to be a star before long.

For Ohio State fans, Martin’s commitment offers a glimpse into the bright future that could be coming under Diebler’s watch. With a roster that continues to add talent and a coach who connects deeply with players, the Buckeyes are laying the foundation for a return to national prominence. Martin may just be the first major building block.

As for Bryn Martin himself, the next chapter of his basketball journey is set to unfold in Columbus. And if his high school career is any indication, Buckeye Nation has plenty of reasons to be excited. The four-star guard brings more than just highlight-reel plays and gaudy stat lines — he brings a mentality, a standard, and a commitment to winning. Ohio State didn’t just get a scorer. They got a leader, a competitor, and a future cornerstone.

And when the 2025 season tips off, don’t be surprised if Bryn Martin is one of the most talked-about freshmen in the country. He has the tools, the mindset, and now, the platform. The Buckeyes have landed a game-changer.