“The Next Buckeyes Legend?” Collin Murray-Boyles, the top recruit for South Carolina men’s basketball, explains why he chose Ohio State over Duke and UConn!

In a seismic shift that has the college basketball world buzzing, Collin Murray-Boyles—the crown jewel of South Carolina men’s basketball recruiting—has officially committed to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The 6-foot-8 forward, widely regarded as one of the most versatile and polished high school players in the nation, turned down storied programs like Duke and UConn to pledge his future to Columbus.

Now the question on everyone’s mind: Is Collin Murray-Boyles the next Buckeyes legend?

Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Murray-Boyles quickly established himself as the state’s premier talent. He averaged 22.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game as a senior at A.C. Flora High School and led his team to a state championship. While South Carolina initially seemed like the natural choice for the hometown hero, Murray-Boyles surprised many by decommitting from the Gamecocks earlier this year and re-opening his recruitment.

The decision sent shockwaves through the recruiting world and immediately attracted interest from college basketball royalty. Within days, Duke, UConn, and Ohio State were on the phone—and on planes—trying to land the two-way phenom.

“I needed to reevaluate what I wanted, not just for basketball but for my future,” Murray-Boyles told The Athletic. “I was grateful for South Carolina, but I felt like my goals had grown. I wanted the highest level of competition, development, and exposure.”

After weeks of visits, Zoom meetings, and intense deliberation, Murray-Boyles committed to the Buckeyes. His decision not only bolstered Ohio State’s recruiting class into the national top five, but it also underscored new head coach Jake Diebler’s recruiting acumen and rising star power.

When Jake Diebler was named Ohio State’s full-time head coach following the 2024 season, there were questions about his readiness. But if landing Collin Murray-Boyles is any indication, those doubts are rapidly fading.

“I think Coach Diebler is going to be a star in this profession,” said Murray-Boyles. “He was honest with me. He didn’t promise anything. He just said, ‘If you come here, I’ll help you become the best version of yourself—and you’ll do it in the Big Ten spotlight.’ I respected that.”

According to sources close to Murray-Boyles’ camp, Diebler emphasized both his player development philosophy and the Buckeyes’ modernized offensive system, which would allow the forward to showcase his full skill set. In a league traditionally known for bruising post play, Diebler pitched a vision of versatility: point-forwards, stretch bigs, switching defense.

“Coach Diebler sees me as a positionless weapon,” Murray-Boyles explained. “Not just a forward or a center or whatever. He sees the game like I do.”

That vision, paired with the Buckeyes’ strong academic support and growing NIL infrastructure, proved too good to pass up.

Duke and UConn were widely viewed as the favorites when Murray-Boyles decommitted from South Carolina. Duke offered the allure of NBA pedigree and historic relevance. UConn presented recent success and back-to-back Final Four appearances. But for Murray-Boyles, both programs had shortcomings that kept them from the top spot.

“With Duke, I just didn’t feel the same connection with the staff,” he said. “It felt more like a business. They’re great, don’t get me wrong, but I wanted something more personal.”

He praised UConn’s toughness and winning culture under Dan Hurley but admitted the distance and style of play gave him pause.

“I just didn’t think it was the best fit for me stylistically. I’m not just a rebound-and-dunk guy. I want to run offense, initiate plays, guard multiple positions,” he said. “Ohio State saw that in me. UConn saw the athlete. Ohio State saw the player.”

It’s a subtle but telling distinction, and one that could define his college career.

At 6’8″, 220 pounds, Murray-Boyles brings the kind of athletic fluidity that’s rare in players his size. He’s agile enough to defend guards, but strong enough to bang in the paint. His jump shot has improved dramatically over the past year, and his court vision makes him a natural fit in Ohio State’s positionless offense.

Recruiting analyst Corey Evans compares him to a young Draymond Green with more polish offensively.

“He’s the kind of player that changes everything for a team,” Evans said. “He can guard one through five, run the break, set screens, play in the post, shoot threes. He’s a coach’s dream.”

Indeed, Murray-Boyles’ advanced metrics from his senior year jump off the page. He posted a 28.3 PER, shot 58.2% from the field, and recorded a steal or block on nearly 11% of possessions. His basketball IQ also consistently impressed scouts, who noted his instinctive help defense and passing accuracy from the high post.

With Murray-Boyles on board, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class is now among the best in the country. He joins four-star guard Jaylen Hodge and sharpshooting wing Nate Wilburn to form a nucleus Diebler can build around.

“He gives us a centerpiece,” Diebler said during a recent appearance on BTN. “Collin’s the kind of player who elevates everyone around him. He’s going to be special.”

That future is already generating buzz in Columbus, where fans have grown eager to return to national prominence after a string of inconsistent seasons. While the Buckeyes reached the Sweet 16 in 2023 and 2024, they haven’t made a Final Four since 2012. With Murray-Boyles now in the fold, the bar is rising fast.

“He reminds me of what Evan Turner brought to the program,” one OSU assistant coach said anonymously. “That kind of impact. That kind of leader. But maybe with even more tools at his age.”

Murray-Boyles doesn’t shy away from his roots. He still wears his Columbia high school championship ring proudly and talks often with former Gamecocks teammates.

“I’ll always love South Carolina,” he said. “But I had to do what was right for me. I want the fans there to know this wasn’t a betrayal. It was growth.”

That growth included tough conversations with family, who initially hoped he would become a legend in-state. But ultimately, they supported his decision to leave.

“My mom just said, ‘Go be great,’” Murray-Boyles recalled. “And I intend to.”

Though he hasn’t played a college minute yet, NBA scouts are already circling. One Eastern Conference scout told Yahoo Sports that Murray-Boyles “has lottery pick written all over him.”

“If he stays healthy and the development keeps going, he’s a top-10 pick. No question,” the scout said.

For now, Murray-Boyles is focused on helping the Buckeyes win. He’s already started training in Columbus during the spring mini-camp window and has impressed teammates with his leadership and maturity.

“He came in like a pro already,” said sophomore guard Bruce Thornton. “He’s not loud, but when he talks, everybody listens.”

It’s a lofty question, and Murray-Boyles doesn’t flinch when asked.

“That’s the goal,” he said. “I want to leave a legacy. I want people to say, ‘He changed the program.’ Not just for how I played, but how I carried myself.”

If he succeeds, he’ll join a list that includes Evan Turner, Jared Sullinger, Michael Redd, and Jim Jackson—players who left indelible marks on the Ohio State program.

“Why not me?” he said with a smile. “I came here to be great.”

In an era where high school stars often choose the flashiest name or biggest check, Collin Murray-Boyles took a different route. He chose fit over fame, substance over sizzle. And in doing so, he might’ve just made the biggest move of the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Ohio State fans are already envisioning packed Value City Arena crowds, March Madness runs, and a new banner hanging from the rafters.

If Collin Murray-Boyles is as good as advertised—and all signs point to yes—the Buckeyes may have just landed the next face of their program.