Top High School Senior Declines UK Basketball Offer
Christian Collins, a five-star 6-foot-8 power forward from the Los Angeles area, committed to Southern California on Wednesday. He chose the Trojans over Kentucky and Louisville.
Collins is ranked No. 6 in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite. He was also named a McDonald’s All-American earlier this year.
Recruitment timeline
Kentucky was considered the early leader for Collins last fall. He trained under coach Mark Pope at a USA Basketball camp that included UK freshmen Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.
Collins visited Kentucky in September. His primary recruiter on campus was assistant coach Jason Hart, who has deep ties in California.
In December, Collins reopened his recruitment. He narrowed his list to Kentucky, Southern Cal and UCLA. Illinois and Vanderbilt later extended offers.
Decision details
Collins committed to USC on Wednesday afternoon. The move keeps Kentucky without a high school senior commitment in the 2026 cycle.
The decision meant a top high school senior declined a UK basketball offer. USC now adds its third 2026 commit under Eric Musselman.
Player background and development
Collins overcame significant obstacles while rising in the rankings. He battled cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition affecting his lungs and pancreas.
He was a late bloomer in high school. He played junior varsity for part of his high school career and had knee surgery before his ascent.
St. John Bosco coach Matt Dunn said Collins has grown in basketball IQ. Dunn praised his ability to play on the perimeter and in the post.
Implications for Kentucky and other targets
Kentucky’s staff has missed several top targets in recent months. The program has yet to secure a high school senior for the 2026 class.
Among recruits reportedly still considering Kentucky are Tyran Stokes and Miikka Muurinen. Stokes is a 6-foot-7 small forward from Louisville. Kansas now leads his recruitment, though he has visited Kentucky and may return.
Muurinen is a 6-foot-10 power forward who played this past season with Partizan in Serbia. There is less public recruiting information about him.
What Collins brings to USC
Collins joins Adonis Ratliff and Darius Ratliff as Musselman’s 2026 commitments. USC finished 18-14 this past season and lost its final eight games.
The Trojans last appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2023. Collins adds versatility and size to their frontcourt.
- Height: 6-foot-8
- Class rank: No. 6 (247Sports Composite)
- Honors: McDonald’s All-American
- Health: Lives with cystic fibrosis
Collins told Filmogaz.com last summer that Pope taught him important lessons. He described Pope as a positive, fatherly presence during their work together.
